Dollys Chicken Stuffing Casserole

The first time my aunt Dolly brought this casserole to a family reunion, my cousin stood guard by the serving spoon until she secured the corner piece with the crispiest stuffing. That was the day I learned why everyone fought over positioning themselves near the kitchen door when Dolly walked in carrying her covered dish. Now I understand the appeal completely.

I made this for my newlywed neighbor who was recovering from surgery, and she texted me three days later asking if I had another recipe that could make her husband voluntarily eat vegetables. Something about that creamy sauce sneaks past even the most stubborn picky eaters defenses.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, or use leftover chicken from a weekend roast
• Fresh vegetables: The celery, onion, and carrots create a classic mirepoix base that builds real flavor depth
• Cream of chicken soup: Forms the velvety backbone of the sauce, though homemade condensed soup works too
• Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy
• Seasoned stuffing mix: Creates that irresistible crunchy topping everyone reaches for first
• Butter and chicken broth: These hydrate the stuffing mix while keeping it wonderfully buttery
• Dried thyme and garlic powder: Simple seasonings that make the sauce taste homemade rather than canned

Instructions

Prep your oven and pan:

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray

Soften the vegetables:

Sauté celery, onion, and carrots in a skillet with a little butter or oil for 5 to 7 minutes until they start to become tender but still have some crunch

Mix the creamy sauce:

Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, thyme, pepper, and salt until completely smooth

Combine everything:

Fold the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables into the sauce mixture until evenly coated

Spread into the dish:

Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer

Prepare the topping:

Mix the stuffing mix with melted butter and chicken broth until every piece is evenly moistened but not soggy

Top it off:

Sprinkle the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer, covering it completely

Bake until golden:

Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges

Let it rest:

Allow the casserole to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely

Save

This recipe has become my go-to for new parents and anyone needing a meal they can just heat up and eat. Something about that golden crust peeking through the foil makes people feel genuinely cared for.

Making It Ahead

You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.

Customization Options

Sometimes I swap in turkey or even ham depending on what I have on hand. Frozen peas or green beans can be stirred in with the vegetables if you want to sneak in more nutrition without changing the comfort factor.

Serving Suggestions

A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Cornbread or dinner rolls round out the meal if you are feeding teenagers or anyone who needs extra carbohydrates.

• Warm the plates before serving to keep each bite hotter longer
• Extra cracked black pepper on top adds a nice restaurant style finish
• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in the microwave

Save

There is something profoundly satisfying about a casserole that brings everyone to the table without any fuss.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, this dish is perfect for using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply dice or shred the meat and fold it into the creamy vegetable mixture.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.

→ Can I substitute turkey for chicken?

Absolutely. Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this casserole, making it an excellent choice for post-holiday meals. The flavor and texture remain just as satisfying.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Alternatively, freeze baked portions in individual containers.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Frozen peas work beautifully as suggested. You can also add green beans, corn, or mixed vegetables. Sauté them briefly with the celery and onions for even cooking.