Where Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Comes From

The Power of Nostalgic Recipes

There’s a reason Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole feels like it’s been passed down for generations. It draws from the Southern tradition of combining humble pantry staples into warm, oven-baked dishes meant to nourish and stretch. Think Sunday suppers, church potlucks, or those in-between holiday meals where flavor and comfort take priority over presentation.

The magic of this casserole isn’t just in how it tastes—but how it makes people feel. One pan, one bake, one bite—and you’re full, comforted, and asking for seconds.

Casseroles like this rose to popularity for their flexibility, affordability, and how easily they could feed a crowd. From Depression-era kitchens to 80s-era family dinners, this type of recipe never goes out of style.

Why This One Works Every Time

The balance in Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is what makes it so reliable:

• The chicken provides a protein base without overpowering other ingredients.
• The cream soup and sour cream create a thick, luscious texture that coats each bite.
• The stuffing brings savory herbs and a crisp finish that breaks through the creamy base.
• Butter on top creates that golden, toasty crust everyone wants more of.

It’s an example of simple ingredients made memorable by technique. You don’t need anything fancy—just a casserole dish and a warm oven.

Ingredient Breakdown & Customization Options

Simple Ingredients That Deliver Big Flavor

One of the strengths of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is its use of familiar, affordable ingredients—each playing a key role in building flavor and texture:

• Shredded Chicken: Whether it’s rotisserie, baked, or leftover from another meal, the chicken should be tender and well-seasoned. Avoid dry breast meat unless mixed with dark meat or extra broth.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple adds a savory, creamy base and binds everything together. Its saltiness also seasons the casserole throughout.
• Sour Cream or Mayonnaise: These create richness and help thicken the mixture. Sour cream adds tang, while mayo gives a silkier consistency. Both work—choose based on taste.
• Chicken Broth: Just enough to thin the mixture and prevent dryness. Skip it, and the casserole may turn gummy. Too much, and it’ll lose structure.
• Stuffing Mix: The star of the topping. Choose your favorite—herb-seasoned, chicken-flavored, or cornbread stuffing. Pre-seasoned mixes bring all the flavor without the extra steps.
• Butter: Brushed or drizzled on top to create that perfectly golden, crunchy topping.
• Salt and Pepper: Added to taste, especially if your soup and stuffing mix are already seasoned.

Together, these ingredients create that classic creamy-savory profile that defines Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This casserole is easily customized. Here are common swaps and additions:

• Turkey Instead of Chicken: Perfect after holidays. Adds a richer, deeper flavor.
• Add Veggies: Mix in cooked peas, green beans, or carrots for color and bulk.
• Swap the Cream Soup: Use cream of mushroom or celery for a twist.
• Top with Cheese: A thin layer of shredded cheddar beneath the stuffing can add a sharp, gooey middle.
• Use Homemade Stuffing: If you have time or leftovers, use scratch-made stuffing instead of boxed mix. Just reduce added salt.
• Low-Sodium Options: Choose reduced-salt soup and broth if needed—this dish can get salty fast with pre-seasoned products.

This flexibility makes the dish ideal for both planners and last-minute cooks, always delivering on flavor without needing anything complicated.

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor in every bite. This make-ahead-friendly dish brings together tender shredded chicken, a rich creamy base, and perfectly crisp stuffing on top. Ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy holidays, it’s a family favorite that never disappoints.

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Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings 6

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
• 1 box 6 oz stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
• Layer the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Prepare stuffing mix as directed, using slightly less water to avoid sogginess.
• Add Stuffing: Spoon the stuffing over the chicken mixture. Drizzle melted butter across the top for a golden finish.
• Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.
• Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

You can make this casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. For a holiday twist, swap the chicken for leftover turkey and add dried cranberries to the stuffing. Use gluten-free or low-sodium options as needed.

Step-by-Step Assembly & Baking Tips

How to Layer It Right for Best Texture

The key to making Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole successful isn’t complicated, but sequence matters. Each layer serves a purpose, and when built correctly, the result is crispy on top, creamy in the center, and tender on the bottom.

Follow this order:

1. Grease Your Dish: Use butter or nonstick spray on a 9×13-inch pan. This prevents sticking and ensures the edges crisp up nicely.
2. Make the Creamy Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream or mayo, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.
3. Spread the Mixture: Pour the creamy chicken filling into the greased baking dish and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Prepare the Stuffing: Follow box directions, but reduce water slightly. You want it moist, not soggy. Most 6 oz boxes call for 1.5 cups water—try 1.25 cups instead.
5. Top It Off: Gently spoon the prepared stuffing on top of the chicken layer. Don’t press it down—fluff keeps it crisp.
6. Drizzle with Melted Butter: This is what gives the stuffing that golden-brown crunch. Don’t skip it.

Baking Time and Temperature

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when:

• The edges are bubbling.
• The top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
• The center is hot and holds shape when sliced.

Tip: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy layer to set slightly, which makes it easier to portion and plate.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Serving Suggestions

Prep It Now, Bake It Later

One of the best things about Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is how well it fits into busy schedules. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or holiday dinners where oven space is limited.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

• Assemble the entire casserole (through the butter drizzle step).
• Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

When ready to bake:

• Let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to remove the chill.
• Bake uncovered at 350°F as directed (you may need 5 extra minutes if it’s very cold).

Avoid freezing before baking—cream-based sauces and stuffing mixes tend to separate or become gummy after thawing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers store well and make for a satisfying second-day lunch.

• Refrigerator: Store covered or in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheating (Oven): Bake at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Reheating (Microwave): Reheat individual portions for 1–2 minutes on medium power. The stuffing may lose its crunch but will still taste great.

Avoid freezing leftovers with stuffing on top—it becomes too soft when thawed.

How to Serve It

This casserole stands on its own as a full meal, but sides can stretch it or add contrast.

Serving suggestions:

• Pair with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp side salad.
• Add a drizzle of gravy or serve with cranberry sauce for a holiday twist.
• Use leftovers inside a sandwich or wrap for something different.

With minimal cleanup and no-fuss ingredients, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole turns out right every time—creamy, golden, and hearty.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
No. This casserole is designed for fully cooked chicken. Using raw chicken would risk uneven cooking and a watery texture. For convenience, rotisserie or leftover chicken works best.

2. How can I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?
Use slightly less water than the box instructions suggest. Also, don’t press the stuffing down—keep it fluffy. Drizzling melted butter helps crisp the top as it bakes.

3. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free stuffing mix and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup alternative. Always check labels to avoid hidden gluten sources.

4. What’s the best way to double this recipe?
Use two 9×13-inch pans and double each ingredient. Bake both pans at the same time, rotating them halfway through if your oven has hot spots. Add 5–10 extra minutes if needed.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole brings the kind of comfort food that’s simple to make and impossible to forget. Creamy chicken, savory stuffing, and a golden top layer make it ideal for busy nights, holiday leftovers, or casual gatherings. Its flexible ingredients and make-ahead option turn it into a go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a crowd, this casserole delivers flavor and nostalgia in every bite.