There’s something magical about the scent of warm buttered stuffing baking and shredded chicken bubbling under a rich, creamy layer it takes you straight back to cozy family dinners and laughter-filled kitchens. Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole was born from that nostalgia: a simple mix of pantry staples turned into a comforting, homey dish that tastes like love. Whether you’re feeding a busy weeknight crowd or refashioning holiday leftovers, this casserole layers flavor with ease and fills your home with warmth. Get ready for comfort food done right no fuss, just heart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its best. With mostly pantry staples shredded chicken, stuffing mix, canned soup this chicken and stuffing bake comes together quickly, even on busy weeknights.
- Comforting, cozy flavors. The creamy base and buttery stuffing topping deliver warmth and nostalgia perfect for colder evenings or a family-style dinner.
- Prep-ahead friendly. You can assemble ahead of time or even freeze before baking, making it a great meal-prep or crowd-feeding option.
- Flexible & forgiving. Whether you use rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or fresh shredded chicken, the recipe adapts easily while still delivering great taste.
- Crowd-pleaser. Hearty, filling, and satisfying ideal for dinner with family or friends, potlucks, or simple weeknight meals.
- Customizable comfort. Add veggies, herbs, or low-sodium options to match dietary preferences, while still enjoying the classic cozy vibe.
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 10–15 minutes |
| Cook time | 35–45 minutes |
| Total time | ~ 50–60 minutes |
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie, leftover, or homemade)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of celery/chicken mix)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup chicken broth (add a bit more if needed for moisture)
- 1 (6 oz) box seasoned stuffing mix (e.g., chicken-flavor or herb stuffing)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional add-ins: sautéed onions, frozen peas or mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and ½ cup chicken broth until smooth.
- Fold in the shredded cooked chicken until it’s evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Spread the chicken mixture in an even layer into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the melted butter add a splash (1–2 tbsp) of chicken broth if the mix looks very dry. Stir until the stuffing is moistened but not soggy.
- Sprinkle the buttered stuffing evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, gently pressing down so the topping is firm and even.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for about 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling bubbles at the edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving this helps the layers set and makes slicing cleaner.
How to Serve
Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- A fresh, crisp salad (e.g., romaine or mixed greens with honey-mustard or light vinaigrette) to cut through the richness.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or carrots for color and freshness.
- Mashed potatoes or rice pilaf ideal if you want a fully comforting, hearty meal.
- A light side of cranberry sauce or roasted sweet potatoes for a holiday-style twist.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh herbs to add brightness and freshness at the table.
Additional Tips
- Prefer a lighter version? Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, low-sodium soup, and high-fiber or whole-grain stuffing mix.
- For a crispier top, bake on the middle rack and consider switching to the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes watch closely to avoid burning.
- If the stuffing topping dries too quickly, add a tablespoon or two of extra chicken broth before baking.
- Want more flavor? Stir in minced garlic, chopped onions or herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary) into the creamy chicken mixture before layering.
- For extra richness, fold shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture or sprinkle on top before the stuffing.
Recipe Variations
- Low-Carb / Keto-Friendly Casserole: Swap seasoned stuffing mix with a cauliflower-rice and almond-flour “crumb” mixture; use heavy cream instead of soup, Greek yogurt, and shredded cheddar for a creamy, protein-packed top.
- Turkey & Holiday Leftover Casserole: Use shredded turkey (great after Thanksgiving), add leftover veggies (green beans, carrots), and perhaps fold in some leftover gravy for extra depth.
- Veggie-Loaded Chicken & Stuffing Bake: Mix in sautéed onions, mushrooms, spinach or frozen mixed veggies into the chicken layer for added fiber and color.
- Cheesy Herb Chicken & Stuffing Casserole: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the creamy base, add some fresh herbs (thyme, parsley), and top stuffing with an extra sprinkle of cheese before baking.
Freezing and Storage
- Make-ahead & freeze unbaked: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze up to 2–3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in fridge and bake as directed you may need to add 5–10 minutes to bake time.
- Cool & refrigerate leftovers: After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover and store in an airtight container (or cover the baking dish) for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes (covered), or microwave for 2–3 minutes. For best texture, finish off under the broiler 1–2 minutes for a crisp topping.
- Meal-prep advantage: Portion leftovers into individual containers perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Special Equipment
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar) | Even baking and layering of casserole |
| Large mixing bowl | To combine creamy chicken mixture |
| Medium bowl | For mixing stuffing with melted butter |
| Measuring cups and spoons | For accurate ingredient amounts |
| Oven mitts & cooling rack | To handle the hot casserole safely and let it rest |
FAQs
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
A: Yes,but you’ll need to bake longer, and you must ensure internal temperature reaches 165 °F to be safe. Recipes like the one from The Country Cook often use raw chicken tenderloins, but the prep and bake time will increase.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: As written, using traditional stuffing mix and condensed soup adds carbs. But you can easily adapt it: replace stuffing with cauliflower-rice & almond-flour “crumbs,” use heavy cream or Greek yogurt, and add cheese that gives a lower-carb, high-protein version.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker or crockpot?
A: While this version is oven-baked, some similar chicken-and-stuffing dishes are adapted to slow cookers. For a crockpot version, combine the creamy base and chicken, add stuffing on top part way through cooking, but note the topping may not get as crisp. (Slow-cooker stuffing bakes don’t usually crisp like oven-baked topping.)
Q: What if I don’t have stuffing mix or want gluten-free?
A: You can use homemade stuffing, whole-grain stuffing, or gluten-free stuffing mix. For gluten-free or low-carb: substitute with seasoned cauliflower rice and almond-flour crumbs for a similar texture and flavor base.
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely, shredded roasted turkey (especially leftover from Thanksgiving) works beautifully. The flavor melds well with the creamy base and buttered stuffing topping, giving a cozy, comforting result.
Conclusion
Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is everything you want in a comfort-food weeknight dinner: simple, cozy, creamy, and satisfying. With humble ingredients from your pantry, it delivers warmth, nostalgia, and hearty flavor whether you serve it for a quick family meal, a potluck favorite, or a comforting leftover makeover. It’s flexible enough to fit classic, low-carb, veggie-loaded, or holiday-inspired versions, and easy enough to assemble when time is short. Try it once, and this chicken and stuffing bake may become a regular in your dinner rotation.