When you think of the coziest comfort food ever, what pops into your mind? If your brain instantly pictures something bubbling away in the oven, creamy and savory with a golden, buttery topping, then buckle up — because Chicken and Stuffing Mix Casserole is about to become your new weeknight obsession.
This dish is everything you want in a meal — warm, filling, and nostalgic. It’s like a hug in casserole form. With tender chunks of chicken, a creamy, dreamy sauce, and that irresistible herby stuffing layer on top, it checks every comfort food box imaginable. Whether you’re cooking for the whole crew or whipping up Easy Comfort Meals For Two, this recipe hits that perfect sweet (well, savory) spot between convenience and crowd-pleasing flavor.
What Makes Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole So Irresistible
Let’s be honest — some casseroles can be… meh. You know, the ones that feel like they’ve been around since the 1950s church potluck circuit and never evolved? Yeah, not this one. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole has that classic comfort appeal, but with modern-day flavor.
Here’s the secret: layers of texture and taste. You’ve got juicy shredded chicken soaking up all the creamy sauce, topped with buttery stuffing that crisps beautifully in the oven. Every bite is a contrast — tender below, crunchy above, and ridiculously satisfying throughout.
Plus, it’s quick to prep. No fancy steps, no intimidating techniques — just real food magic happening in under an hour. And FYI, if you use rotisserie chicken, you’ll cut down your prep time even more.
It’s one of those Casseroles For Parties that’s just as good reheated the next day. In fact, IMO, it might even be better after it sits overnight — that flavor meld? Chef’s kiss.
The Story Behind This Cozy Classic
This recipe has roots in those comforting, homey meals our grandmothers used to make — the ones that didn’t need a thousand ingredients or complicated directions to taste amazing. The magic was always in simplicity and love.
Dolly Parton Chicken Stuffing Casserole — or as it’s affectionately known by many fans — is a tribute to that same spirit. Simple ingredients, heartfelt flavor, and a cozy vibe that feels like dinner at Grandma’s.
There’s something downright wholesome about combining pantry staples like canned soups, stuffing mix, and sour cream into something that tastes homemade. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel — it’s about celebrating the beauty of uncomplicated cooking that brings people together.
And who doesn’t love a dish that makes your kitchen smell like Sunday dinner?
Ingredient Breakdown — What You’ll Need
Let’s take a peek at what makes this dish so good (and why you’ll probably have most of it in your pantry already).
- Chicken: You’ll need 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken works wonders here — juicy, flavorful, and saves you time.
- Cream Soups: One can of cream of chicken and one can of cream of mushroom. They add that luscious, creamy texture that ties everything together.
- Sour Cream & Milk: These bring richness and balance the saltiness of the stuffing.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper — simple, but oh-so-effective.
- Stuffing Mix: The star of the show. Use your favorite boxed mix like Stove Top. It gives the casserole its herby, buttery crunch.
- Butter & Broth: These keep the stuffing moist but not soggy. That’s key for texture!
- Optional Add-ins: Shredded cheddar, peas, or even sautéed veggies if you want to sneak in some greens.
Pro tip: Don’t overmix the stuffing layer. You want it moist, not mushy. Keep some of those crispy bits intact for texture.
How To Make Dolly Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
Alright, apron on? Let’s do this.
- Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 350°F and grease up a 9×13-inch baking dish. A little butter or spray will do.
- Mix the Chicken Base: In a large bowl, toss together your shredded chicken, both cans of soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Give it a good stir until smooth.
- Layer It Up: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the dish.
- Add the Stuffing: Mix the stuffing with melted butter and chicken broth in another bowl. Then spread it evenly over the chicken layer.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle on cheese if you’re feeling fancy, then bake uncovered for about 35–40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crispy top and bubbling edges.
- Rest Before Serving: Give it about 10 minutes to set before diving in.
Boom — dinner done.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Casserole For Two (or More!)
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Don’t over-soak the stuffing. You want a perfect balance between crispy and soft.
- For a richer flavor, swap milk for half-and-half.
- Want more crunch? Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or panko on top before baking.
- Let it rest! That short wait after baking helps everything firm up so your servings stay neat and layered.
