Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

The first time I made Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, the whole apartment smelled like a little Sunday. I remember the soft sizzle when the butter hit the skillet, the way the stale apartment light turned the casserole dish into something warm. The garlic and thyme floated through the air and the kids came from the next room, drawn by the aroma like a small compass.

I set the dish on the table and my husband laughed because it looked homey and a little patched together. It tasted like memory and comfort. From there, it became one of those recipes I pull out when school has been long, when friends show up, or when I want a cozy dinner without fuss. Meanwhile, I keep a rotisserie chicken in the fridge for nights like this. If you love simple, forgiving casseroles, you might also enjoy this creamy one-pot chicken, sausage and rice that cooks up on a single pan.

Why Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Works for Busy Families

There are dinners meant to impress and dinners made to keep us sane. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole falls squarely into the latter, while still delivering a warm, comforting meal the whole family will smile over.

This casserole is forgiving. You can use leftover chicken, a rotisserie bird, or quickly baked breasts. You can adjust the soup to a lighter option or swap sour cream for mayonnaise if that’s what you have. It takes about 45 minutes oven time, but the prep is only 10 minutes. That means from soccer practice to plates on the table in under an hour. That small predictability is worth its weight in gold on a weeknight.

In our tiny New York kitchen, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole quickly became a bridge between weekday chaos and family time. The kids set the little salt shaker in the center of the table. My husband carves when it’s coming out of the oven, and I always slice into the bubbly edge to see the steam rise. The stuffing layer gets golden and a little crisp at the top. It’s both soft comfort and a small crunchy reward.

This recipe is also kind to budgets and time. The ingredients are pantry-friendly and common. You get protein, a creamy binder, and the satisfying top of seasoned stuffing. Nutrition-wise, you can make small swaps to reduce fat or increase veggies. Add a bag of frozen peas or stir in chopped spinach for a boost of color and vitamins. The dish keeps well for leftovers, making it a practical partner for the week ahead.

Bringing Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole to Life

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

Before you read the list of ingredients, imagine the scene. The butter melts and forms a nutty scent. The soup and sour cream come together into a cool, silky base. Once the chicken hits that bowl, it seems to sigh and relax into the mix. The stuffing sits in its box, ready to turn golden and crisp when drizzled with butter. The casserole dish takes the heat and slowly bubbles at the edges. When it comes out of the oven, the aroma is savory and a little sweet from the onions in the stuffing mix. You’ll hear a soft sizzle as you cut into it and steam will lift like a small cloud. That sound and sight is reward for the small step of turning on the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or baked)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread)
2 tablespoons melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Personal side notes:

• Use a rotisserie chicken if you can. It saves time and adds deep flavor.
• If you prefer lighter fare, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy lift.
• I keep one box of cornbread stuffing for family nights. It gives a sweet, southern note that everyone loves.
• If you like herbs, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley. It brightens the whole dish.

I often prepare the chicken the day before. When I make a larger roast, I set aside a portion for this casserole. It makes weeknight cooking feel less like a scramble and more like a shared ritual. Meanwhile, if you’re working on timing, this is a great dish to start while you fold laundry or help with homework.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
4. Prepare stuffing mix as directed, using slightly less water to avoid sogginess.
5. Spoon the stuffing over the chicken mixture. Drizzle melted butter across the top for a golden finish.
6. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.
7. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Kitchen cues and small tips as you go:

• Stir until creamy in step 2. You want a smooth binder so the stuffing won’t sink.
• When you prepare the stuffing, reduce the liquid by a tablespoon or two. It keeps the top crisp.
• Watch for golden edges during baking. Every oven runs a little differently.
• If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 20 minutes so the center cooks without the top burning.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole at the Family Table

I love the small ceremony of serving this casserole. From the oven to the table, the dish holds warmth and memory. I cut a square and place it on a plate so the stuffing stays intact, then lift a forkful for anyone who needs a taste. The kids like the contrast of creamy chicken and crunchy stuffing. My husband always says the top looks like a golden blanket.

Pair it with a simple green salad for freshness. Thinly sliced apples or cranberry sauce on the side add bright, slightly acidic notes that cut the creaminess. For a complete weeknight meal, I serve steamed green beans or roasted carrots. If I am being indulgent, a scoop of mashed potatoes makes it feel like a small holiday in our kitchen.

The table is small in our apartment, so we use a round, mismatched set of plates that somehow keeps the meal casual and cozy. There’s clinking of cutlery, a few jokes about whose serving is the biggest, and a steady rhythm of conversation. The casserole is comfort in the best way. Once it’s ready, people relax. There is an ease that comes with familiar food.

