Dolly's chicken and stuffing casserole

If you need a warm, filling dinner that practically makes itself, Dolly's Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the recipe to save. It's tender shredded chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce all baked together in one dish, and it comes out of the oven smelling like Thanksgiving on a random Tuesday.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Like This Recipe
• Ingredients For Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
• Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
• How To Make Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
• Storage And Reheating
• My Best Tips And Variations For Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
• Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole FAQ
• Recipes You May Like
• Conclusion

I first made this casserole a few winters ago when Alex was home sick from school and asked for something that felt like a hug. I had a rotisserie chicken in the fridge, a box of stuffing in the pantry, and about 15 minutes of energy left in me. This dish came together so fast, and the whole family cleaned their plates. Donald even went back for thirds, which honestly never happens on a weeknight.

Since then, it's become one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for hectic evenings. It uses pantry staples, takes 10 minutes to put together, and feeds 6 to 8 people without any fuss. If you love simple comfort food like this, you'll probably also enjoy my tender slow cooker chicken and gravy, which is another cozy chicken dinner my kids ask for all the time.

Why You Will Like This Recipe

• Only 10 minutes of prep. You mix everything in one bowl and pour it into a baking dish. That's really it.
• Made with pantry staples. Stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, and broth are things I almost always have on hand.
• Kid approved. Alex and Sarah both ask for this one, and picky eaters usually love the soft, savory stuffing on top.
• Perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it in the morning and bake it at dinnertime.
• Great for potlucks and Sunday dinners. It travels well and stays warm in the dish for a long time.
• Tastes like a holiday meal without any of the holiday work.

Ingredients For Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

Here's everything you need to make Dolly's Chicken and Stuffing Casserole at home:

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken works great and saves so much time)
• 1 package stuffing mix (about 6 oz, any brand you like)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for the topping)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, dried thyme, parsley, or poultry seasoning for extra flavor

A quick note on substitutions. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work. And if you're out of broth, you can dissolve a bouillon cube in a cup of hot water. I've done it more than once!

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How To Make Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

The steps for this chicken and stuffing casserole couldn't be easier. Here's exactly what I do in my kitchen.

Step 1: Get The Oven And Dish Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

I learned the hard way that skipping the grease means scrubbing crusty stuffing off the corners later. Trust me on this one.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dry stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

The mixture will look a little wet at first. That's exactly what you want. The stuffing soaks up that broth in the oven and turns soft and savory.

Step 3: Season It Your Way

Add salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or spices you like. I usually add a pinch of garlic powder and dried thyme because that's how my mom seasoned her chicken dishes when I was a teenager learning to cook beside her.

Taste as you go if you can. The soup and stuffing already have salt, so start light.

Step 4: Assemble And Bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. If you're using cheese, sprinkle it over the top now.

Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the edges are lightly crisped. Those golden edges are the best part in our house. Sarah always tries to claim a corner piece!

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up so you get nice scoops instead of a soupy mess.

Serve it warm with a green vegetable or a simple salad, and dinner is done.

Storage And Reheating

Leftovers of this casserole are honestly just as good the next day. Here's how I handle them:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. The flavors settle in and get even better overnight.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it well so it doesn't pick up freezer smells. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven until hot. Add a splash of broth if it looks dry.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover it, and refrigerate. Add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the bake time since it goes in cold.

My Best Tips And Variations For Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

After making this dish more times than I can count, here's what I've picked up along the way:

• Use rotisserie chicken. It saves a full step and adds great flavor. Leftover turkey works beautifully too, especially after the holidays.
• Don't skip the resting time. Ever wonder why casseroles at potlucks slice so neatly? They've had time to rest. Give yours those 10 minutes.
• Add vegetables. Stir in a cup of frozen peas, green beans, or steamed broccoli before baking. It's an easy way to make it a full meal in one dish. If your family loves the chicken and veggie combo, my one pot cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole is built on the same idea.
• Try different cheeses. Sharp cheddar is our go to, but mozzarella melts into a lovely gooey layer, and pepper jack adds a little kick for the grown ups.
• Watch the liquid. If you like a softer, more dressing style casserole, add an extra quarter cup of broth. If you prefer crispier edges, stick to the recipe as written.
• One pitfall to avoid: don't cover the dish while baking. Covering it traps steam and you lose those crispy golden edges everyone fights over.

And if you're in a saucy chicken mood another night, my creamy mushroom chicken skillet scratches that same comfort food itch in about 30 minutes.

Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole FAQ

Can I Make Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Ahead Of Time?

Yes, and I do this all the time on packed days. Assemble the whole casserole in the morning, cover it, and refrigerate. When you're ready for dinner, bake it as directed and add 5 to 10 extra minutes since it's going in cold. It tastes just as fresh as if you'd made it that minute.

What Is The Best Chicken To Use For Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole?

Rotisserie chicken is my top pick because it's already cooked, seasoned, and easy to shred. Leftover baked or poached chicken breasts work great too, and leftover holiday turkey is wonderful in this. You need about 4 cups of shredded meat, which is roughly one whole rotisserie chicken.

Can I Freeze Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole After Baking?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly or portion it into freezer safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot in the center. I've pulled this out of the freezer on nights when cooking felt impossible, and it saved dinner.

What Side Dishes Go Well With Dolly's Chicken And Stuffing Casserole?

Since the casserole is rich and savory, I like something fresh or green on the side. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, a crisp salad, or buttered peas all work well. Cranberry sauce is a fun touch too if you want that full holiday dinner feeling. Donald likes his with a warm dinner roll to soak up every bite.

Recipes You May Like

If this casserole hits the spot, here are three more cozy dinners from my kitchen:

• Cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole for cozy family nights - another one dish chicken dinner with plenty of melty cheese my kids love.
• Creamy chicken tetrazzini bake - a creamy, comforting pasta bake that's perfect for using up leftover chicken.
• Creamy crock pot marry me chicken - a rich, dreamy slow cooker chicken dinner for nights when you want something special without the work.

Conclusion

Dolly's Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is proof that dinner doesn't have to be complicated to be memorable. You mix chicken, stuffing, soup, and broth in one bowl, bake it until golden, and 45 minutes later you have a meal that tastes like Sunday dinner at Grandma's house.

This recipe has fed my family through sick days, snow days, and plenty of ordinary Tuesdays, and it never lets me down. I hope it becomes one of those recipes you keep coming back to as well.

Give it a try this week, and don't forget to save it to Pinterest so it's there whenever you need a cozy dinner idea. Let me know how it turns out for you!