BEST DOLLY’S CHICKEN AND STUFFING CASSEROLE DINNER

I’ll never forget the aroma that would fill Grandma’s kitchen every Sunday – a comforting blend of herbs, chicken, and that unmistakable savory stuffing. It wasn’t just any meal; it was her famous version of Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner, a dish that has warmed hearts and bellies for generations in our family, and I’m so excited to share my version with you! Get ready to create a casserole that will become a new favorite in your home, offering the ultimate comfort food experience.

Let’s Make Some Magic: Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner

Okay, friend, let’s dive into this incredibly delicious and comforting Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish, perfect for cozy nights, potlucks, or when you simply need a little bit of home-cooked happiness. I’m going to guide you through each step, offering tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every single time.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Casserole

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Seriously, is there anything more comforting than chicken and stuffing? It’s like a warm blanket for your soul.
• Easy to Customize: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out veggies, use different types of stuffing, and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves it! Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples, and anything you don’t have is easy to find at your local grocery store.

• Cooked Chicken: About 3 cups, shredded or diced. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.
• Stuffing Mix: 6 ounces (about half of a standard box). I prefer using seasoned stuffing mix, but feel free to use your favorite.
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped.
• Chicken Broth: 1 1/2 cups.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.75 ounces).
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup. This adds a lovely tang and creaminess.
• Mixed Vegetables: 1 cup, frozen or fresh. Peas, carrots, and green beans work perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Dried Herbs: 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, or a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary.
• Optional Toppings: Crushed crackers, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of paprika.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish
• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula or Spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, grab your apron and let’s get started! I’m going to walk you through each step to make sure your Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner is a resounding success.

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

This is where the magic begins! We’re going to start by prepping the stuffing. This will create that comforting base for our casserole.

1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds so much flavor!
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, sautéed onion and celery, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the stuffing to absorb the broth.

Pro Tip: Don’t over-saturate the stuffing. It should be moist but not soggy. If it seems too wet, add a little more stuffing mix. If you’re looking for another great side dish, be sure to check out Thanksgiving Family Holiday Meals for some other amazing options!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Now, let’s get that creamy, flavorful chicken mixture ready. This is what binds everything together and makes the casserole extra delicious.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.

Troubleshooting Tip: If your chicken mixture seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. Also, consider trying my Chicken And Spinach Casserole for a healthy twist on this type of dish!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Time to put it all together! This is the fun part where we layer everything into our baking dish.

1. Layer the Stuffing: Spread the prepared stuffing evenly in the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Chicken Mixture: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the stuffing.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner to golden perfection.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly golden.
3. Optional: If you’re using a topping like crushed crackers or cheese, sprinkle it over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Baking Tip: Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent the top from burning. If it starts to get too brown, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve

Patience, my friend! Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice.

1. Rest: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations and Add-Ins: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Different Types of Stuffing: Use cornbread stuffing, sourdough stuffing, or even gluten-free stuffing.
• Different Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the chicken mixture.
• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese over the casserole before baking.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a little kick.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
• Add Cranberry Sauce: For a festive touch, stir in a dollop of cranberry sauce into the chicken mixture.
• Use Different Meats: Try using cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken.

Looking for another amazing chicken casserole? You might want to try my Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s another family favorite!

Tips for Success: Expert Advice from Your Kitchen BFF

I want your Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner to be a huge success, so here are some extra tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: If you’re cooking your own chicken, make sure not to overcook it, or it will be dry.
• Taste as You Go: Season the stuffing and chicken mixture to your liking. Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Use a Good Quality Baking Dish: A good baking dish will ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Let It Rest: Letting the casserole rest before serving is crucial. It allows the flavors to meld together and prevents it from being too runny.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious sides.
• Cranberry Sauce: A classic pairing that adds a touch of sweetness and tartness.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve with creamy mashed potatoes.

If you’re in the mood for a low-carb option, you should definitely check out my Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a comforting casserole.

Storage Instructions: Keeping it Fresh

Leftovers are a gift! Here’s how to store and reheat your Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I know you might have some questions, so here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe:

• Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
• Can I use different vegetables? Yes, feel free to use your favorite vegetables.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free stuffing mix and gluten-free cream of chicken soup.

For another quick and easy meal, don’t forget to try my Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Casserole!

There you have it! Your very own Dolly’s Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Dinner, ready to bring warmth and happiness to your table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting dish with your loved ones. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe. Happy cooking, my friend!

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dinner

This classic chicken and stuffing casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or potlucks. Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 6 ounces stuffing mix about half of a standard box
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mixed vegetables, frozen or fresh peas, carrots, green beans
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, and rosemary
• Optional Toppings: Crushed crackers, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of paprika

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• large skillet
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon
• Oven
• foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, sautéed onion and celery, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and let sit for a few minutes to allow the stuffing to absorb the broth.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
6. Spread the prepared stuffing evenly in the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the stuffing.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly golden.
10. If using toppings like crushed crackers or cheese, sprinkle it over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking.
11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
12. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For variations, try different types of stuffing (cornbread, sourdough, gluten-free), add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese over the casserole before baking. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup or stir in a dollop of cranberry sauce for a festive touch. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.