Storing and Reheating Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Leftovers are where this casserole really shines. The flavors deepen overnight. The cream melds into the chicken and it becomes even more cohesive.

To store:

• Cool the casserole to room temperature for no more than two hours.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer into an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days for the best texture and flavor.

To freeze:

• Bake the casserole but stop before the final 10 minutes of baking so it remains flexible.
• Cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with the date.
• Freeze up to 2 months for optimum taste.

To reheat:

• From the fridge: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover lightly with foil and heat for 20–25 minutes until warmed through.
• From frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then heat as above for 25–30 minutes. If reheating from frozen without thawing, bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, covered for most of the time, then uncover to crisp the top in the last 10-15 minutes.
• For single portions: Reheat in the microwave on medium power for 1.5–3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. A quick pop into a toaster oven for 5-8 minutes can crisp the stuffing top nicely.

Note on quality:

• The top crisps best when reheated in the oven. Microwaving keeps it moist but sacrifices the crunchy top.
• You can add a splash of chicken broth if the dish feels dry when reheating. Stir gently to redistribute moisture.

Quick Tips from My Kitchen

1. Use warm chicken broth in the mix. It helps the cream of chicken soup loosen and coat the chicken more evenly.
2. Make the stuffing with a little less liquid than package directions. This prevents the top from becoming soggy and keeps a pleasant crust.
3. Add a cup of frozen peas or corn to the chicken mixture for color and extra veggies. Stir them in frozen so they warm through during baking.
4. If you are short on time, make the casserole in the morning and refrigerate. Bake in the evening. It saves the chaos of mealtime prep.
5. Keep a small jar of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage near the stove. A pinch of any of these will lift the flavor without extra work.

What I’ve learned from cooking Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is that small adjustments make big differences. Reduce liquids to keep the texture right. Use good, salty broth when you can. Let it rest so you get neat slices on the plate. These little habits make a simple recipe feel thoughtful and reliable.

Variations on Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

We love to change this casserole depending on mood, season, and pantry contents. Here are some family-tested variations that keep the core idea intact while making it feel new.

1. Veggie-rich version
   Add a cup of chopped broccoli, a cup of diced carrots, and a handful of spinach. Steam the veggies slightly if you prefer them soft. Stir into the chicken mixture so the veggies are evenly distributed.
2. Cheesy top
   Mix 1 cup of sharp cheddar into the chicken mixture for depth. Sprinkle an extra 1/2 cup on top before the final 10 minutes of baking. It melts and browns into a savory blanket.
3. Herb and lemon brightness
   Stir in the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or basil. The lemon cut through the creaminess and makes it feel lighter and more summer-ready.
4. Cornbread stuffing twist
   Swap to cornbread stuffing for a sweet, Southern note. It pairs well with green vegetables on the side and changes the texture to slightly denser.
5. Low-fat swap
   Use a lower-fat cream of chicken soup and substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream. Use skinless chicken breast and a low-sodium broth for a lighter dish that still satisfies.
6. Spicy southwest
   Add a can of diced green chiles and a teaspoon each of cumin and chili powder. Serve with sliced avocados and lime wedges.
7. Gluten-free pathway
   Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or make your own with toasted gluten-free breadcrumbs. Confirm that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or use a homemade roux-based sauce.

If you want a quick protein prep to go with this casserole or a side of quick chicken bites for kids, try these air fryer recipes like the air fryer bang bang chicken skewers which make great finger food while the casserole bakes.

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

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• Author: cookthatdish
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A warm and comforting casserole combining shredded chicken, creamy soup, and seasoned stuffing that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

• 2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or baked)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
4. Prepare stuffing mix as directed, using slightly less water to avoid sogginess.
5. Spoon the stuffing over the chicken mixture. Drizzle melted butter across the top for a golden finish.
6. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.
7. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add frozen peas or chopped spinach for a veggie boost. You can swap ingredients to reduce fat or tailor to your family’s preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

FAQs About Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A Final Thought

There is something tender about the way Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole gathers a family around a table. It is not fancy, but it is thoughtful. It is the kind of dish you can rely on when schedules fray and appetites are high. It gives you comfort and enough flexibility to adapt to produce, moods, and time constraints. When I serve it, I feel like I am handing everyone a small portion of calm.

Thank you for letting this recipe become part of your kitchen rhythm. May it bring you a warm, simple night that smells like butter, buttered bread, and the small ease of home.

Conclusion

If you want more takes on this cozy meal, check out this warm, detailed version at Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole – Ultimate Comfort, 1-Pan … which offers helpful photos and serving ideas. For another family-tested perspective and tips, see Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, which has notes on timing and ingredient swaps.

Until next time, remember cooking is a small act of care. It does not need perfection to make an ordinary night feel like something special.