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Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Skill Level: Easy | Serves: 6 | Calories per Serving: ~480

A Taste of Home and Heart

This is more than a casserole; it’s a hug in a baking dish. Inspired by the kind of comforting, no-fuss cooking that fills a home with warmth, “Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole” is a tribute to simple, satisfying meals that bring everyone to the table. Tender chicken and mixed vegetables are enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce and crowned with a golden, buttery stuffing crust. It’s a humble masterpiece of textures and flavors that feels like coming home.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Filling:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • 1 (12 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans), thawed

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon salt (taste first, especially if using canned chicken broth)

For the Stuffing Topping:

  • 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (such as Stove Top® for Chicken)

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 cup chicken broth

Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish

  • Large mixing bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare (5 minutes)

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling (10 minutes)

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.

  2. Whisk in the ½ cup of chicken broth until the mixture is creamy and pourable.

  3. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.

  4. Add the cooked chicken and thawed mixed vegetables. Use a spatula to fold everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.

  5. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 3: Create the Buttery Stuffing Crust (5 minutes)

  1. In a medium bowl, empty the dry stuffing mix (including any seasoning packets).

  2. Pour the melted butter and 1 cup of chicken broth over the stuffing. Toss lightly with a fork until the bread pieces are just moistened. Do not over-mix—you want to maintain some texture and avoid a paste.

  3. Spoon the moistened stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the creamy chicken layer. There’s no need to pack it down; a loose, fluffy layer will bake up beautifully crisp.

Step 4: Bake to Golden-Brown Perfection (45 minutes)

  1. Place the baking dish in the center of your preheated oven.

  2. Bake, uncovered, for 40-50 minutes. The casserole is done when the filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges and the stuffing topping is a deep, golden brown and crisp to the touch.

  3. The Essential Rest: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the bubbling filling to settle and thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop and preventing burnt tongues!

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Scoop generous portions directly from the dish. This casserole is a complete meal in one, but it welcomes a few simple sides:

  • Classic Pairing: A bright, simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.

  • Bread on the Side: Warm, soft dinner rolls or buttery biscuits for soaking up any extra sauce.

  • For a Holiday Vibe: Serve alongside cranberry sauce or a spoonful of tangy apple chutney.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480

  • Total Fat: 29g

  • Saturated Fat: 14g

  • Cholesterol: 115mg

  • Sodium: 1180mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3g

  • Sugars: 6g

  • Protein: 24g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on specific brand ingredients used and can vary. Sodium content can be managed by using low-sodium soups and broth.

Dolly’s Tips for a Perfect Casserole Every Time

  • The Chicken Shortcut: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the secret weapon here. It’s flavorful, moist, and saves so much time. You’ll need about half of a large chicken.

  • Make It Your Own: This recipe is a canvas. Swap the mixed vegetables for broccoli florets, add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the filling, or sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the stuffing for extra crunch.

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole (through Step 3) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting from cold.

  • Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

  • Leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience, or cover the dish with foil and reheat at 350°F until warm throughout for the best texture revival.

This is the recipe you turn to when you need a guaranteed smile, when the weather turns chilly, or when you simply want to nourish the people you love without complication. It’s dependable, delicious, and full of heart—just like Dolly herself. Enjoy!

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