If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brilliantly combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, herb-infused sauce and a perfectly crispy seasoned stuffing topping. It’s the kind of meal that makes any day feel special, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering. The mix of textures and flavors doesn’t just fill your belly—it brings a wholesome, homemade touch to the table you won’t forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the savory cream soups that lend richness, to the buttery stuffing that adds an irresistible crunch and that homestyle appeal.
- Cooked chicken breast (4 cups, shredded): The hearty protein base that keeps the casserole satisfying and wholesome.
- Seasoned stuffing mix (1 package, 6 ounces): Adds a crisp, golden topping full of comforting herbs and textures.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Provides a smooth, savory backbone to the creamy sauce.
- Cream of celery soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Brings a subtle celery flavor that adds depth without overpowering.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce a luscious creaminess and slight tang.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the mixture moist and flavorful, balancing the creaminess.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Used both in the vegetable sauté and mixed into the stuffing for richness.
- Onion (1 small, finely diced): Offers sweet and savory notes that soften beautifully when cooked.
- Celery (2 ribs, finely diced): Adds a fresh crunch and a classic, herby undertone.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates the savory flavor with a gentle garlic hint.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the onion flavor in a subtle, rounded way.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Fills the dish with warm, earthy aromatics.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild spiciness, balancing the creaminess nicely.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors perfectly—be cautious with this, especially if your soups are salty.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): For an extra layer of melty, savory goodness on top.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A sprinkle of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this will ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly golden. Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely diced onion and celery until soft, about five minutes. This step releases the sweet and savory flavors that form the foundation of your casserole’s filling.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, and chicken broth for that dreamy, creamy sauce. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper to evenly distribute all the seasoning magic across the dish. Once this base is perfectly mixed, fold in the shredded chicken and your sautéed veggies to coat the protein and produce every bite bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, toss the seasoned stuffing mix with the remaining melted butter—this ensures the stuffing crisps up beautifully in the oven. Sprinkle the buttered stuffing evenly over the top of your chicken mixture. For those who love a cheesy crust, slide a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top, adding that irresistible golden finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly and the stuffing topping turns a glorious golden brown. After baking, let it rest for about five minutes—this allows everything to set nicely and makes scooping much easier.
How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe with freshly chopped parsley is a simple touch that makes a world of difference. Not only does it add a fresh, herbaceous pop of color, but it also brightens the flavors, cutting through the rich creaminess in such a delightful way.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a star on its own, but pairing it with crisp, green side dishes like steamed broccoli, a fresh garden salad, or even roasted carrots adds a lovely balance of texture and nutrition. For a more indulgent pairing, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe straight from the casserole dish for a cozy family-style dinner, or scoop individual portions into ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation. You can also sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs just before serving for an added wow factor that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare with this delicious casserole), store them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Using an airtight container helps maintain freshness and flavor, making it easy to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe also freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to two months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the stuffing from drying out.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through—about 20 minutes for a full dish. Cover with foil during reheating to keep moisture locked in, removing it at the end to crisp the topping up again.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is actually perfect because it’s already tender and flavorful. Just shred it up and mix it right into the casserole for a quick, no-waste meal solution.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup is a fantastic substitute that keeps the dish creamy while adding a slightly earthier flavor.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
Definitely. Try using reduced-fat sour cream and light versions of the canned soups. You can also reduce the butter slightly, but keep in mind that some richness is what really makes the casserole so comforting.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! Assemble the casserole completely but do not add the stuffing topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the stuffing before baking as directed to keep it crisp and fresh.
How do I make the stuffing topping extra crispy?
Mix the stuffing mix thoroughly with melted butter and distribute it evenly. Baking uncovered and removing foil in the last few minutes if you use any covering will help you get that golden, crispy finish every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe—a dish that wraps you in cozy, home-cooked goodness while remaining incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking up a comforting meal just for yourself, this casserole hits all the right notes and deserves a spot in your regular recipe lineup. So why not give it a try and see how this delicious classic becomes your new favorite go-to comfort food?
Print
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting and hearty American classic that combines tender shredded chicken with rich cream soups, sautéed vegetables, and savory seasoned stuffing, all baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners and promises a cozy, flavorful meal with every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of celery soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Stuffing Topping
- 1 package (6 ounces) seasoned stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (divided – 2 tablespoons for sautéing, remaining for stuffing)
Optional Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the finely diced onion and celery, sautéing until they become softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Add the shredded cooked chicken along with the sautéed onion and celery to the soup mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken and soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, level layer.
- Prepare Stuffing Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the seasoned stuffing mix with the remaining melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the stuffing layer to add a rich, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the stuffing topping turns a golden brown color.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for the cream of celery soup if preferred to vary the flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven and can be frozen for up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and light cream soups to decrease fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
