Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

If you’re hunting for that one dish that feels like a big ol’ hug straight from Grandma’s kitchen, let me introduce you to Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. This recipe checks every cozy box: tender chicken, creamy sauce, buttery stuffing—yes, please! I swear, just the smell of this baking is enough to lure my entire family out of their screen time caves.

The magic starts with a few pantry staples (hello, Stove Top!), a little love, and maybe a little prayer if your day’s been like mine. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or you’re feeding a crowd on Sunday, this casserole is pure nostalgic goodness. I grew up on recipes just like this—where a can of cream of chicken soup was practically a love letter—and trust me, they never go out of style.

Let’s dive into this buttery, bubbly wonder, shall we?

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

• Fast and fuss-free: Only 15 minutes to prep. Yes, really.
• Hearty and comforting: Perfect for chilly nights or when you just need a little extra TLC.
• Crowd-pleaser: Even your picky eaters (and we all have them) will be asking for seconds.
• Flexible: Add veggies, swap proteins, tweak it to your heart’s content.
• Leftovers? Even better the next day!

Need I say more?

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Ingredients

Here’s your cozy casserole checklist:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional, but adds crunch!)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional, for that savory pop)
• 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish like you mean it.
2. In a medium bowl, prepare the stuffing mix per the package directions, using melted butter (and chicken broth, if you want it extra lush). Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and the optional celery and onion until smooth and dreamy.
4. Fold in the cooked chicken. Stir like you love it.
5. Spread the creamy chicken mixture into your baking dish.
6. Top with the prepared stuffing. Be generous!
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until it’s bubbling and the stuffing is golden brown.
8. Let it rest 5–10 minutes (the hardest part!) before digging in.

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Sarah’s Tips for Perfect Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken when you’re short on time—it’s a flavor booster and time-saver!
• Mix up your stuffing flavors. Herb, cornbread, turkey-flavored stuffing…they all work.
• Want a little green? Add a handful of frozen peas or chopped spinach to the chicken mixture.
• Cheese it up: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top never hurt anyone.

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Bake It With the Littles

Get your mini sous-chefs involved:

• Let them stir the soup and chicken mixture—it’s basically foolproof.
• Kids love “fluffing” the stuffing mix with a fork before topping the casserole.
• Assign a little one to sprinkle a pinch of love (and maybe cheese) over the top.

Cooking together = memories that outlast any screen time squabbles!

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Meal-Prep Magic

Make-Ahead:
Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 5–10 minutes of bake time if you’re starting from cold.

Freezer Friendly:
Freeze the unbaked casserole (wrapped well) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Storage:
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F or zap single servings in the microwave.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

You can lighten up Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole without losing the cozy vibes:

• Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt.
• Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup (or make your own!).
• Choose a whole-grain stuffing mix.
• Add more veggies like broccoli, carrots, or even mushrooms.

Check out this easy homemade cream of chicken soup recipe from Allrecipes if you’re feeling ambitious!

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Leftover Remix

Let’s make those extras shine:

• Chicken Stuffing Muffins: Scoop leftovers into a muffin tin and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Casserole Quesadillas: Stuff into tortillas with a little shredded cheese, grill, and devour.
• Soup Boost: Stir chunks into chicken broth with extra veggies for a hearty soup.

Trust me, no one will complain about these leftovers!

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Gift It Like a Pro

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole makes the sweetest edible gift:

• Pack it in a disposable aluminum pan for easy transport.
• Add a handwritten note with simple reheating instructions.
• Great for new moms, sick friends, or just to say “you’re loved.”

Bonus points if you deliver it with a side of homemade banana bread too. ❤️

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FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Great for using up holiday leftovers.

Can I add cheese?
Oh honey, yes. Stir some into the chicken mixture, sprinkle some on top—live your best cheesy life.

What if I don’t have sour cream?
Sub Greek yogurt, cream cheese thinned with a little milk, or even ranch dressing for a fun twist.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a certified gluten-free stuffing mix and double-check your soup brand.

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Final Thought

At the end of the day, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is more than just an easy dinner—it’s comfort, tradition, and a little edible love letter to simpler times. Whether you’re serving it up for your family or sharing it with friends, it’s the kind of meal that makes people feel right at home. So pour yourself a glass of sweet tea (or a little wine—no judgment here!) and dig in.

If you love down-home, soul-satisfying meals like this, be sure to check out our Sunday Pot Roast for another comforting classic!

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