Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the kind of cozy, comforting dish that feels like it came straight from a Southern kitchen. It’s creamy, flavorful, and layered with tender chicken and herbed stuffing, making it a hearty family favorite I reach for when I want a warm, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this casserole comes together quickly using simple pantry staples. It’s got that nostalgic, comforting flavor that reminds me of holiday dinners—but it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight. The juicy chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce bake up into a golden, satisfying dish that’s always a hit around the table.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked, shredded chicken (I usually use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- Boxed stuffing mix (like Stove Top, chicken-flavored)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme for extra flavor
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, I mix the stuffing mix with melted butter and hot chicken broth until well combined and slightly moistened.
- In another bowl, I stir together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. I season with a bit of salt, pepper, and any optional spices I’m using.
- I layer the shredded chicken in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- I spread the soup mixture evenly over the chicken.
- I spoon the stuffing mixture on top, gently spreading it out to cover the surface.
- I bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- I let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set up a bit.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6–8 people and takes 15 minutes to prep, plus 35–40 minutes to bake. I usually have it on the table in under an hour.
Variations
- I sometimes mix a handful of frozen peas or green beans into the chicken layer for added veggies.
- When I want a cheesy version, I sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top before baking.
- For more depth of flavor, I sauté diced onions and celery and mix them into the stuffing.
- I’ve made it with leftover turkey after the holidays, and it works beautifully.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual servings or bake the whole dish, covered with foil, at 325°F until warmed through—usually about 15–20 minutes. It also freezes well; I wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
What kind of chicken works best?
I like using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs will work well.
Can I use homemade stuffing?
Absolutely. If I have leftover homemade stuffing, I swap it in for the boxed mix—it makes the dish even more flavorful.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, I’ve used plain Greek yogurt when I wanted a lighter option, and it still came out creamy and delicious.
How do I keep the stuffing from drying out?
I make sure the stuffing mixture is moist before baking and don’t overbake the casserole. Covering it with foil for the first 20 minutes helps too.
Conclusion
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the kind of dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. It’s easy to prepare, full of homey flavors, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. Whether it’s a busy night or a lazy Sunday, I know this casserole will always hit the spot.
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-American
Description
This creamy, comforting chicken and stuffing casserole brings Southern charm to your dinner table with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Made with tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a cozy one-dish meal perfect for weeknights, holidays, or anytime you crave a hearty, home-cooked classic.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 box (6 oz) chicken-flavored stuffing mix (e.g., Stove Top)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (hot)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine stuffing mix with melted butter and hot chicken broth. Stir until just moistened.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Spread shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer the soup mixture over the chicken.
- Spoon the stuffing mixture on top, spreading gently to cover.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add frozen peas or green beans to the chicken layer for extra veggies.
- Top with shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Sautéed onions and celery can be mixed into the stuffing for added flavor.
- Great way to use up leftover turkey or homemade stuffing!
