Name: Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or baked); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise; 1/4 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread); 2 tablespoons melted butter

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that brings warmth and comfort to any table. The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy savory sauce, and that irresistible crispy stuffing topping creates a harmony of flavors that feels like a big, delicious hug. Whenever I make this casserole, I feel like I’m passing down a little piece of comfort food magic, whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a special holiday gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is how it balances rich, creamy flavors with the perfect texture contrast. The savory chicken base blends seamlessly with the creamy soup and sour cream, creating a luscious sauce that’s neither too heavy nor too light. Then, topping it with that golden, crisp stuffing, which is slightly buttery, brings everything together in a way that’s utterly satisfying. I love that comforting crunch — it’s like a little surprise bite every time.

Another thing I appreciate about Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is just how simple it is to prepare without sacrificing flavor. I can put it together quickly using ingredients I usually have on hand, and it’s totally forgiving even for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. Plus, the fact that you can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready makes it so versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a relaxed holiday spread. This recipe really stands out because it feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight glass and white bowls on a white marbled wooden surface arranged in a neat grid. The top row has a white bowl full of white shredded chicken on the left, a glass bowl with white shredded chicken in the middle, and a glass bowl filled with white liquid on the right. Below these, in the center, there is a glass bowl with smooth white sauce. To the right is a small pile of pale yellow butter chunks. The bottom row has two glass bowls with toasted, crumbled bread stuffing showing golden brown and white colors, with different amounts in each bowl. Lastly, there is a glass bowl with pale yellow butter cubes on the right. The lighting is even, showing all textures clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient here plays a key role in creating the cozy, layered flavors of this dish. From the juicy shredded chicken to the creamy soup and the crunchy stuffing, it’s a simple lineup that comes together in harmony to deliver both taste and texture beautifully.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Shredded cooked chicken: I find rotisserie chicken gives wonderful flavor and saves time, but homemade works great too.
Cream of chicken soup: This is the key to that creamy, savory base that brings everything together.
Sour cream or mayonnaise: Adds richness and a slight tang to balance the flavors perfectly.
Chicken broth: A little splash keeps the base moist and enhances the overall flavor without watering it down.
Stuffing mix: I use traditional or cornbread stuffing for that crispy, flavorful topping.
Melted butter: Drizzled on top for a beautiful golden crust and an extra pop of buttery goodness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the beautiful flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and help with easy serving later.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or mayonnaise), and chicken broth. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that’s evenly blended.

Step 3: Pour the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so every corner is covered.

Step 4: Prepare your stuffing mix according to the package instructions, but use a little less water than recommended. This helps avoid sogginess later and ensures a crispier topping.

Step 5: Spoon the stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.

Step 6: Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing topping, which will give it that perfect golden finish once baked.

Step 7: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and you see bubbling around the edges—you’ll know it’s ready when that happens!

Step 8: Let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier while keeping the best texture intact.

Servings and Timing

This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe makes about 6 hearty servings, perfect for feeding a family or sharing at a small gathering. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and then 35 to 40 minutes to bake, for a total time of about 55 minutes. Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving ensures it sets nicely for clean slices and the best flavor experience.

How to Serve This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

A close-up of a white dish filled with a baked casserole showing three main layers: the top layer is golden-brown toasted breadcrumbs with small green herb bits scattered on top, the middle layer is creamy melted cheese stretching on a spoon, and the bottom layer consists of lightly browned pieces of soft white vegetables or meat beneath the cheese. A metal spoon lifts a portion out, revealing the gooey texture inside. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it’s time to serve this casserole, I love pairing it with simple green vegetables like roasted asparagus or steamed green beans that balance the richness with fresh, crisp notes. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a fantastic contrast to the creamy, savory casserole.

For garnishing, a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh pop of color and subtle flavor that makes the dish feel extra special. Serving the casserole warm, right after the resting period, preserves that cozy, comforting vibe I always crave with this dish.

For beverages, I often go with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir when serving at dinner parties. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling apple cider or an herbal iced tea offers a lovely refreshing complement. This casserole is a great centerpiece for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals alike, and I love serving it in generous portions with plenty of sides to go around.

Variations

I like to switch things up with this Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. For example, swapping the chicken for leftover turkey instantly gives it a festive holiday feel. Adding dried cranberries or chopped pecans into the stuffing adds a sweet, crunchy twist that I find absolutely delightful.

If you need a gluten-free version, using a gluten-free stuffing mix works perfectly without sacrificing the crispy topping texture. For those looking for dairy-free or veg-friendly options, I’ve experimented successfully with coconut-based sour cream substitutes and vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

Sometimes, I even try baking this casserole in individual ramekins for a fun presentation or tossing diced veggies like carrots and peas in with the chicken layer to sneak in extra nutrition. These little tweaks make the recipe versatile but always comforting and delicious.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend using a glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight seal to preserve freshness and prevent any odors from other foods from affecting the casserole’s flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, making it a great meal prep option. To freeze, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil, or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, which helps maintain the crunchy topping. Microwaving works too but can soften the stuffing slightly, so I recommend crisping it up later under the broiler for a couple minutes if you use the microwave. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and the layers distinct.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! You can bake or poach chicken breasts or thighs yourself and shred them for this recipe. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded before mixing, so everything cooks evenly.

Is it possible to make this Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap sour cream or mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or vegan mayo. Also, check for dairy-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade dairy-free sauce to keep it creamy.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Definitely! I often prepare it up to 24 hours ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it incredibly convenient for busy days or holiday meal planning.

What stuffing mix works best for this casserole?

I recommend using a traditional bread stuffing or cornbread stuffing mix depending on your preference. Both crisp up nicely on top. For a gluten-free option, simply choose a GF stuffing mix of your choice.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture boosts nutrition and adds extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook or soften them beforehand so they blend well into the casserole.

Conclusion

I can’t encourage you enough to try Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe, especially if you love dishes that deliver both comfort and convenience. It’s a personal favorite of mine because it always feels like a special meal without any fuss in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this casserole brings hearty, satisfying flavors to the table that everyone will appreciate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!