Looking for an easy chicken casserole recipe that tastes like it took hours but comes together in minutes? That’s exactly what Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole delivers comforting, hearty, and perfect for quick family dinner ideas. I grew up watching my mom cook meals like this. She was a nurse, often on her feet for 12 hours straight, yet somehow, she always came home and cooked.
I’d stand next to her, peeling garlic, stirring soup, soaking in everything not just the cooking, but the care. Those moments built me. That’s what Daily Easy Meals is about real food, fast meals, and that quiet kind of love you can taste.
Golden Oven-Baked Layers That Taste Like Home
- It’s my kind of comfort food chicken and stuffing bake that knows how to fill the room and the soul.
- No pressure, no pretenses just a meal that says, “You did enough today. Sit and eat.”
The Ingredients Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Stuffani’s Comfort
This is what comfort food recipes look like in my world made from scratch or from shortcuts, as long as they’re warm.
Instructions Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Step 1: Mix your base
In a big bowl, I stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and broth. Then I fold in the shredded chicken. The smell already takes me back to Sunday nights when I’d help my mom get ready for another long shift.
Stuffani’s Whisper
That moment when the soup hits the bowl? It’s like the start of quick weeknight chicken dinners that don’t need a reason just people to feed.
Step 2: Layer and love
Spread the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 dish. Nothing fancy just that thick, cozy layer like my mom used to spread with the back of a spoon, telling me, “Smooth it gently. It matters.”
Stuffani’s Memory
We used to make something similar to Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole but this version is mine. Simple, stronger, still soft around the edges.
Step 3: Butter that stuffing
In another bowl, mix the stuffing with melted butter and a splash more broth. Let it fluff up. The buttery smell used to wake me up from nap time. I’d tiptoe into the kitchen barefoot, still clutching a blanket, drawn to the scent.
Stuffani’s Tip
This step reminds me of the first time I made Crazy Good Casserole on my own too much butter, not enough broth. But I ate it anyway. That’s what real food is: forgiving.
Step 4: Bake till golden
Spread the stuffing gently over the chicken and bake uncovered at 350°F for 35–40 minutes. It should bubble, smell like heaven, and look like golden fall leaves.
Stuffani’s Voice
When it comes out looking like Perfect Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole, I know I’ve done it right.
Step 5: Let it breathe
Don’t skip the 10-minute rest. Let it settle, like the way my mom would sit after dinner quiet, legs crossed, eyes closed, just breathing before the next thing began.
Stuffani’s Advice
Some recipes are also meal prep ideas in disguise. Like Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta, this dish stores like a dream and reheats with heart.
Variations and Tips for the Perfect Dolly Bake
Variations of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole You’ll Love
- Classic Dolly’s Style : Soup, sour cream, and buttered stuffing mix just the way she always made it. That’s the one I grew up on, our Sunday comfort after long weeks.
- From-Scratch Upgrade : Make a quick roux with butter, flour, stock, and cream instead of canned soup. I tried this after making Meatloaf and Cheddar Shells comfort from scratch still hits differently.
- Healthy & Light Version : Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, use whole-grain stuffing and low-sodium broth. It’s still cozy, and great for budget-friendly meals without losing the love.
- Holiday Turkey Leftover Bake : Use turkey instead of chicken, and fold in dried cranberries or sage butter. It started as a Thanksgiving leftover hack, now it’s a year-round favorite.
- Gourmet Southern Version : Add caramelized onions, shredded cheddar, or even crispy bacon on top. Like my spin on Mexican White Trash Casserole, it’s messy but rich, loud, and unforgettable.
Stuffani’s Note
These versions came from missing ingredients or new cravings and they’ve all stuck like memories.
Tips for Perfect Creamy & Crispy Layers
- Moisture balance matters : Too little broth? Your stuffing will dry out. Too much? It’ll drown.
- Creaminess comes from contrast : Heavy cream and sour cream hold up no curdling, no collapse. That’s what I learned while testing Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.
- Hydrate stuffing just right : Add broth until the mix is damp, but not soggy it should clump, not drip.
- Bake on the middle rack : That’s the zone where the top crisps and the bottom bubbles just right.
- Make ahead with care : Layer ingredients cold if prepping early it keeps everything even when baking later.
