Oh, you know those nights when you just crave something warm, hearty, and absolutely, unapologetically comforting? That’s exactly when I whip up Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. It’s like a hug in a dish, seriously! My mom used to make this all the time, and the smell would just fill the whole house, making dinnertime feel extra special. What I love most is how incredibly easy it is to get on the table – perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a home-cooked meal without all the fuss. It’s that perfect blend of tender chicken and savory stuffing that just makes everything feel right.
Why You’ll Love Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
This casserole is an absolute winner for so many reasons! It’s honestly one of those recipes that just makes busy weeknights so much easier. Here’s why it’s a staple in my kitchen:
- Seriously a Snap to Make: You just mix everything up! No fancy techniques needed, which I love.
- Quick Dinner Solution: We’re talking dinner ready in under an hour, folks. That’s a weeknight miracle!
- Pure Comfort Food Bliss: The combination of tender chicken and savory, herb-infused stuffing is just… *chef’s kiss*.
- Everyone Asks for More: This dish is always a hit with families. It’s that kind of no-fuss, delicious meal that just works.
Gather Your Ingredients for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row, or rather, our ingredients in a dish! Assembling Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is super straightforward. You’ll want to have everything ready to go so we can just mix and bake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken – I like to shred mine, but diced works perfectly fine too!
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – This is the creamy backbone, don’t skip it!
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Adds another layer of savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup milk – Just to get that perfect saucy consistency.
- 1 package (6 oz) herb seasoned stuffing mix – The star of our show! Make sure it’s the herb-seasoned kind for that classic flavor.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – This is key for making our stuffing topping extra special.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Alright, let’s get this easy chicken and stuffing casserole into the oven! Trust me, it’s really a no-brainer, which is exactly what we want on a chaotic weeknight. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a bubbling, delicious dish ready in no time.
Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first, let’s get that oven to the right temperature. Go ahead and preheat it to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While that’s warming up, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick grease. A little spray or a swipe of butter will do the trick to make sure nothing sticks!
Combine the Casserole Base
Now, grab your big mixing bowl. Toss in that lovely cooked chicken – whether it’s shredded or diced, it’s all good! Then, add in both cans of the cream soups, the chicken and the mushroom ones. Pour in the milk to help make it nice and saucy. Give it all a really good stir until everything is nicely coated and combined. You want it to look like a cozy chicken mixture, ready for its stuffing topping!
Prepare the Stuffing Component
Time for the stuffing! In a separate, medium-sized bowl, you’ll want to prepare the herb seasoned stuffing mix. The package will tell you how to do it, but here’s my little twist: instead of using oil or whatever the box calls for, use that 1/4 cup of melted butter we set aside. This just makes the stuffing topping a little richer and extra delicious. Mix it up according to the package, really well!
Assemble and Bake Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Okay, we’re almost there! Spoon that prepared stuffing mixture right into the big bowl with the chicken and soup mixture. Stir it all together until the stuffing is evenly distributed. Then, pour this magical combination into your greased baking dish. Spread it out so it’s nice and even. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be heated all the way through and get a nice, lightly golden-brown topping. You can even peek at it while it’s baking, I know I do!
Tips for the Best Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Making Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is pretty foolproof, but I always like to share a few little nudges to make sure yours turns out extra spectacular. It’s all about those little touches that make a good dish great, you know? So, here are my go-to tricks:
First off, the chicken! Make sure it’s fully cooked before you add it. I love using leftover rotisserie chicken because it’s already seasoned and super tender. If you’re boiling chicken breasts yourself, make sure they’re cooked through and then shred or dice them up nice and easy. Also, that trick about using the melted butter for the stuffing? It makes a HUGE difference, trust me. It gives the topping this amazing golden crispness that you just don’t get otherwise. Don’t be shy with greasing that dish too; a stuck casserole is a sad casserole, and we don’t want that!
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Got questions about this cozy chicken and stuffing casserole? I’ve got answers!
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
You sure can! If you’re starting with raw chicken, just dice about 2 cups of chicken breasts or thighs. You’ll want to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup mixture. You might need to bake the entire casserole a little longer, maybe an extra 10-15 minutes, to make sure the raw chicken cooks through completely and safely.
What are good substitutions for cream of mushroom soup?
No mushroom soup? No problem! You can easily swap it out for another can of cream of chicken soup for an extra chickeny flavor. A can of cream of celery soup works wonderfully too, adding a slightly different savory note. Or, for a homemade touch, you could whip up a quick white sauce!
How do I make the topping crispier?
Oh, for that extra crunch, I love the trick mentioned in the notes! About 10 minutes before the casserole is done, you can sprinkle some extra dry stuffing mix right over the top, toss that with a little melted butter, and let it bake until it’s golden and crispy. It adds such a lovely texture!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Now, about the numbers! Keep in mind these are just estimates because the brands you use and even how you measure can change things a bit. But generally, a serving of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole comes in around: Calories: 450-550, Fat: 25-35g, Protein: 30-40g, and Carbohydrates: 25-35g. It’s a hearty meal, for sure!
Share Your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Experience
I just LOVE hearing from you all! Once you’ve tried making Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, please, please tell me what you thought! Leave a comment below with your experience, or even better, rate the recipe if you can. And if you snap any pics of your delicious creation, I’d be thrilled if you shared them and tagged me on social media! You can read more about my kitchen adventures over on my about page!
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Mix well.
- In a separate medium bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to package directions, but use the melted butter instead of the oil or butter specified on the package.
- Add the prepared stuffing to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and lightly golden on top.