And if you’re scaling down for Dinners For 3 or Easy Comfort Meals For Two, just halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 dish. It’ll come out just as delicious — maybe even better since you won’t have to share as much!
Variations to Try
Don’t be afraid to experiment — this casserole is super forgiving!
- Cheesy Dream: Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken base for ooey-gooey richness.
- Veggie Boost: Add carrots, peas, or celery to sneak in some nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or make your own with gluten-free bread cubes.
- Spicy Vibe: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: Sub dairy-free sour cream and cream soup alternatives.
That’s the beauty of Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing — it plays well with whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
Best Way to Serve This Cozy Dish
Honestly, this casserole doesn’t need much to shine — it’s a full meal in itself. But if you want to round it out, here are a few ideas:
- With a side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- With roasted veggies: Broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a great side.
- With cranberry sauce: For those holiday dinner vibes any time of year.
And let’s be real — a little extra gravy never hurt anyone.
Quick Tips for Storage and Leftovers
Leftovers? Lucky you.
- Storage: Keep any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping it in the freezer. It’ll keep up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave individual servings for quick meals, or bake the whole thing at 325°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Pro tip: Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to keep it moist.
FAQs About Dolly Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
1. Can I use homemade stuffing instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Just moisten it with butter and broth so it bakes up fluffy, not dry.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving.
3. Can I freeze it?
Definitely. Wrap it tightly before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
4. How can I make it creamier?
Add an extra ½ cup of sour cream or replace milk with half-and-half. It’ll be ultra-rich and luscious.
5. Can I switch up the protein?
Totally. Turkey, ham, or even cooked ground beef works great.
6. How do I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?
Don’t oversaturate it with broth. A little moisture goes a long way — you want texture, not mush.
7. Can I make it without cheese?
Of course! It’s still delicious without it, or you can use a dairy-free alternative.
8. What if I want a crunchy topping?
Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the stuffing before baking.
9. Can I add veggies?
Yes! Peas, carrots, celery, or mushrooms are all great additions.
10. What if I want it spicier?
Throw in some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is everything we love about comfort food — simple ingredients, big flavors, and minimal effort. It’s perfect for weeknights, cozy weekends, or even Casseroles For Parties when you want something hearty that feeds a crowd without breaking a sweat.
Whether you call it Dolly Parton Chicken Stuffing Casserole, Dolly Chicken And Stuffing Casserole, or just “that insanely good chicken bake,” one thing’s for sure — you’ll come back to it again and again.
So go ahead — whip up this classic, dig in, and let every creamy, savory bite remind you why casseroles like this will never go out of style.
After all, comfort food this good deserves an encore. Print
Chicken and Stuffing Mix Casserole – Simple, Hearty & Crowd-Pleasing
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Looking for a warm, satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself? Meet Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole — the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and your plate with pure happiness. It’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, yet simple enough to pull together on even the busiest nights. Think of it as a cross between your favorite Sunday roast and an all-in-one creamy bake. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some homemade comfort, this casserole delivers every single time.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup – Adds that savory depth.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup – Or swap in cream of celery or potato if you prefer.
- 1 cup sour cream – For that velvety, tangy richness.
- ½ cup milk – Keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Just enough to add a touch of herby warmth.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 (6-ounce) box of stuffing mix (like Stove Top) – Adds flavor, crunch, and the best cozy texture.
- ½ cup melted butter – For that golden, buttery top.
- 1½ cups chicken broth – Moistens the stuffing perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – For those who want it extra rich and melty.
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional) – Adds color and a little sweetness.
Instructions
- Prep the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Make the creamy chicken base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, both soups, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble the first layer: Spread the creamy chicken mixture across the bottom of your prepared dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Mix the stuffing: In another bowl, stir together the stuffing mix, melted butter, and chicken broth until the crumbs are lightly moistened but not soggy.
- Top it off: Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it across the top for extra decadence.
- Bake to perfection: Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Cool & serve: Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving — this helps the layers set and makes scooping a breeze.
Notes
- Make it your own: Add peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms for a bit of texture and color.
- Creamier version: Swap milk for half-and-half or add a few extra spoonfuls of sour cream for a silkier consistency.
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the whole casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
