Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole 🥘🍗 Ingredients: 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 3 large breasts) 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (e.g., Stove Top)

 

Why Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Is a Comfort Classic

1. Hearty and Warm: With shredded chicken combined with creamy soup and a crunchy stuffing topping, this casserole is the epitome of cozy, homestyle comfort food. Jennifer Recipes+2KitchenMomy+2

2. Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples — cooked chicken, canned soup, boxed stuffing — making it easy to throw together. KitchenMomy+2Sue Recipe+2

3. Versatile: You can adapt it for weeknight meals, potlucks, or even as a make-ahead holiday dish. recipesquik.com+1

4. Customizable: Many versions include optional veggies (peas, carrots, green beans) or cheese; you can also tweak sodium, fat, or use different stuffing. kitchennlove.com

5. Comfort Food Appeal: It combines textures — creamy base + crisp topping — giving satisfaction in every bite. KitchenMomy

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Ingredients (Consolidated from Multiple Sources)

Here’s a master ingredients list, combining different “Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole” recipes online. You can pick and choose depending on which version you want to follow or modify.

• Chicken Layer

  • 3–4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great) cooking art+2KitchenMomy+2

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup Emily'S Plate+1

  • ½ to 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt, depending on your preferred tang / richness) tasty.familyfreshrecipes.com+1

  • ~½ cup chicken broth (some use more or less) Jennifer Recipes

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional) KitchenMomy+1

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional) KitchenMomy

  • Salt and pepper to taste Sue Recipe+1

  • (Optional) 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans) cooking art+1

• Stuffing Topping

  • 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix, such as Stove-Top (chicken flavored or herb) Sue Recipe+1

  • ~½ to 1 cup hot water or chicken broth (to moisten the stuffing) Midd Leeast Sector+1

  • ~2 tablespoons (or more) unsalted butter, melted KitchenMomy

  • (Optional) sautéed onion + celery mixed into the stuffing for extra flavor KitchenMomy

• Optional / Variations

  • Shredded cheddar or other cheese to stir in or top the casserole Jennifer Recipes

  • Fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish KitchenMomy

  • Substitute soups (cream of mushroom, etc.) KitchenMomy

  • Gluten-free stuffing mix or low-sodium options for dietary needs Jennifer Recipes

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Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish Evelyn's Cooking

• Large mixing bowls (one for chicken mixture, one for stuffing) cooking art

• Spoon or spatula (to mix and layer)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Oven

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a cohesive method that brings together common instructions from several recipes.

1. Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F (190°C), depending on the source you follow.

   • Several versions call for 350°F. Sue Recipe

   • Others (like CookingArt) use 375°F. cooking art

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Evelyn's Cooking

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2. Make the Creamy Chicken Layer

1. In a large bowl, combine:

   • Shredded cooked chicken

   • Cream of chicken soup

   • Sour cream / Greek yogurt

   • Chicken broth

   • Garlic powder and onion powder (if using)

   • Salt and pepper

2. If you’re using frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans), stir them into the mix now. cooking art

3. Stir gently until everything is well combined and creamy.

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3. Prepare the Stuffing Topping

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the stuffing mix, melted butter, and hot water or broth.

2. Let it sit for a minute or two so the stuffing can absorb the liquid and soften slightly, but don’t make it soggy. recipesquik.com

3. (Optional) Fold in sautéed onion and celery if you’ve prepared them — they add great flavor. KitchenMomy

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4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it.

2. Spoon the moistened stuffing mixture on top of the chicken layer, spreading gently but evenly across the surface. Make sure the stuffing covers most of the chicken layer so you get a consistent topping. KitchenMomy

3. (Optional) Drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top of the stuffing to help it brown nicely. recipesquik.com

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5. Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven.

   • Many versions bake for about 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. KitchenMomy+2Emily'S Plate+2

   • Some suggest a slightly shorter time (~30–35 min) if your oven runs hot. Jennifer Recipes

2. If you added cheese (optional), you can sprinkle it on in the last 5–10 minutes of baking so it melts but doesn’t overbrown. Jennifer Recipes

3. Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve clean portions. Sue Recipe

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Serving Suggestions & Garnishes

• Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top just before serving to add brightness and color. KitchenMomy

• Sides: Serve with green vegetables (green beans, broccoli), a simple salad, or roasted carrots. Emily'S Plate

• Holiday Twist: Use leftover turkey instead of chicken during Thanksgiving, and maybe add dried cranberries to the stuffing for a festive touch. recipesquik.com

• Make-It-Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and then bake when ready. recipesquik.com

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Variations & Creative Twists

Here are many creative ways to adapt Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for different tastes or dietary needs:

1. Cheesy Version

   • Stir 1–2 cups of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend into the chicken mixture, or sprinkle on top before baking. Jennifer Recipes

   • Use a sharp cheese for more flavor, or mild cheese for a crowd-pleasing version.

