Nothing says comfort food like a creamy, cheesy chicken casserole topped with golden stuffing. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a homestyle favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights yet cozy enough for Sunday dinner with family. Imagine tender shredded chicken, a creamy sauce infused with cheddar and sour cream, and buttery stuffing baked until crispy on top — it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole recipe.
Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a hearty, satisfying dinner, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for weeknight dinner ideas, a potluck-friendly meal, or a recipe that tastes like grandma made it, this cheesy casserole will become a regular in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples and everyday groceries.
Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Perfect Make-Ahead Meal – Assemble earlier, bake before dinner.
Cheesy Comfort Food – A cozy, satisfying dish for any occasion.
Potluck & Holiday Favorite – Great for Thanksgiving leftovers or feeding a crowd.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what makes each ingredient essential in this casserole:
Cooked, Shredded Chicken (4 cups): The hearty protein base. Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Stuffing Mix (1 box, 6 oz): Provides that signature buttery-crisp topping and comforting flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can): The creamy binder that holds everything together.
Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the filling.
Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into the filling for a rich, cheesy layer.
Chicken Broth (1 cup): Moistens the stuffing and enhances flavor.
Butter (½ cup, melted): Infuses the stuffing with richness and helps crisp it up.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Brings savory depth.
Onion Powder (½ tsp): Balances the flavors with a mild sweetness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Adjust seasoning to taste.
Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish for serving.
Pro Tips for Success
Shred Chicken While Warm: It’s easier to pull apart when hot.
Don’t Over-Saturate Stuffing: A slightly drier mix bakes up crispier.
Cheese Upgrade: Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.
Rest Before Serving: Allows casserole to firm up and slice cleanly.
Double Batch for Freezer Meals: Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Protein Swap: Use cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken.
Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a twist.
Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli to the chicken layer.
Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free stuffing and soup.
Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with:
Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
A crisp garden salad
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Mashed potatoes for extra indulgence
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze: Assemble and freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge, then bake.
A Little Backstory
Chicken and stuffing casseroles have long been a staple of American home cooking, especially in the South and Midwest. This recipe takes inspiration from classic holiday flavors but makes them accessible year-round. The combination of creamy chicken filling and buttery stuffing topping is nostalgic, hearty, and always satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed? Absolutely! Prepare your favorite stuffing recipe and layer it on top of the chicken mixture.
2. Can this casserole be made in advance? Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
3. How can I make this lighter? Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheddar, and light cream of chicken soup.
4. Can I add vegetables? Definitely — peas, carrots, broccoli, or green beans all work well in the filling.
5. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes. Store baked casserole portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Emily
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
A hearty, creamy casserole with tender chicken, cheesy filling, and buttery stuffing topping — the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or holidays.
4cupscooked, shredded chicken (about 3 large breasts)
1box (6 oz)stuffing mix (e.g., Stove Top)
1can (10.5 oz)cream of chicken soup
1cupsour cream
1cupshredded cheddar cheese
1cupchicken broth
1/2cupunsalted butter, melted
1/2tspgarlic powder
1/2tsponion powder
salt and black pepper, to taste
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
9x13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Spatula or spoon
Oven
Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well incorporated. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, mix the stuffing mix with melted butter and chicken broth. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb liquid. Layer the moistened stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture.
Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
You can swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor twist. Try adding vegetables like peas or green beans for extra texture. This dish is great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken.
