There’s something magical about a warm, creamy casserole fresh from the oven—especially one that’s as cozy and crowd-pleasing as Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. This recipe has that nostalgic, homemade taste that brings everyone to the table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and best of all? Incredibly easy to pull together.

Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken on a weeknight or making it from scratch on a Sunday, this casserole is a stress-free solution that delivers every time. With a creamy base, a golden stuffing topping, and plenty of savory comfort in every bite, it’s no wonder this dish feels like a big warm hug on a plate.

Let’s dive into why you’ll want to make this again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

First and foremost, this is a no-fuss, one-dish wonder. You don’t need to be a kitchen expert to make it—it’s as simple as mix, layer, bake.

• Easy to make: Most ingredients come straight from your pantry or fridge.

• Perfect for leftovers: Got extra chicken or turkey? Toss it in.

• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.

• Flexible: Customize it with vegetables, cheese, or herbs for your own spin.

It’s the kind of recipe that works whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a reliable dinner that’ll stretch into leftovers.

Suitable For

This casserole fits right in at a holiday potluck or a quiet Tuesday night. It’s especially great for:

• Busy weeknights when you need dinner in under an hour.

• Holiday meals, using leftover chicken or turkey.

• Beginner cooks looking for a foolproof comfort dish.

• Meal preppers—you can make it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

It’s versatile enough for casual dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Core Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy here. Just a few tried-and-true staples:

• Cooked shredded chicken – Rotisserie works great, or use leftover baked chicken or turkey.

• Cream of chicken soup – Adds richness and flavor.

• Cream of celery or mushroom soup – Choose your favorite; both bring depth to the creamy base.

• Sour cream – For creaminess and a subtle tang.

• Milk – Thins out the filling for the perfect texture.

• Stuffing mix (chicken flavor) – The hero of the topping. It gets golden and slightly crisp after baking.

• Melted butter – Helps moisten and flavor the stuffing mix.

• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper – Simple seasonings that bring it all together.

• Optional veggies – Frozen mixed vegetables or steamed broccoli add color and nutrition.

Everything blends into a filling that’s creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Substitutions and Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are some ideas if you’re working with what you have on hand:

• No sour cream? Plain Greek yogurt works well and adds a little protein.

• No cream of celery soup? Double up on the cream of chicken, or use cream of mushroom for an earthy twist.

• Want to lighten it up? Use low-sodium soups, light sour cream, or even dairy-free versions.

• Vegetarian version? Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils and use vegetable-based soup and stuffing.

• Add cheese to the filling—cheddar or mozzarella melts beautifully into the creamy base.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—this recipe is forgiving and friendly to substitutions.

Best Chicken for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Let’s talk chicken. While this casserole works with any cooked, shredded chicken, there are a few options that stand out:

• Rotisserie chicken – Perfect for convenience and packed with flavor.

• Leftover roast chicken or turkey – Especially after a holiday meal, this is a smart way to repurpose leftovers.

• Boiled and shredded chicken breasts – A leaner option that still holds up well with the creamy filling.

Make sure the chicken is well-seasoned before mixing it in—bland chicken can make the whole dish taste flat. And if you’re cooking it yourself, season it with a little salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of paprika for extra depth.

Tip: Chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure it blends smoothly with the filling.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require any fancy gadgets, but having the right basics makes it a breeze.

Must-Have Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish – The perfect size for this casserole. It helps everything bake evenly.

• Large mixing bowl – You’ll need one big enough to combine the creamy base with chicken and veggies.

• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the mixture and spreading it in the dish.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Digital thermometer – Handy to ensure the casserole is hot all the way through (aim for 165°F in the center).

• Food processor or hand mixer – If you’re cooking your own chicken and want to shred it quickly.

How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This is the kind of recipe you can whip up without breaking a sweat—and it’ll taste like you’ve been cooking all day. Let’s walk through each step together so you know exactly what to expect. From the first stir to that golden, bubbly top, this casserole is all about simple comfort.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Go ahead and set your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s the sweet spot that allows everything to heat through evenly and gives the stuffing a perfect golden crust without drying out the filling.

While the oven’s warming up, lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray. This keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup

• 1 can cream of celery or mushroom soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Mix it all together until smooth and well blended. This is your cozy, creamy base—it’s where the magic starts. If your sour cream and milk are room temperature, they’ll mix more easily, which saves a little elbow grease.

Step 3: Add Chicken (and Veggies, If Using)

Next, fold in the shredded chicken (you’ll need about 3 cups). If you’re adding vegetables—frozen mixed veggies or cooked broccoli work great—stir those in now too.

Everything should be coated evenly in that creamy mixture. If it looks a little thick, a splash more milk will loosen it up.

Step 4: Spread into Baking Dish

Transfer the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Try to create a flat surface—this helps the stuffing layer sit nicely on top and cook evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Stuffing Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together:

• 1 (6 oz) box of chicken-flavored stuffing mix

• 1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)

Stir until the stuffing is coated and slightly moistened. You’re not aiming for soggy—just damp enough to hold together in clusters. This buttery mix will crisp up in the oven and form that crave-worthy topping.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttered stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture. Don’t pack it down—let it sit naturally so the top gets crisp and golden.

Pop the dish into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

If you like a little extra crunch, you can broil it for 2 to 3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Tips for Success

A few small details can take this casserole from good to unforgettable. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Don’t overmix the stuffing topping. You want some texture, not a paste.

• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. The filling thickens as it cools slightly, making for neater slices.

• Taste before baking. Since you’re using pre-cooked ingredients, it’s safe to take a little taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

• Add cheese for extra comfort. A handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella stirred into the filling or sprinkled on top before baking is never a bad idea.

• Use what you have. This casserole is forgiving—swap ingredients as needed to suit your pantry or taste.

How to Store Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This dish keeps well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it safely.

At Room Temperature

Once baked, the casserole can sit out for up to 2 hours. After that, you’ll want to refrigerate it to keep it safe to eat.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container, or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It’ll keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

When reheating, pop individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the full dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Freezing Tips

This casserole is freezer-friendly—before or after baking.

• To freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

• To freeze after baking: Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 45–50 minutes.

It’s a lifesaver on busy nights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, absolutely. This is a fantastic way to use up holiday turkey. Just shred it and use it in place of the chicken—everything else stays the same.

Can I make this casserole the night before?

You sure can. Assemble it fully, cover it with foil, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, take it out of the fridge while the oven preheats and bake as directed. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s very cold going in.

What vegetables go well in this casserole?

Frozen mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and corn) or cooked broccoli are great additions. You can also try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chopped green beans. Just make sure any added veggies are cooked or thawed so they don’t release too much water into the casserole.

How do I make this casserole dairy-free?

Use dairy-free sour cream and a plant-based milk substitute. Some dairy-free cream soups are available, or you can make a simple roux-based sauce with chicken broth and non-dairy milk. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, you might enjoy these other cozy comfort dishes from RecipeSeasys:

• Chicken Mushroom Pasta – Creamy and flavorful with a similar hearty feel.

• Shake and Bake Chicken Breast – A quick and crispy alternative for chicken lovers.

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne – A creamy one-pan dish that also uses chicken and veggies.

• Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread – A fun, family-style baked dinner perfect for weeknights.

• One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes and Green Beans – Another one-dish dinner idea great for busy evenings.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is more than just dinner—it’s comfort in a pan. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or bringing a dish to share at a holiday potluck, this recipe delivers that cozy, homemade flavor every single time.

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