Sometimes the most comforting meals are the simplest — the kind that taste like home, smell like love, and make everyone rush to the dinner table. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is exactly that kind of recipe. Inspired by down-home Southern cooking, this dish combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery stuffing in one warm, satisfying bake. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and absolutely effortless to make — perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you crave old-fashioned comfort.
This casserole takes classic ingredients — cooked chicken, cream soups, chicken broth, and seasoned stuffing mix — and transforms them into something magical in the oven. As it bakes, the flavors meld together beautifully: juicy chicken layered under a savory stuffing crust that turns golden and slightly crisp on top while staying soft and flavorful underneath.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food: Creamy, hearty, and full of nostalgic flavors.
- Easy to prepare: Only a few ingredients and one casserole dish.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it ahead and bake when ready.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples that stretch easily.
🧺 Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or use two chicken soups for a milder flavor)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Stuffing Layer:
- 1 (6 oz) box of Stove Top stuffing mix (chicken flavor)
- 1 cup hot chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, or green beans)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk (or broth), and seasonings. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked chicken and fold gently to coat evenly.
If you’d like to add vegetables, mix them in at this stage.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, pour the hot chicken broth over the stuffing mix. Add melted butter and stir lightly until the stuffing absorbs most of the liquid. It should be moist but still fluffy, not soggy.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the top, lightly pressing it down to form a rustic topping.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the stuffing is golden brown on top.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let it cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving — this helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce on the side.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Don’t skip the sour cream: It gives the casserole its creamy tang.
- Adjust the moisture: If your stuffing seems too dry before baking, drizzle in a bit more broth.
- Add cheese: For a richer flavor, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack between the chicken and stuffing layers.
- Double it for gatherings: This casserole easily scales up for potlucks or family dinners.
🧀 Variations & Customizations
Turkey and Stuffing Casserole:
Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers — just swap chicken for turkey.
Broccoli Chicken Bake:
Add 1 ½ cups steamed broccoli florets to the chicken mixture before baking.
Cheesy Ranch Version:
Mix 1 tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning into the soup mixture and add a layer of shredded cheese.
Southern Twist:
Add a handful of chopped cooked bacon or caramelized onions for smoky, savory flavor.
Vegetable Upgrade:
Fold in corn, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with green beans, mashed potatoes, or roasted carrots.
- Add a fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance.
- For holiday-style comfort, serve it alongside cranberry sauce or homemade gravy.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil at 350°F until heated through (about 20–25 minutes).
Make-Ahead Tip:
Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.
❤️ Why This Recipe Works
The secret to Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole lies in its balance of creamy, savory, and buttery layers. The soups and sour cream create a rich, comforting base that keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, while the stuffing bakes into a golden crust that adds both texture and depth. Every bite delivers the nostalgic taste of Sunday dinners and family gatherings — warm, simple, and satisfying.
It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complex techniques to make something truly delicious. Just a few pantry staples, a casserole dish, and a little oven time — and you’ve got a meal that feels like a hug from home.
Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing comfort to a friend, this casserole is the kind of dish that makes people smile, gather, and ask for seconds. That’s the magic of Dolly’s kitchen — simple food made with love.
