Let’s be real—some nights, the energy to whip up a full-blown dinner just isn’t there. Between soccer practice, that last Zoom meeting, and figuring out what your kid meant by “I need 30 cupcakes for school tomorrow,” dinner often takes the backseat. That’s where Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole comes in.
creamy, comforting, and made with simple pantry staples, this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. It’s hearty enough to feed a hungry family (serves 6–8!) and easy enough to throw together on a weeknight—no fancy steps, no stress, just real good food.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
This dish is the perfect combination of cozy and convenient. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just a serious case of the “I don’t feel like cooking” blues, this casserole comes through like your favorite pair of stretchy pants—reliable and oh-so-satisfying.
Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- It’s fast. You can have this baby in the oven in under 15 minutes.
- It’s flexible. Got leftover turkey? Sub it in. Only have cream of mushroom soup? Go for it.
- It’s nostalgic. Think Sunday dinners at grandma’s, but without all the effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring this beauty together :
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie saves time and tastes great)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or your favorite creamy variety)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (taste and adjust!)
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (Stove Top is our weeknight hero)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (because cheese = love)
- ½ cup frozen peas (sneaky veggies!)
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
1. Preheat the oven.
oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This size provides the perfect depth for the layers to cook evenly.
2-Prepare the chicken mixture
by combining the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream in a large bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no pockets of undistributed soup. The mixture should have a thick, spreadable consistency.
3. Season the mixture
with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the seasonings evenly throughout. Take a moment to taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
4. Transfer the chicken mixture
to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it reaches all corners of the dish.
5. Prepare the stuffing
by combining the dry stuffing mix with melted butter in a medium bowl. Toss until the stuffing is evenly coated with butter – this will help achieve that perfect crispy top.
6. Add chicken broth
to the stuffing mixture gradually, stirring between additions. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. You might not need all the broth depending on your preference.
7 . Spread the stuffing mixture
for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and you can see the edges bubbling slightly. The aroma will tell you when it’s nearly done!
8 . Bake uncovered
for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and you can see the edges bubbling slightly. The aroma will tell you when it’s nearly done!
9 . Allow to rest
for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the casserole to set up properly and makes serving much easier.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Shortcut alert: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. It’s flavorful, juicy, and no extra cooking required.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the whole thing earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until dinner time. Just add 5–10 minutes to your bake time.
- Add-ins: Feel free to stir in some frozen veggies (peas, corn, or green beans work well) for an all-in-one meal.
Variations: Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this chicken and stuffing casserole? It’s basically a blank canvas for all your cozy dinner dreams. Here are a few ways to shake things up:
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in a cup of shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar into the chicken layer for next-level creaminess. Because cheese is always the answer.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped carrots, celery, green beans, or mushrooms for a pop of color and some sneaky nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture. It’ll wake things up in the best way.
- Bacon Makes Everything Better: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top before baking. Trust me—no one complains.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap the stuffing mix for a gluten-free version or use homemade stuffing made with gluten-free bread.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and opt for a plant-based cream soup. Still creamy, still comforting, still delicious.
This casserole is like that favorite pair of jeans—comfy, flattering, and super easy to dress up or down depending on your mood. 💁♀️
A Little Backstory (Because Food Is Personal)
I first made this dish on a chilly fall evening when my kids were hangry (yes, with an h) and I had exactly 40 minutes until bedtime chaos began. It was one of those “throw it all in and pray” situations… and wow. The silence at the dinner table—blessed silence—was all the proof I needed that this recipe was a keeper. It’s now a staple in our home, especially when life feels a little extra.
FAQs About Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This is a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Can I freeze Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Just let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Can I make this without sour cream?
You can sub in plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese if you’re out of sour cream—or just want a little tang!
Conclusion
When you need a dinner that checks all the boxes—easy, comforting, kid-approved, and totally satisfying—Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole has your back. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes tradition, the kind your family asks for again and again.
So go ahead, pour a glass of something cozy, let the oven do the work, and enjoy the magic of a meal that feeds the soul and the belly.
Happy cooking,
Aneta 🐔💛
More Cozy Chicken Comforts You’ll Love
If Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole warmed your heart (and your kitchen), you’re in for a treat with these other soul-soothing chicken favorites:
- Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole – Rich, creamy, and topped with a buttery crunch, this one’s like Dolly’s cozy cousin. Perfect for potlucks or weeknight comfort.
- Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken – Craving bold flavor? This dish brings a savory, smoky kick with crispy bacon and garlic goodness in every bite.
- Creamy Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup – Like a hug in a bowl! Velvety, bright, and oh-so-comforting—perfect for chilly nights or sick days.
- Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta – A one-pan wonder with a spicy twist. Quick, cheesy, and totally satisfying for busy weeknights.
- Chicken and Dumpling Casserole – Classic comfort with fluffy biscuit-style dumplings baked right on top. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
So go ahead and bookmark a few—your dinner table (and your hungry crew) will thank you! 🧡
PrintDolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a family-favorite casserole that comes together quickly with pantry staples, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie saves time and tastes great)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or your favorite creamy variety)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (taste and adjust!)
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (Stove Top is our weeknight hero)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (because cheese = love)
- ½ cup frozen peas (sneaky veggies!)
- Optional Add-Ins:
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This size provides the perfect depth for the layers to cook evenly.
- Prepare the chicken mixture by combining the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream in a large bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no pockets of undistributed soup. The mixture should have a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the seasonings evenly throughout. Take a moment to taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring it reaches all corners of the dish.
- Prepare the stuffing by combining the dry stuffing mix with melted butter in a medium bowl. Toss until the stuffing is evenly coated with butter – this will help achieve that perfect crispy top.
- Add chicken broth to the stuffing mixture gradually, stirring between additions. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. You might not need all the broth depending on your preference.
- Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer, covering it completely. Don’t press down too firmly – you want to maintain some lightness in the stuffing layer.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and you can see the edges bubbling slightly. The aroma will tell you when it’s nearly done!
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the casserole to set up properly and makes serving much easier.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver here.
You can make this ahead and refrigerate before baking. Just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Feel free to add frozen veggies like peas or green beans to the chicken mixture for a complete one-dish meal.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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