Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

Oh my goodness, are you ready to experience a hug in casserole form? Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is that recipe we all need in our back pocket—the one that never fails to bring everyone running to the dinner table! This heartwarming dish combines tender chunks of chicken nestled in a creamy sauce, all topped with herb-infused stuffing that gets deliciously crispy on top while staying soft and flavorful underneath.

I’ve been making this casserole for years (it was passed down from my friend Dolly, who got it from her grandmother), and trust me, it’s the kind of recipe that turns even the most chaotic weeknight into a moment of pure comfort. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes? Absolutely heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s the ultimate comfort food that combines everyone’s favorites—tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory stuffing—in one delicious dish
• The make-ahead friendly nature makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining and want to enjoy time with your guests
• It uses simple, readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator
• The versatile recipe can be easily adapted with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand

Ingredients

For the Chicken Layer:

• Chicken breasts – boneless and skinless for easy eating (you could also use rotisserie chicken to save time)
• Butter – adds richness and helps develop flavor when sautéing the vegetables
• Onion – provides a sweet, aromatic base for our casserole
• Celery – adds texture and that classic stuffing flavor
• Garlic – because almost everything tastes better with a little garlic!
• Cream of chicken soup – the secret to that creamy, savory sauce
• Sour cream – adds tanginess and richness to the sauce
• Chicken broth – helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency
• Mixed vegetables – peas, carrots, and corn add color, texture, and nutrition
• Poultry seasoning – that signature herb blend that makes it taste like Thanksgiving
• Dried thyme – for an extra layer of herb-y goodness
• Salt and pepper – to enhance all the flavors

For the Stuffing Topping:

• Stuffing mix – the convenient boxed kind works perfectly here
• Butter – helps the stuffing get that irresistible golden top
• Chicken broth – moistens the stuffing while adding flavor
• Fresh parsley – for a pop of color and freshness

The full ingredient list with measurements will be available in the recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first—let’s get that chicken ready! If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces and season with a bit of salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter and cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside. (If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred or dice it and skip this cooking step—talk about a time-saver!)

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

In that same skillet (don’t clean it—those chicken bits add flavor!), melt another tablespoon of butter. Add your diced onion and celery, sautéing until they’re soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth, whisking until smooth and creamy. Add the poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper, giving everything a good stir to combine those flavors.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

Fold your cooked chicken and mixed vegetables into that luscious sauce, making sure everything is well-coated. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, just to let those flavors start getting friendly with each other. Pour this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with melted butter and enough chicken broth to moisten it without making it soggy. You want it moist but still fluffy! Gently fold in some chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread that seasoned stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer, covering it completely. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the edges are bubbling with that creamy goodness. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—I know it’s hard to wait, but this helps everything set up perfectly!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• For extra flavor, toast the stuffing mix in a dry skillet before combining with the butter and broth
• If you like a moister stuffing layer, cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to crisp up the top
• Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of flavor
• For a time-saving hack that doesn’t compromise flavor, use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store

How to Serve

This casserole truly is a complete meal in one dish, but if you’re looking to round out the table, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment. For a special Sunday dinner feel, add some cranberry sauce on the side—that sweet-tart flavor is amazing with the savory casserole (it’s like having a little bite of Thanksgiving any day of the year!). Warm dinner rolls for sopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce are always welcome at the table, too. And if you’re serving this for a holiday meal, it pairs beautifully with other classics like green bean casserole or sweet potato casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meal planning! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Freezer Instructions

Feeling super organized? Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The stuffing will soften as it sits, but the flavor actually gets even better! Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or place larger portions back in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A hearty, comforting casserole made with tender chicken, seasoned stuffing, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for family dinners!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
• 1 box stuffing mix (6 oz, herb-flavored)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.75 oz)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• to taste salt and black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the melted butter. Toss well until all the stuffing is coated. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
• In another large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth.
• Add the diced onion, celery, frozen vegetables, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the soup mixture and stir well.
• Fold in the cooked chicken until evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
• Spread the remaining stuffing (not the reserved cup) evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Pour the chicken and soup mixture over the stuffing layer, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the reserved cup of buttered stuffing over the top of the casserole. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the stuffing layer.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
• Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a Thanksgiving twist, use leftover turkey and prepared stuffing instead of boxed mix. This dish reheats well and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Keyword Chicken casserole, Comfort food, Stuffing casserole