Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole -

A Comforting Family Favorite: Rich, Savory, and Easy to Prepare

Introduction

Looking for a dish that combines simplicity, heartwarming flavors, and comfort in every bite?Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casseroleis the answer! This crowd-pleasing recipe takes tender, shredded chicken and pairs it with a buttery, flavorful stuffing mixture that’s creamy and savory, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

With just a handful of ingredients, includingshredded chicken,stuffing mix,cream of chicken soup, andchicken broth, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also deliciously satisfying. The addition ofsour creamand seasonings likegarlic powderandonion powdergives the dish a rich, balanced flavor that everyone will love.

Let’s dive into how you can make this quick and delicious meal!

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked, shredded chicken(about 3 large breasts) 🍗
1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix(e.g., Stove Top)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
1 cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter(optional, for extra richness)
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking and shredding your chicken. You can either userotisserie chickenfor convenience or cookboneless, skinless chicken breasts. To cook the chicken, simmer the breasts inwater or chicken brothuntil fully cooked, about 20-25 minutes, and then shred them with two forks. You’ll need4 cups of shredded chickenfor this recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mix

In a medium-sized bowl, prepare thestuffing mixaccording to the package instructions. This typically involves adding hot water and a little butter to the mix. Once the stuffing is ready, set it aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine thecream of chicken soup,sour cream, andchicken broth. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add thegarlic powder,onion powder, and season withsalt and pepperto taste. You can also add thebutterat this stage for extra creaminess, though it’s optional.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to350°F (175°C). Grease a9×13-inch baking dishwith butter or non-stick spray.
Layer the bottom of the dish with theshredded chicken. Spread theprepared stuffing mixevenly over the chicken. Then, pour the creamy mixture over the stuffing, ensuring it’s evenly spread.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for25-30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional10 minutesto allow the top to become golden brown and slightly crispy.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish withchopped parsleyif desired before serving.

Variation

Vegetable Addition: Add acan of peasorcornfor a little extra veggie goodness. Simply stir them into the creamy mixture before assembling the casserole.
Cheesy Twist: For a cheesy version, sprinkleshredded cheddar cheeseover the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. Let it melt and bubble for a delicious, gooey topping.
Herbed Stuffing: Use aherbed stuffing mixfor a more aromatic, flavorful base to complement the chicken and creamy sauce.
Dairy-Free Version: Replacesour creamwith adairy-free sour creamand usedairy-free cream of chicken soupfor a non-dairy alternative.

COOKING Note:

Shredded chickenis key to this casserole’s texture. You can also use leftovercooked chickenorrotisserie chickenfor an even quicker meal.
If you don’t havechicken broth,vegetable brothorwatercan be used as a substitute.
For acrispier top, leave the foil off during the last few minutes of baking, allowing the stuffing to crisp up.

Serving Suggestions:

Side Salad: Serve with afresh green saladto balance the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: A side ofroasted carrotsorgreen beanscomplements this hearty dish.
Cranberry Sauce: A small bowl ofcranberry sauceon the side brings a nice sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Mashed Potatoes: For a more filling meal, serve the casserole alongside creamymashed potatoes.

Tips:

If the casserole seems dry after baking,add more chicken brothto the mixture before assembling it. The stuffing should absorb the liquid but still stay moist.
For evenfluffier stuffing, make sure to prepare the stuffing mix just before assembling the casserole, as this will prevent it from becoming too soggy.
If you preferdarker meatover chicken breasts, you can also usecooked, shredded chicken thighsfor a richer flavor.

Prep Time:15 minutes

Cooking Time:40 minutes

Total Time:55 minutes

Nutritional Information:

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate before baking. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before cooking, or bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cook time.

Can I freeze Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it withcream of mushroom soupor even asour cream-based sauceif you prefer.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casseroleis a versatile, comforting meal that combines hearty ingredients and simple steps for an incredibly satisfying dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or as part of a holiday spread, this casserole promises to deliver the warmth and flavors everyone loves. With itscreamy, savoryfilling andgolden stuffingtopping, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time!