Name: Dolly's Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well); 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with another cream soup); 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1 (6-ounce) box of stuffing mix (such as Stove Top); 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

A comforting, homestyle casserole that combines tender shredded chicken with savory stuffing in a creamy sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken and stuffing casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together familiar flavors in one delicious dish. The creamy chicken base paired with a buttery stuffing topping creates perfect textural contrast. It’s an excellent way to use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. The recipe comes together quickly with pantry staples, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s customizable with optional add-ins like vegetables or different cheese varieties to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shredded chicken provides the protein foundation for this casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs for a more economical option.

Cream of chicken soup creates a rich, savory base for the casserole. It adds thickness and flavor without requiring you to make a sauce from scratch.

Cream of mushroom soup contributes an earthy depth of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can substitute with another cream soup like cream of celery.

Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to balance the flavors. The slight acidity cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.

Milk helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency. You can use any fat percentage you have on hand.

Onion powder and garlic powder provide aromatic flavors without the texture of fresh onions and garlic, which is ideal for picky eaters who might object to chunks.

Dried thyme brings a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with chicken. It’s a classic poultry seasoning that enhances without overwhelming.

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together. Always taste and adjust according to your preference.

Stuffing mix forms the delicious crispy topping. The dried herbs and seasonings already in the mix add tremendous flavor with minimal effort.

Butter enriches the stuffing topping and helps it achieve that desirable golden-brown finish when baked.

Chicken broth moistens the stuffing and adds another layer of savory flavor. Using broth instead of water ensures every component of the dish carries flavor.

Cheddar cheese is optional but adds a wonderful cheesy, gooey element to the casserole. Feel free to substitute with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Frozen peas add color, texture, and nutrition. You can substitute with other vegetables like carrots, corn, or green beans.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, mix the stuffing mix with melted butter and chicken broth until fully moistened.
Evenly distribute the stuffing mixture over the chicken layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if using.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners with potential leftovers. The preparation takes about 15 minutes, primarily for mixing the ingredients and assembling the casserole. Cooking time is approximately 40 minutes, bringing the total time to around 55 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, providing a satisfying and filling meal.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Add 1-2 cups of mixed vegetables like carrots, corn, and green beans to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and color.

Turkey Substitution: Replace chicken with leftover turkey for a post-Thanksgiving meal that transforms holiday leftovers.

Cheese Lover’s Delight: Mix 1/2 cup of cheese into the chicken mixture and add another 1/2 cup on top for an extra cheesy experience.

Herbed Version: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, sage, or rosemary to the chicken mixture for a more aromatic profile.

Broccoli Cheddar: Add 2 cups of lightly steamed broccoli florets to the chicken mixture and use sharp cheddar for the topping.

Southwest Twist: Add a can of diced green chilies, 1/2 cup corn, and 1 teaspoon of cumin to the chicken mixture; top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating.

Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. After cooling completely, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.

Reheating From Refrigerated: For individual portions, microwave on 70% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through if possible. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp up the top. If reheating from frozen without thawing, bake covered at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes until hot throughout.

Maintaining Moisture: When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth if the casserole seems dry.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

It’s not recommended to use raw chicken in this recipe as the baking time isn’t sufficient to safely cook raw chicken. If you don’t have cooked chicken, quickly poach chicken breasts in water or broth for about 15 minutes until cooked through, then shred and proceed with the recipe.

What can I substitute for cream soups if I want to avoid processed foods?

You can make a homemade cream soup substitute by melting 2 tablespoons of butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons of flour, then gradually adding 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk. Cook until thickened, season with herbs and spices, and use this in place of each can of cream soup.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cream soups and a gluten-free stuffing mix. Several brands now offer these options, or you can make your own gluten-free stuffing using gluten-free bread cubes toasted with herbs and spices.

My family doesn’t like mushrooms. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can easily substitute with another can of cream of chicken soup, or try cream of celery soup, which provides a nice flavor without the mushroom texture or taste that some find objectionable.

Can I add more vegetables to make this a complete meal?

Absolutely! Beyond the optional peas mentioned in the recipe, you can add diced carrots, celery, broccoli, or corn. For harder vegetables like carrots, lightly steam or sauté them before adding to ensure they’ll be fully cooked in the final dish.

How can I make this casserole lighter or lower in calories?

You can use reduced-fat cream soups, light sour cream, and 2% milk. Consider reducing the amount of butter in the stuffing by half and compensating with a bit more broth. Use less cheese or opt for a reduced-fat variety. Adding extra vegetables will also increase the fiber while reducing the calories per serving.

My stuffing topping came out too dry/too wet. How can I fix this?

For a dry stuffing topping, drizzle a little more melted butter or chicken broth over the top before serving. If your stuffing is too wet, you can place the casserole back in the oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes to help evaporate excess moisture, or next time use less liquid when mixing the stuffing.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, this recipe is flexible. Try Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. Each will bring a different flavor profile to the dish. For a sharper taste, aged cheddar works well, while mozzarella provides a milder option with great meltability.

What sides pair well with this casserole?

Since this casserole is rich and hearty, it pairs well with lighter sides like a simple green salad, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh fruit salad. If you’re serving a larger crowd, dinner rolls or crusty bread can round out the meal.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole epitomizes comfort food at its finest – warm, savory, and deeply satisfying. This versatile recipe can be adapted to suit your family’s tastes and what you have on hand, making it a reliable standby for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy stuffing creates a textural experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover chicken, need a dish that can be prepared in advance, or simply crave a homestyle meal that delivers on flavor and comfort, this casserole delivers. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular feature in your recipe rotation.