Amazing Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Oh, hello there! If you’re anything like me, you just *adore* a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. That’s exactly what Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is all about. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile, and honestly, it couldn’t be easier to whip up. This recipe came to me from a dear family friend, Dolly, years ago, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since. It perfectly balances creamy, savory goodness with that wonderfully familiar stuffing crunch. You’re going to love how simple and delicious it is.

Why You’ll Love Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This casserole is an absolute winner for so many reasons. It’s the definition of comfort food, hitting all the right notes without any fuss. You’ll love:

• Super Easy Prep: Seriously, this comes together in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Cozy Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, and packed with those familiar, delicious flavors everyone adores.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike gobble this up. It’s a guaranteed win at the dinner table.
• Versatile: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to make it even quicker.
• Perfectly Balanced: That mix of creamy chicken filling and savory, slightly crisp stuffing topping? Perfection!

Gather Your Ingredients for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Alright, let’s get our pantry ready for this easy peasy casserole! You probably have most of this stuff already. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

For the Casserole

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1 can (10.5 ounce) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounce) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 package (6 ounce) dry stuffing mix, prepared according to package directions
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Essential Equipment for Making Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

To get this cozy casserole into your oven, you won’t need much, thankfully! Just a couple of basics will do the trick:

• A trusty 9×13 inch baking dish – this is where all that yummy goodness will bake up.
• A large bowl; this is for mixing all those creamy, savory ingredients together before they hit the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Alright, let’s get this amazing casserole into the oven! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed this little bit of magic comes together so quickly.

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, crank up your oven to 350 degrees F (that’s 175 degrees C). While it’s getting nice and hot, lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. This just makes sure nothing sticks around later!

Combine Casserole Ingredients

Grab your large bowl. Toss in your cooked chicken, the two cans of creamy soups (chicken and mushroom – yum!), and the milk. Give it all a really good stir until it’s nicely combined. Trust me, you want all those flavors mingling together!

Here’s a little tip to make sure everything is mixed well: use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. This way, you won’t have little pockets of soup or chicken without any milk!

Looking for other super simple chicken dinners? Check out this easy Ina Garten chicken casserole recipe, or this other simple chicken mozzarella pasta recipe!

Incorporate Stuffing and Butter

Now, gently stir in that prepared stuffing mix. We’re not trying to be aggressive here – just fold it in until it’s incorporated. Then, pour the whole glorious mixture into your greased baking dish. Finally, drizzle that lovely melted butter all over the top. It’s going to give it that perfect little bit of crunch.

Bake to Perfection

Pop that dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly and heated all the way through, with just a hint of golden brown on top. That’s your signal it’s ready to come out and be devoured!

Tips for the Best Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Okay, so making this casserole is already pretty foolproof, but I’ve learned a few little tricks over the years that just make it *that* much better. Tiny tweaks make a big difference, right?

First off, let’s talk chicken. You can totally use leftover cooked chicken, but I sometimes love using a rotisserie chicken from the store – it’s already seasoned and super tender. Just shred it up! Also, don’t over-prepare your stuffing! You want it moist enough to mix in, but not mushy. Just follow the package directions, no need to go overboard. For a little extra something, sometimes I like to mix a pinch of poultry seasoning right into the chicken and soup mixture. Oh! And that drizzled butter on top? Don’t skip it! It gives us that lovely, slightly crispy golden finish we all crave. It totally elevates it from just “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!” If you love comforting chicken dishes, you should also check out this chicken wild rice casserole recipe too!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat about the ingredients for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Sometimes, you might need to swap things out or just want to know a little more about why we use what we use. So, here’s the scoop!

For the chicken, go ahead and use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand. Leftover roasted chicken is fantastic, and like I mentioned, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver and adds extra flavor! Make sure it’s about 2 cups, whether you cube it or shred it.

The cream soups are pretty key here for that creamy base. If you don’t have both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom, you can absolutely use two cans of either one. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe even a cream of celery soup! Just keep it to two 10.5-ounce cans for the right creamy texture. If you happen to find “healthy” versions of these soups, just be aware they might change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be yummy! For another great chicken recipe you might love, check out this chicken sweet potato rice recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole

Now that you’ve got this amazing Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole all ready to go, what do you serve it with? It’s so hearty on its own, but a couple of simple sides really round out the meal perfectly.

I love pairing it with a nice, crisp green salad. Something simple with a vinaigrette works wonderfully to cut through the richness. A fresh cucumber salad is also fantastic, especially if you want something a bit tangy. Steamed green beans or peas are always a winner too, adding a lovely pop of color and some healthy greens. It’s all about balancing those cozy, comforting flavors!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got some delicious Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole leftovers? Lucky you! To keep it tasting its best, let the casserole cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Reheating is super easy too! You can pop a portion in the microwave for a quick zap, or for a crisper top, warm it up in a 350°F oven right on a baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s all heated through and bubbly again. It’s almost as good as the first time!

Frequently Asked Questions about Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Got questions? I’ve got answers! This casserole is pretty simple, but it’s always good to clear things up.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Oh, absolutely! If you’re starting from scratch, just cook about 1 pound of chicken breasts or thighs until they’re done. You can boil them, bake them, or even use a rotisserie chicken. Once cooked, shred or cube it up, and you’re good to go! Just make sure you have about 2 cups of cooked chicken for the recipe.

Can I make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you definitely can! You can assemble the whole casserole (up to the point of baking) and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off before baking it at 350°F (175°C). You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, depending on how cold it is.

What kind of stuffing mix is best?

For this casserole, a standard 6-ounce box of dry bread stuffing mix works wonderfully. You can use savory herb, classic chicken, or even plain seasoned stuffing. Just prepare it according to the package directions before adding it to the casserole mixture. I usually stick to the classic savory herb flavor – it just adds that perfect savory note!

Can I freeze this casserole?

You sure can! You can freeze the unbaked casserole or leftovers. If freezing unbaked, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it really well with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If you’re freezing leftovers, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutrition info for this delightful casserole is always an estimate, since it can change based on the exact brands you use and whether you add anything extra. But generally speaking, when you divide this recipe into 6 servings, you’re looking at roughly 450-550 calories, about 25-35g of protein, 20-30g of fat, and around 30-40g of carbohydrates per serving. It’s a hearty meal, alright!

For more ideas on eating smarter and tracking calories, you can check out these calorie-smart recipes!