Introduction
Few dishes feel as warm, nostalgic, and comforting as a classic chicken and stuffing casserole. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the kind of recipe you imagine being served in a cozy country kitchen—simple ingredients, easy preparation, and the kind of flavor that tastes like a hug on a plate. This casserole combines tender cooked chicken, creamy soup, savory herbs, and buttery stuffing to create a satisfying dinner that the whole family will ask for again and again.
What makes this recipe so charming is how effortlessly it brings together homemade comfort with pantry staples. It is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, holidays, church gatherings, or Sunday meals. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with the golden, buttery stuffing topping, creating a balance of textures—soft, hearty, and crispy all in one bite.
This long-form recipe will guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, cooking notes, tips, serving ideas, FAQs, and more. Whether you’re new to casseroles or already love Southern-style comfort food, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is about to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Filling
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
For the Stuffing Topping
- 1 box (6 oz) stovetop stuffing mix
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Preparation :
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and gives a beautiful golden edge.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Use precooked chicken for convenience—rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or leftover chicken all work beautifully. Shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In the bowl with the chicken, add the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery or mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and optional onion and celery. Stir until well combined.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme. Mix gently to incorporate all the flavors. The filling should be thick, creamy, and well-seasoned.
Step 4: Spread the Chicken Mixture Into the Casserole Dish
Pour the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13 pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula so it bakes uniformly.
Step 5: Prepare the Stuffing Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the stovetop stuffing mix, 1 ½ cups chicken broth, and melted butter. Stir lightly to moisten the stuffing without overmixing.
Let it sit for 3–4 minutes so the broth absorbs and the stuffing becomes fluffy.
Step 6: Add the Stuffing on Top
Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Do not press it down too hard—keeping it loose helps the top bake up golden and crisp.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the casserole sets and slices nicely.
Variation
- Cheesy Chicken Stuffing Casserole:
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the chicken mixture. - Vegetable Chicken Casserole:
Mix in peas, carrots, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and color. - Creamy Ranch Chicken Casserole:
Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning for a tangy flavor twist. - Turkey & Stuffing Casserole:
Perfect after Thanksgiving—use leftover turkey instead of chicken. - White Sauce Version:
Replace the canned soups with homemade cream sauce for a from-scratch upgrade.
COOKING Note :
- Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves time.
- If the stuffing browns too quickly, lightly cover the casserole with foil toward the end of baking.
- For a crispy top, broil the last 2 minutes—watch closely!
- The casserole thickens as it cools, making it easier to serve.
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