Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that’s both nostalgic and crowd-pleasing, Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole is about to be your new go-to dinner hero. Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled under a blanket of buttery, herb-scented stuffing, brought together by a creamy, savory sauce that just begs to be scooped up for seconds. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and maximum flavor, this casserole is pure happiness in every bite—ready to impress your family or cozy up the table at a potluck. Whether you’re serving it to your favorite people or saving leftovers for yourself, Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole hits all the marks for an irresistible, soulful meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole is how it shines with everyday pantry and fridge staples. Every ingredient pulls its weight, whether for taste, texture, or that crave-worthy golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters:

• Cooked, shredded chicken (4 cups): Rotisserie chicken works wonders for convenience, but any cooked chicken brings a hearty, protein-packed base.
• Stuffing mix, herb-seasoned (1 box, 6 oz): This is the secret to that irresistible savory topping, delivering classic flavors and a snuggly texture.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The sauce superstar, lending creamy richness and binding everything together.
• Sour cream (½ cup): Adds luxurious tang and silkiness, enhancing the casserole’s creamy layer.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Moistens the stuffing, deepening both flavor and tenderness.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A little dash wakes up the tastebuds in every bite.
• Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Brings background savoriness without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Fine-tune the seasoning so every forkful is just right.
• Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Gives the stuffing topping a golden, irresistible crisp.
• Chopped parsley, for optional garnish: A sprinkling at the end adds color and a hint of freshness, if you like.

How to Make Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Set the mood by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to make scooping out those first servings a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Base

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated—this creamy blend is what makes Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole so comforting and hearty.

Step 3: Spread the Chicken Mixture

Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of your spoon to spread it evenly, creating a velvety base layer that will soak up all those delicious topping flavors.

Step 4: Mix the Stuffing Topping

Grab a separate bowl and combine the stuffing mix with the melted butter. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring just until the mix is moistened; you want it soft but not soggy. This is the layer that gives Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole its savory, toasty crown.

Step 5: Layer the Stuffing Over the Chicken

Gently spoon the stuffing mixture over the chicken layer, spreading it out evenly but avoid pressing down too firmly. This helps the stuffing stay light and fluffy while browning beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crisp topping and bubbling edges—which is when you just know Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole is at peak deliciousness.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving so much easier. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Garnishes

The final touch can make all the difference! Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of emerald green and a fresh herbal note. If you like a bit of zip, a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper works wonderfully too. For extra heartiness, you could even add a handful of crispy fried onions right before serving.

Side Dishes

Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole is homey enough to be a meal on its own, but you can make it shine brighter with easy sides. Steamed or roasted vegetables—think green beans, carrots, or broccoli—add a sharp, fresh crunch. Fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple garden salad also balance the casserole’s richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to dress it up, portion out the casserole into ramekins for individual servings—a pretty, personalized touch for family gatherings or holidays. Another idea: top each square with a dollop of cranberry sauce to capture that classic holiday vibe, any time of year.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are almost better the next day! Store any remaining Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making for incredibly satisfying lunches or second dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use an airtight container. Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until hot throughout—about 20–25 minutes. For a crispy topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved, but may sacrifice some crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey works just as well as chicken in this recipe, making Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers or give a twist to your weeknight routine.

Is there a way to make it creamier?

If you love an ultra-creamy casserole, you can add a splash more sour cream or even mix in a few tablespoons of cream cheese with the chicken base. Just be careful not to make it too soupy so the stuffing topping stays crisp.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if that’s what you have on hand. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but the casserole will be just as comforting and delicious.

Can I make Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the whole casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping it in the oven.

How do I keep the stuffing topping from getting soggy?

The key is to add just enough broth to moisten the stuffing mix without drenching it. Also, bake the casserole uncovered so steam can escape and the top gets golden and crisp.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, all-in-one comfort of Dolly’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole. Whether it’s a busy night or a special family gathering, the simple joy and hearty flavors are always just a casserole dish away. Give it a try—you might just find your new signature dinner favorite!

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