Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Imagine the comforting aroma of seasoned chicken and herb-infused stuffing wafting through your kitchen as Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole bakes to golden perfection. This heartwarming dish combines tender chicken, fluffy stuffing, and creamy sauce for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole has become a beloved family favorite for good reason—it delivers homestyle flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create this comforting casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners yet special enough for Sunday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and homemade goodness. The contrast between the crunchy golden stuffing top and the creamy, tender chicken beneath creates a textural symphony in every bite. Unlike many casseroles that can feel heavy, this one maintains a lightness thanks to the fluffy stuffing and bright herbal notes.

Time-strapped cooks will appreciate how this casserole comes together with minimal prep work—just 15 minutes of hands-on time before the oven does the rest. It’s also incredibly versatile, working as both a casual family dinner and a potluck showstopper. The combination of familiar ingredients creates a nostalgic flavor profile that appeals to picky eaters while still satisfying sophisticated palates.

Perhaps best of all, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it took hours to prepare, giving you maximum flavor return on minimal cooking investment.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Base:

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stuffing Topping:

• 6 cups (240g) dry stuffing mix (herb-seasoned variety recommended)
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) hot chicken broth
• 1 cup (100g) diced celery
• 1/2 cup (80g) diced onion

The chicken breasts should be fresh or fully thawed for best texture. For the stuffing mix, a herb-seasoned variety adds an extra dimension of flavor, but traditional works well too. Real butter (not margarine) creates that irresistible rich flavor in the stuffing.

Pro Tips

Perfect Chicken Texture: To avoid dry chicken in your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, cut the chicken pieces uniformly and don’t overcook them. The chicken will continue cooking in the oven, so if you’re using pre-cooked chicken, add it to the casserole in the last 15 minutes of baking time to prevent it from becoming tough.

Stuffing Moisture Balance: The secret to perfect stuffing is getting the liquid ratio just right. After combining the stuffing mix with butter and broth, let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. It should be moist but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add broth 1 tablespoon at a time; if too wet, add a handful more dry stuffing mix.

Layering Technique: For the best textural contrast in your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, don’t mix the chicken and stuffing layers completely. Create distinct layers, allowing the top of the stuffing to get crispy while the bottom absorbs some of the creamy sauce. For an extra golden top, uncover the casserole during the final 10 minutes of baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dice your chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces and set aside. Finely dice the celery and onion. Having everything prepped before you begin assembly makes the process much smoother.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Chicken Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. Gently fold in your diced chicken pieces until they’re fully coated in this creamy mixture. The sauce will seem thick, but it will thin slightly as the chicken releases juices during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
In a separate large bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with diced celery and onion. Pour the melted butter over the mixture, tossing gently to coat the bread cubes. Add the hot chicken broth gradually while stirring, allowing the stuffing to absorb the liquid. Let it stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 4: Layer Your Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a level base. Top with the prepared stuffing, spreading it to cover the chicken layer completely. Press down gently on the stuffing layer, but don’t compact it too firmly—you want some texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the stuffing top becomes golden brown and crispy, and the chicken reads 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Let the Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Transform your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole into a complete one-dish meal by adding vegetables. Mix 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (thawed and drained) or fresh broccoli florets into the chicken layer. The vegetables add color, nutrition, and complement the savory flavors of the casserole perfectly.

Turkey and Cranberry Holiday Twist: Substitute diced turkey for chicken and add 1/2 cup dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture for a holiday-inspired variation. A tablespoon of orange zest in the stuffing adds a bright note that complements the cranberries beautifully. This version of the chicken and stuffing bake makes excellent use of holiday leftovers.

Cheese-Lover’s Edition: For an extra indulgent Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese to the chicken mixture and sprinkle another 1/2 cup on top of the stuffing during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, cheesy crust that adds another dimension of flavor.

Storage and Serving

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, and cover with foil until heated through, removing the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top again.

Serve this comforting casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a more substantial meal, pair it with cranberry sauce and steamed green beans almondine—the tart cranberry provides a delightful contrast to the savory casserole.

For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh thyme, or family-style on a platter with a gravy boat of additional chicken gravy on the side for those who enjoy extra sauce.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 4 cups of rotisserie chicken and mix it with the creamy base. Since it’s already cooked, your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole may need slightly less baking time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

My stuffing seems too dry/wet. How can I fix it?
For dry stuffing, add additional warm broth, 2 tablespoons at a time. For overly wet stuffing, add more dry stuffing mix or a handful of unseasoned bread cubes to absorb excess moisture.

Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken?
Yes, cream of mushroom soup works well and adds a different flavor profile to your chicken and stuffing bake. You can also use cream of celery for a lighter taste.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduced-sodium chicken broth. You can also make your own stuffing from day-old bread to control the salt content.

Conclusion

This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a nostalgic blend of tender chicken and herb-infused stuffing that creates the perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a warm family gathering, bringing everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or discerning dinner guests, this casserole consistently delivers that homemade goodness we all crave.

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