If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food, this Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole delivers every time. With tender shredded chicken, a savory stuffing crust, and creamy soup layers, it’s everything a home-cooked casserole should be—simple, soul-warming, and full of flavor. In this article, you’ll get the backstory behind this dish, detailed cooking steps, helpful tips, and storage ideas. Whether it’s your first time making a casserole or you’re a seasoned cook seeking a quick weeknight win, this recipe will feel like home. Plus, we’ve got plenty of related recipes to keep your dinners delicious all week long.
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The Story Behind Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
The Recipe That Stole Our Sunday Nights
Every cook has that one recipe that doesn’t just feed your family—it feeds your memories. For me, Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole is it. The first time I made this was on a chilly Sunday evening. I was staring down a fridge of leftovers—rotisserie chicken, a half-used box of stuffing mix, and a lone can of cream of chicken soup. My husband, ever the food enthusiast, asked, “What’s cooking, babe?” I answered, “Something…cozy.” What came out of the oven was more than cozy. It was a warm, bubbling tray of flavor that had us both going back for thirds. That’s when I knew this Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole had earned a permanent spot in our meal rotation.
Simple Steps, Big Flavor
One of the best things about Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole is how effortlessly it comes together. You don’t need hours, fancy tools, or specialty ingredients. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry or freezer. That makes it a weeknight hero, especially when you’re short on time but craving something homemade. I love that you can prep it in advance and just pop it in the oven after work. It’s hearty enough to be the main dish, and it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Why Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Works Every Time
A Flavor Combo That Never Fails
There’s a reason Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole has earned repeat requests in our house. It’s the layers of flavor—from the savory rotisserie chicken to the herb-seasoned stuffing and creamy soup base—that make this dish so crave-worthy. The stuffing topping gets delightfully golden and crisp while the chicken below stays juicy and tender. The cream of chicken soup (sometimes mixed with sour cream or even a splash of milk) acts like a binding layer, bringing everything together in one satisfying bite. You can also swap in cream of mushroom or even celery for a different twist.
Flexible Enough to Make It Yours
This casserole is delicious as written, but it’s also flexible enough for whatever you’ve got in the fridge. No rotisserie chicken? Boiled or baked chicken breasts work just fine. Don’t have cream of chicken soup? Try Greek yogurt mixed with a little broth for a lighter version. You can toss in frozen mixed vegetables, steamed broccoli, or sautéed onions for extra flavor and texture. Some even love adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella between the layers for a cheesy variation. Gluten-free stuffing mix or dairy-free cream options work here, too. It’s that kind of recipe—easy to adjust without sacrificing the soul of the dish.
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Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
This creamy, cozy casserole features tender shredded chicken, rich cream soup, and a crispy herb stuffing topping—pure comfort in a dish.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix, prepared
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen mixed veggies (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Spread shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the dish.
3. In a bowl, mix soup and sour cream, then spread over the chicken.
4. Top with stuffing mix, prepared as directed.
5. Dot with butter, if using.
6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
To freeze: Wrap unbaked casserole well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in fridge or bake from frozen at 350°F for 50–60 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Step-by-Step Prep for Easy Assembly
Making Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole is one of those deeply satisfying kitchen wins—little effort, huge payoff. To get started, you’ll need a casserole dish, some shredded chicken, a can of creamy soup, and your favorite stuffing mix. That’s it for the basics. From there, you layer, bake, and serve. Here’s what goes into the classic version:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 box stuffing mix (about 6 oz), prepared according to package
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup cooked veggies like peas, corn, or broccoli
Once assembled, bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden top. It’s a no-fuss, all-flavor kind of dish. For nights when you need something guaranteed to please, this one delivers.
Ingredient Swaps to Try
This recipe is forgiving and flexible. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or just using what’s in the fridge, here are some easy swaps:
- Rotisserie chicken: Replace with baked or boiled chicken breasts, shredded or diced.
- Cream of chicken soup: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different base.
- Sour cream: Greek yogurt works well for a lighter option.
- Stuffing mix: Cornbread stuffing or a gluten-free mix are great alternatives.
- Add-ins: Mix in frozen vegetables, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.
If you’re looking for another easy crowd-pleaser, don’t miss our Potato and Chicken Casserole.
Storing, Reheating, and Making Ahead
Leftovers That Actually Reheat Well
One of the best things about Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole—besides how quick it disappears—is how well it holds up the next day. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 325°F for about 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of broth or milk if the stuffing seems a little dry. We’ve had this for lunch three days in a row with zero complaints. In fact, my husband claims it’s even better the next day.
Can You Freeze This Casserole? Absolutely.
This dish is freezer-friendly in every way. You can assemble it fully, wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Or bake it straight from frozen at 350°F, covered, for 45–50 minutes, then uncover for 10 more to crisp the top. If you’re doing batch cooking, double the recipe and make one now, freeze one for later. It’s a life-saver during the holidays or for busy weeks.
Need more freezer-friendly meal ideas? You’ll love our freezer lasagna for two or make-ahead taco bake.
Perfect for Meal Trains or Big Families
When a friend has a baby or someone needs comfort food, this casserole is my go-to. It feeds 6–8 people generously. Just double the ingredients and divide between two baking dishes. Bake both, or wrap one tightly to deliver cold with baking instructions. It travels well and reheats beautifully, which makes it ideal for potlucks, care packages, and weeknight family dinners alike.
For more easy and heartwarming recipes, join me on Facebook and Pinterest — where good food meets great company!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chicken works best for this casserole?
Rotisserie chicken is ideal for flavor and ease, but any cooked chicken—boiled, baked, or grilled—will work. Just make sure it’s well seasoned before layering.
Can I make Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a certified gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your soup is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients can be naturally GF with the right brands.
What sides go well with this casserole?
This hearty dish pairs great with something fresh like a green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. You can also serve it with buttery corn on the cob or a bowl of homemade cranberry sauce.
