If there’s one dish that can bring a family together with nothing more than the smell drifting from the oven, it’s Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.
Rich, creamy, and packed with familiar flavors, this Southern classic isn’t just comfort food, it’s a warm invitation to gather around the table.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make it from scratch, how to give it even more flavor, and how to make sure the leftovers are just as good the next day.
Whether you’re new to the kitchen or just hungry for something cozy, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
Bringing Comfort to the Table with Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
I remember the first time I made Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole like it was yesterday. I’d just come back from a chilly Appalachian fall hike, and all I wanted was something warm and familiar.
This recipe reminded me of the Sundays I spent as a girl in my grandmother’s kitchen just outside Asheville, her oven humming, her house full of the savory smell of roasted chicken and buttery herbs.
She didn’t need fancy gadgets or gourmet spices. She just used what she had, and it always tasted like home. That’s exactly what Dolly’s casserole delivers: simplicity, warmth, and love in every bite.
It’s one of those dishes that instantly calms the chaos. You stir together cooked shredded chicken, creamy soup, a dollop of sour cream, and layer it under a golden crown of stuffing mix.
That stuffing, soft on the bottom, crisp on the top, makes it feel like Thanksgiving showed up early. This casserole doesn’t just fill you up, it warms the heart, too.
Why this chicken casserole never fails to please?
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is beloved for a reason. It’s rich without being fussy, hearty without being heavy, and uses pantry-friendly staples that just work together beautifully.
Even better, it’s endlessly adaptable. You can make it with rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or even give it a spicy twist like we did with our Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Crock Pot.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a bit of nostalgia, this dish always comes through. And it’s one of the few meals my picky eaters ask for seconds of without blinking.
Key Ingredients in Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
At its core, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a pantry-friendly dish that’s all about simplicity.
You won’t need anything fancy, just good, hearty ingredients that play well together and bring out that signature Southern flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked, shredded chicken: You can use poached breasts, rotisserie chicken, or leftovers from Sunday dinner.
- Cream of chicken soup: This adds body and depth, forming the creamy base that makes this casserole rich and satisfying.
- Sour cream: For tang and creaminess. If you’re out, plain Greek yogurt is a smart swap.
- Stuffing mix: A key player. It soaks up the flavors and bakes into a tender, buttery topping.
- Chicken broth: This keeps the stuffing moist and helps blend everything beautifully.
Together, these ingredients create a layered chicken stuffing bake that’s both nostalgic and crave-worthy.
Want to sneak in some veggies? Chopped celery, onions, or even spinach work beautifully without changing the soul of the dish.
And if you love meals that use simple ingredients but deliver full-on flavor, don’t miss our creamy Hellmann’s Mayo Parmesan Crusted Chicken, it’s another low-effort, high-satisfaction weeknight hero.
How stuffing mix transforms the dish?
Let’s talk about the stuffing: it’s the real magic in this chicken and stuffing casserole. The pre-seasoned stuffing mix absorbs just enough broth to stay soft underneath while crisping up beautifully on top.
It’s savory, herby, and gives that oven-baked golden finish we all love. Unlike homemade dressing that can take hours, this shortcut is fast and flavorful, exactly what makes a Dolly Parton casserole so popular.
It’s this stuffing that turns a handful of everyday ingredients into something that feels like a holiday meal.
And if you’re craving a one-dish wonder that bakes up with zero fuss, this one’s your winner.
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole at Home?
Making Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole couldn’t be easier, and that’s exactly why it’s a weeknight favorite. You don’t need to sauté, simmer, or stand over the stove.
It all comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup just as comforting as the meal itself.
Here’s how to build this classic chicken and stuffing bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken, 1 can cream of chicken soup, ½ cup sour cream, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Evenly spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, mix your stuffing (about 6 oz. of boxed stuffing mix) with 1½ cups warm chicken broth until it’s moistened but not soggy.
- Spoon the stuffing over the chicken mixture and gently spread it out to cover the entire surface.
This method ensures every bite of this Dolly Parton casserole has that perfect balance of creamy base and flavorful, textured topping. Want a touch of green? Fold in a handful of thawed frozen peas or chopped broccoli for a family-approved twist.
For even more easy one-pan dinners, don’t miss our flavorful Chicken and Gravy Crockpot, a great example of set-it-and-forget-it cooking with the same heartwarming results.
Baking tips for texture and flavor
Once your casserole is assembled, bake it uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. If your oven tends to cook hot, start checking at 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Want that topping extra crispy? Broil during the final 2 to 3 minutes for a golden top, but watch closely to prevent burning. You’re aiming for golden, not burnt.
For a little extra flavor, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese over the stuffing before baking. It melts into the cracks and adds richness without overpowering the classic taste.
By the time it comes out of the oven, your kitchen will smell like a Southern holiday dinner, no matter what day it is.
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Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole 2025
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This easy, comforting Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole blends shredded chicken, creamy soup, and a golden stuffing topping. It’s the perfect Southern-inspired one-dish meal for busy nights or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1/2 cup sour cream
6 oz stuffing mix (boxed)
1 1/2 cups warm chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, herbs like thyme or sage, sautéed onions or celery
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine stuffing mix with warm broth until just moistened.
