Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A warm and comforting one-dish meal layering shredded chicken, creamy soup and sour cream, topped with buttery stuffing mix, baked until golden and bubbling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners because it uses simple pantry staples, comes together quickly, and yields a dish that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. The creamy chicken filling paired with a crispy stuffing top creates a satisfying contrast of textures. It’s flexible—using leftover chicken or turkey works great—and it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

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

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 3 large chicken breasts)
• 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (for example, herb-flavored dry stuffing)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for extra richness)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
3. Pour the chicken-soup mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the melted butter (if using) and a little extra chicken broth if the stuffing looks too dry. Toss until the stuffing is evenly coated and slightly moistened.
5. Gently spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish. Do not press it down too firmly—leave some lightness to the layer.
6. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: around 6 people
Prep time: approximately 10 minutes
Cook time: approximately 35–40 minutes
Total time: approximately 45–50 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy version: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese into the chicken mixture, or sprinkle it on top before baking for a gooey finish.
• Turkey substitution: Replace the chicken with cooked, shredded turkey (great use for holiday leftovers).
• Vegetable boost: Add 1 to 2 cups of thawed frozen peas or chopped sautéed onions and celery into the chicken-soup mixture for added texture and color.
• Homemade soup alternative: Instead of canned cream of chicken soup, make a simple roux (2 Tbsp butter + 2 Tbsp flour), whisk in 1 cup chicken broth + ½ cup milk until thickened, then proceed.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure the soup uses GF ingredients.
• Light version: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and a lower-sodium chicken broth to reduce richness while keeping flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: After baking, let the casserole cool slightly, then cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: You can assemble the casserole (do not bake), cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold.
• Reheating (baked leftovers): Preheat oven to 325 °F (160 °C), cover the casserole with foil and heat until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). For a crisp top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
• Reheating individual servings: Microwave on medium power until hot, then optionally broil for 1-2 minutes to refresh the crispy stuffing layer.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

You can use any cooked chicken: roasted, poached, leftover, or even rotisserie. Shred it so that it mixes evenly with the soup mixture.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes—using cooked, shredded turkey works beautifully, especially after holidays when you have leftovers.

Why is my stuffing topping soggy?

If there’s too much liquid (broth or soup) and the stuffing is pressed too tightly, it can become soggy. Use just enough broth to moisten the stuffing, spread it gently without pressing down, and bake uncovered so it crisps.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to bake time if it’s cold when going into the oven.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes. It freezes very well. Assemble unbaked, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge then bake at 350 °F until hot and bubbly.

What sides go well with it?

Pair it with crisp, fresh sides like a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. The rich casserole is complemented nicely by light, vibrant vegetables.

How do I keep the top crisp when reheating?

When reheating, cover the dish with foil for most of the time to prevent drying out, then remove foil for the last 5 minutes in the oven to allow the top layer to crisp up again.

Can I add extra flavor like herbs or spices?

Yes. You can stir in fresh chopped thyme, sage or parsley into the chicken mixture, or add sautéed onions and garlic for more depth. Season to taste before baking.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can make a simple homemade substitute: melt 2 Tbsp butter, whisk in 2 Tbsp flour, gradually add 1 cup chicken broth + ½ cup milk, cook until thickened, then use in place of the canned soup.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be golden brown and crisp, the edges bubbling, and the center heated through. For best results, let it rest 5 minutes after baking so it sets before serving.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a true comfort food hero: simple to make, endlessly flexible, and irresistibly satisfying. With its creamy base, hearty chicken, and buttery stuffing topping, it brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, prepping ahead, or using up holiday leftovers, this dish hits the mark. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy deliciousness that comes from a good bake.

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