Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender, cubed chicken with creamy soups, savory vegetables, and a crispy stuffing topping. This hearty casserole is perfect for busy nights when you want something filling, easy, and family-friendly. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and golden-brown stuffing, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for any occasion.
- Comforting & Hearty – Packed with tender chicken and creamy goodness, this casserole is pure comfort food.
- Simple & Quick – With just a few ingredients and 30 minutes in the oven, this dish is both easy and fast to prepare.
- Family-Friendly – A dish that everyone will enjoy, especially with its combination of chicken and savory stuffing.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish – For baking the casserole to perfection.
- Mixing bowl – To combine the ingredients for the chicken mixture.
- Measuring cups – For accurate measurements of liquids and ingredients.
- Spoon or spatula – To mix and spread the casserole ingredients evenly.
Preparation Tips
- Use leftover chicken – This is a great way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken for a quick meal.
- Add extra veggies – If you like, you can add carrots or peas for extra texture and flavor in the casserole.
- Avoid overcooking the stuffing – Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes to ensure the stuffing gets golden and crispy without becoming dry.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 (6 ounce) package stuffing mix
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chopped celery, and chopped onion. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and stuffing mix. Stir until the stuffing is evenly coated with butter.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Sprinkle the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting, hearty dish with your favorite sides!
Serving Suggestions
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a delicious one-pan meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with several sides to round out the meal. Here are some great serving ideas:
- Crispy Green Salad – A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes – For an extra comforting touch, serve the casserole with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans add a savory contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Garlic Bread – A side of garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
- Steamed Asparagus – A simple, healthy side of asparagus adds both flavor and color to your meal.
- Cranberry Sauce – The tartness of cranberry sauce offers a delightful contrast to the savory casserole.
- Gravy – If you love extra richness, serve the casserole with a side of homemade or store-bought gravy.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad can offer a sweet and refreshing balance to the savory casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Chicken Mixture
- While it’s important to combine the ingredients well, be careful not to overmix the chicken and soup mixture. Overmixing can result in a mushy texture. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined.
- Not Greasing the Baking Dish
- Make sure to grease your 9×13 inch baking dish before adding the chicken mixture. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to serve.
- Underbaking the Casserole
- For a perfect casserole, make sure it bakes for the full 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. If the casserole isn’t fully baked, it might be too soft in texture.
- Not Tasting Before Baking
- Taste the chicken mixture before baking to check the seasoning. Depending on your taste, you may need to adjust with a little extra salt, pepper, or other seasonings.
- Using Cold Chicken
- Be sure to use fully cooked, warm chicken when preparing this casserole. Cold chicken can result in uneven cooking and a less flavorful dish.
- Skipping the Stuffing Topping
- The stuffing topping is what makes this casserole extra special, so be sure to spread it evenly over the chicken mixture. Don’t skip it, as it adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the dish.
8 Perfect Side Dishes
Here are 8 additional side dish ideas to elevate your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole experience:
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes – Crispy and flavorful, these potatoes complement the creamy casserole perfectly.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Cornbread – Soft, fluffy cornbread adds a Southern touch to the meal and is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
- Brussels Sprouts – Roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts bring a little bitterness and crunch that pairs nicely with the creamy casserole.
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Another comforting side dish, mac and cheese is a creamy complement to the casserole.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy, sweet, and savory, these fries balance the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Green Beans – Fresh and healthy, green beans are an easy and quick side that works well with the casserole.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing is always a great option to serve alongside the casserole.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
How to Store
- Cooling: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the dish soggy.
- Storing in the Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the casserole is fully cooled before sealing to maintain its texture.
- Storing in the Freezer: If you want to store it for a longer period, freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
How to Reheat
- In the Oven (Best Method): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If you like a crispy topping, uncover the casserole during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
- In the Microwave: To reheat individual servings, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute to avoid overheating.
- In the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of casserole in the air fryer basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on top.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Different Soups for the Base?
Yes! While this recipe calls for cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, you can substitute other soups based on your preference. For example, try using cream of celery, cream of onion, or even a cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
3. Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Just shred the chicken and use it in place of the cooked chicken in the recipe. It’s a great shortcut that will still give you a flavorful casserole.
4. How Can I Make This Casserole Creamier?
If you prefer an extra creamy casserole, you can add more sour cream or a bit of cream cheese to the mixture. You could also replace some of the cream soups with a creamy alfredo sauce for an even richer flavor.
5. Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein, like chopped mushrooms, lentils, or even tofu. Additionally, use a vegetable-based broth and veggie-friendly soups to replace the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups.
6. Can I Use Homemade Stuffing?
Definitely! If you prefer homemade stuffing over store-bought, feel free to make your own. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and toasted before adding it as the topping to ensure it becomes crispy in the oven.
7. How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure that the cream soups are labeled as gluten-free (many brands offer this option). You can also substitute the soups with a homemade gluten-free cream sauce or use coconut flour as a thickening agent.
8. Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to serve a larger group. Simply use a larger baking dish, such as a 12×18 inch pan, and extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes, checking to ensure the casserole is cooked through and bubbly in the center.
Conclusion
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you make it ahead of time, store it for later, or reheat it for leftovers, this casserole will keep you coming back for more. With its versatility and ease, you can tweak it to your liking and ensure that it’s always a hit at the dinner table.