Stuffani’s Whisper
All these tricks were once my trial-and-errors now they’re part of my quick chicken dinner recipes that work like second nature.
Troubleshooting And Nutrition & Dietary Notes
Common Problems & Fixes
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffing top too dry | Insufficient broth | Add extra ¼ cup broth before baking |
| Middle too soggy | Overmixing stuffing | Gently layer instead of folding together |
| Sauce too thick | Reduced too long | Add splash of milk or broth to loosen |
| Chicken bland | Unseasoned or precooked | Season chicken separately with herbs and salt |
| Uneven browning | Overcrowded dish or oven rack too low | Bake on middle rack, uncovered last 10 min |
Stuffani’s Tip
Don’t let one little soggy middle ruin your night. My mom used to say, “Even the best casseroles have their soft spots.” That’s true in life, too. It’s still a no-fail chicken dinner recipe when it comes from your hands.
Nutrition and Substitution Options
| Dietary Option | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free stuffing or cornbread crumbs | Works beautifully in make-ahead chicken casseroles |
| Dairy-Free | Cashew cream or coconut yogurt instead of sour cream | Slightly sweeter taste, but still creamy comfort |
| Low-Sodium | Use unsalted butter and low-sodium chicken broth | Great for family meal planning with health in mind |
| Per Serving | Approximately 390–420 calories | 19g fat | 25g protein | 28g carbs | 710mg sodium |
Stuffani’s Whisper
Every table I’ve ever loved had someone with food needs. If this casserole lets one more person join the meal, then it’s one of those easy dinner recipes for families I’ll always come back to.
Storage, Freezing And Serving Suggestions
How to Store and Reheat Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Make-Ahead: Assemble unbaked and chill up to 2 days. Freeze up to 3 months if wrapped well.
- Refrigerate (After Baking): Leftovers keep best covered in glass, flavor deepens by day two.
- Reheat: Add foil, warm at 325°F until steamy. Uncover to crisp the top in the last 5 minutes.
- Freezer Reheat: Thaw overnight in fridge. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbling at edges.
Stuffani’s Note
Sometimes I double the batch and stash one for later. It’s one of those high-protein dinner recipes that’s just as handy as this Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole dependable, filling, and full of flavor even on day three.
What to Serve with Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Fresh Sides: Roasted carrots with brown sugar, crisp cucumber salad, or green beans almondine.
- Southern Classics: When I’m craving nostalgia, Mexican White Trash Casserole on the side does the trick with buttery rolls.
- Holiday Pairings: I often bring this dish alongside Hamburger Green Bean Casserole or sweet mash for potluck spreads.
- Drinks: Iced tea for weeknights, Chardonnay when I pair it with Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta for friends.
Stuffani’s Whisper
Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole doesn’t just sit on the table it anchors it. Whether with Cozy Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup on a rainy night or next to Perfect Crockpot Cheesesteak Potato Casserole during game day it always belongs.
For more recipes follow me on pinterest and Facebook
FAQs About Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. This casserole works beautifully with leftover turkey, especially after holidays.
How do I make it without cream of chicken soup?
Make a quick roux with butter, flour, broth, and a splash of cream it tastes just as cozy.
Can I assemble it the night before?
Yes. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake the next day for easy family meal planning.
How do I keep stuffing from drying out?
Add an extra splash of broth before baking, and cover with foil for most of the bake time.
Conclusion
- Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole isn’t just dinner it’s reassurance baked golden.
- It feeds a table, but more than that, it feeds your people with comfort they remember.
- Make it ahead, freeze it, tweak it it still holds.
- Because some recipes carry more than flavor. They carry us.
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole A Comfort Classic You’ll Crave
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food made easy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, holiday leftovers, or whenever you need something warm and nostalgic on the table.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 box stuffing mix
1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix soup, sour cream, and broth.
3. Stir in chicken and spread mixture in greased 9×13 dish.
4. In another bowl, mix stuffing with melted butter and a bit more broth.
5. Spread stuffing over chicken evenly.
6. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can prep this a day in advance refrigerate before baking.
For more flavor, season the chicken with herbs or add sautéed onions.
Use turkey instead of chicken for a holiday twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy chicken casserole recipe, stuffing casserole with cream of chicken, comfort food recipes, quick family dinners
