Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty, warm, and satisfying casserole. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner, potluck, or even a holiday feast. Combining tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and nostalgia. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal prep time but delivers maximum comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this casserole is a fail-proof recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with another cream soup)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 (6-ounce) box of stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for added texture and nutrition)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy mixture.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken Mixture
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, creating a smooth, even layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, mix the stuffing mix with melted butter and chicken broth. Stir well to moisten the stuffing, allowing it to absorb the broth and butter fully.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly spread the prepared stuffing mixture over the chicken layer. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it on top for an extra cheesy touch.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Variations:
- Cheesy Twist: Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar to the chicken mixture for extra creaminess.
- Vegetable Addition: Stir in chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for more texture and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or homemade stuffing with gluten-free bread.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and use a dairy-free cream soup alternative.
Cooking Notes:
- If you prefer a crispier stuffing topping, bake the casserole uncovered for the entire cooking time.
- For an extra moist casserole, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove it to allow the stuffing to crisp up.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables to add freshness to your meal.
- Pair with a cranberry sauce or a simple green salad for a balanced dinner.
- This casserole also pairs beautifully with buttery dinner rolls or a side of mashed potatoes for an ultimate comfort food experience.
Tips:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds a richer flavor compared to plain cooked chicken.
- Let the Casserole Rest: Allowing it to cool slightly before serving helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~350-450 (varies with cheese and bacon additions)
- Protein: ~25g
- Sodium: ~750mg
FAQs:
1. Can I use homemade stuffing instead of a boxed mix?
Yes! If you have leftover homemade stuffing, simply use it in place of the boxed mix and moisten it with broth and butter as needed.
2. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
4. How do I make this casserole creamier?
For extra creaminess, add an additional ½ cup of sour cream or use half-and-half instead of milk in the chicken mixture.
5. What other meats can I use?
If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute turkey, ham, or even cooked ground beef for a twist on the recipe.
Conclusion:
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with delicious flavors that make it an instant family favorite. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a wholesome meal that warms the heart and fills the belly. Whether for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend dinner, or a festive gathering, this dish delivers every time. Try it out and watch it become a staple in your kitchen! Enjoy!
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Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with another cream soup)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 (6-ounce) box of stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for added texture and nutrition)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy mixture.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken Mixture
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, creating a smooth, even layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, mix the stuffing mix with melted butter and chicken broth. Stir well to moisten the stuffing, allowing it to absorb the broth and butter fully.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly spread the prepared stuffing mixture over the chicken layer. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it on top for an extra cheesy touch.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- If you prefer a crispier stuffing topping, bake the casserole uncovered for the entire cooking time.
- For an extra moist casserole, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove it to allow the stuffing to crisp up.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-450
- Sodium: 750mg
- Protein: 25g