Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—a creamy, hearty, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a savory stuffing topping, all brought together with a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with another cream soup)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 (6-ounce) box of stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for added texture and nutrition)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy mixture. - Layer the Chicken Mixture
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, creating a smooth, even layer. - Prepare the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, mix the stuffing mix with melted butter and chicken broth. Stir well to moisten the stuffing, allowing it to absorb the broth and butter fully. - Assemble the Casserole
Evenly spread the prepared stuffing mixture over the chicken layer. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it on top for an extra cheesy touch. - Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. - Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar to the chicken mixture for extra creaminess.
- Vegetable Addition: Stir in chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for more texture and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or homemade stuffing with gluten-free bread.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and use a dairy-free cream soup alternative.
Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds a richer flavor compared to plain cooked chicken.
- Let the Casserole Rest: Allowing it to cool slightly before serving helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes until heated through