5. Spoon stuffing mixture evenly over chicken layer.
6. Optional: Add cheese or butter pats on top.
7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a crispier top, broil the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
Add frozen peas or spinach for extra vegetables.
Can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Tips to Boost Flavor and Texture in Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Even though Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole shines with just a few ingredients, it’s easy to give it a flavor upgrade using common pantry items.
If you’re the kind of cook who likes to make a recipe your own, these ideas will take your chicken stuffing bake from great to unforgettable.
- Add shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mild mozzarella melts beautifully into the chicken layer and adds richness.
- Stir in sautéed onions or celery: These classic stuffing add-ins bring a fresh, homemade feel to the boxed mix.
- Use garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary: a light sprinkle of herbs adds depth to this Dolly Parton casserole without overshadowing its classic comfort.
You can also swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different twist, just like we explore in our Hellmann’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, which proves just how transformative small swaps can be.
Getting that golden, crispy topping just right
The crown jewel of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is that crunchy, buttery stuffing topping.
Here’s how to make sure it turns out perfectly:
- Moisten the stuffing mix carefully – Use warm broth, and mix gently until the bread is just damp. Too wet, and it’ll turn mushy.
- Dot with butter before baking – Dotting a few small pieces of butter on top helps create golden, crispy edges and adds rich, irresistible flavor.
- Finish with a broil – The last few minutes under the broiler can take your casserole from soft to crisp perfection, just don’t walk away while it’s under heat.
For more ways to make oven-baked dishes shine, check out our One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, where one dish delivers layers of rich flavor with minimal cleanup.
With these simple tweaks, your chicken and stuffing casserole will go from basic to best-in-show, and your family might just ask for it every week.
Storage Tips for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, you’ll be glad to know they store beautifully.
In fact, some folks swear it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.
Refrigerator
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The stuffing layer may soften slightly, but the flavor holds up wonderfully.
Freezer
Want to make a double batch of this chicken stuffing bake for later? You can! Let the casserole cool down fully before freezing.
Once cooled, either wrap it tightly with foil and then plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To freeze unbaked, assemble the casserole without baking it, then freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, transfer the casserole to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, bake it as you normally would.
If you’re looking for other make-ahead heroes, our Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta also freezes well and brings a creamy comfort similar to this Southern classic.
How to Reheat Your Casserole Without Losing Moisture?
The key to reviving a leftover Dolly Parton casserole is adding a touch of moisture back into the dish before reheating.
Oven method
Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and reheat at 325°F for around 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a creamier texture, drizzle a few tablespoons of broth over the casserole before covering and reheating. This helps restore moisture and keeps it from drying out.
Microwave method
For quick reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot all the way through.
Again, a splash of chicken broth helps keep the stuffing from drying out.
Need a light side to pair with reheated casserole? The crisp greens and zesty dressing in our Chick-fil-A Kale Salad make the perfect contrast.
With proper storage and a few quick tricks, your chicken and stuffing casserole will taste just as comforting the second time around.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole vs. Dolly’s version
If you’ve heard the term “Million Dollar Chicken Casserole,” you might be wondering how it stacks up to Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.
While they share some comforting traits, creamy chicken filling, oven-baked goodness, they’re not quite the same dish.
The Million Dollar version typically includes cream cheese, sour cream, and Ritz cracker topping, giving it a richer, tangier profile with a buttery crunch. It’s decadent, for sure.
What sets Dolly’s version apart is its down-home simplicity, comforting, no-fuss, and full of flavor.
It uses stuffing mix instead of crackers and keeps the ingredients minimal, yet deeply satisfying, like our homespun Southwest Chicken Salad, it proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something craveable.
Conclusion
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is more than just a recipe, it’s a warm memory, a weeknight lifesaver, and a reminder that simple ingredients can make magic.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this classic Southern dish delivers comfort and flavor every time. With just a few tweaks, pantry upgrades, and make-ahead tips, you can serve up something that tastes like home, no matter how busy life gets.
So don’t wait, bake it, serve it up, and savor every warm, creamy, golden bite with the ones you love.
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FAQs About Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
What can I add to chicken casserole to make it taste better?
To boost flavor, add shredded cheese, chopped sautéed onions, or a few pinches of herbs like thyme, sage, or garlic powder. A splash of broth in the stuffing adds depth, while butter on top gives it a golden finish. You can even layer in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
What are the ingredients in Dolly Parton’s 5 chicken casserole?
The 5-ingredient version of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole keeps things super simple: cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, stuffing mix, and broth. It’s a shortcut recipe that still delivers on flavor and is ideal for busy weeknights.
Do you put the stuffing in the chicken before cooking?
Not in this recipe. Unlike traditional holiday stuffing, this chicken stuffing bake layers the stuffing on top of the casserole instead of inside the bird. It’s baked uncovered to get that crisp, golden topping we all love, much easier and safer than stuffing poultry directly.
What is a million dollar chicken casserole?
It’s a rich, creamy casserole made with cream cheese, sour cream, and sometimes cottage cheese, topped with buttery crackers instead of stuffing. It’s a cousin to Dolly’s casserole, but where Dolly’s dish is comforting and homestyle, the million dollar version leans into indulgence. Both are delicious in their own way.