2. Vegetable Boost

   • Add a cup of frozen mixed vegetables into the chicken mixture: peas, corn, carrots, or green beans. KitchenMomy+1

   • Sauté onions, celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers and mix into either the chicken layer or the stuffing topping. KitchenMomy

3. Different Soup Base

   • Substitute cream of chicken with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or a homemade white sauce to change the flavor profile. KitchenMomy

   • For a lighter version, use a lower-fat or reduced-sodium soup. KitchenMomy

4. Healthier / Low-Sodium Adaptation

   • Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sodium stuffing mix. Jennifer Recipes

   • Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce fat. KitchenMomy

   • Add extra veggies to bulk up nutrition and fiber.

5. Gluten-Free or Allergy-Friendly

   • Use gluten-free stuffing mix. Jennifer Recipes

   • Check that your canned soup is gluten-free or make a homemade roux-based “cream soup.”

6. Make-Ahead / Freezer-Friendly

   • Assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. recipesquik.com

   • To freeze: assemble in a freezer-safe dish, tightly cover, freeze up to ~2–3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.

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Tips & Troubleshooting

Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them, based on what people say in different recipe versions:

• Soggy Stuffing: If the stuffing topping becomes too mushy, it's often because too much liquid was used or the layer is too thick. Use slightly less broth or water when preparing the stuffing mix. recipesquik.com

• Undercooked Center: If the chicken layer doesn’t heat through, check that the oven is properly preheated, and avoid piling the stuffing too thickly.

• Lack of Crunch on Top: For a crispier top, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the stuffing before baking. recipesquik.com

• Too Salty: Since condensed soup, stuffing mix, and broth can all contribute sodium, taste your chicken mixture first and adjust salt slowly. KitchenMomy

• Layer Separation: Gently press the stuffing layer, but don’t compact it too much — you want some air so it crisps.

• Resting Is Important: Letting the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking helps everything set, making it easier to serve clean slices. Sue Recipe

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Nutritional & Serving Considerations

• Portion Size: This recipe typically serves 6–8 people depending on your dish size and how hearty the servings are. tasty.familyfreshrecipes.com

• Calories: The dish is fairly rich — with cream soup, sour cream, and butter — so it's hearty comfort food.

• Protein: Good source of protein thanks to the shredded chicken.

• Vegetables: Adding mixed vegetables not only boosts the nutrition but also adds color and texture.

• Sodium: Can be high depending on the brands used; choosing low-sodium or making adjustment with broth helps.

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Why This Recipe Works (From a Cooking Perspective)

1. Layering Strategy: The creamy chicken base holds moisture, while the stuffing topping gives a contrasting texture — soft below, crispy on top.

2. Balancing Moisture: The use of broth + butter in the stuffing layer ensures it gets moist enough to cook well but still browns and crisps.

3. Simple But Flavorful: The combination of cream of chicken, sour cream, and seasoned stuffing gives a rich, savory backbone without needing a lot of spices.

4. Flexible Base: Since the chicken layer is simple, you can adapt it with vegetables, different soups, or seasonings without breaking the core structure.

5. Family-Friendly: Uses easy-to-find ingredients, doesn’t require advanced skills, and makes a lot — ideal for a crowd or leftovers.

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Final Thoughts

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that balances ease, flavor, and nostalgia. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or as a cozy dinner when you want something warm and satisfying, this casserole delivers.

Here’s how I’d summarize why it’s worth keeping in your recipe rotation:

• Minimal fuss: Uses pantry staples + cooked chicken → low prep time.

• Comforting texture: Creamy, hearty, and topped with crisp stuffing.

• Highly adaptable: Add veggies, change up the soup, or use cheese.

• Make-ahead potential: Great to assemble ahead or freeze.

• Crowd-pleaser: Feeds 6–8 easily, and leftovers are fantastic.

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