My grandma, bless her heart, wasn’t exactly a whiz in the kitchen. But every year, without fail, she’d make a chicken stuffing casserole for our big family Thanksgiving. It was simple, comforting, and always a hit, even if the stuffing was sometimes a little…crispy.
It wasn’t fancy, but it was *ours*. That casserole, with its creamy sauce and savory aroma, is forever linked to memories of laughter, loud conversations, and the feeling of being completely, utterly loved. It’s a taste of home, no matter where I am.
Now, I’ve taken her basic idea and given it a little modern twist, while still honoring the original spirit of that cozy, family favorite. I hope this recipe brings you as much warmth and comfort as it brings me. Did you know that you can elevate simple dishes like this chicken stuffing casserole and many others with minimal time in the kitchen? Check out this recipe for raspberry chocolate lasagna for more inspiration.
Why you’ll love this Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole with Chicken Stuffing Casserole
- It’s pure comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering.
- This chicken stuffing casserole is incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients.
- It’s a great way to use leftover cooked chicken.
- The creamy sauce and savory stuffing create a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
- You can easily customize this chicken stuffing casserole with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 cups prepared stuffing (use your favorite recipe or a store-bought version)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup melted butter (optional, for topping)
Directions
Step 1
Chicken stuffing casserole makes every moment feel satisfying. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in thyme and sage.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, stuffing, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
Step 4
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter, if desired.
Step 5
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden brown.
Step 6
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding different vegetables to the mix. Diced carrots, mushrooms, or even some frozen peas would work beautifully. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary or garlic powder, to customize the flavor to your liking.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture. Another option is to use a different type of cream soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. This will add a tangy flavor and reduce the fat content. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth to control the amount of salt in the dish.
Pairings
This Dolly’s chicken stuffing casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are also excellent choices.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the savory flavors of the chicken and stuffing perfectly. You could even add a cranberry sauce for a touch of tartness.
Looking for more inspiration? CookReel offers a fantastic christmas bars recipe; external link opens in a new tab, that would be a perfect sweet treat to follow this savory casserole.
Serving ideas
To make your chicken stuffing casserole look extra appealing, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. You can also garnish it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of melted butter. A sprinkle of paprika adds a pop of color.
For a more rustic presentation, serve the casserole directly from the baking dish. This is especially nice for casual gatherings. Alternatively, you can portion it out onto individual plates for a more elegant presentation.
If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting up a buffet-style spread with all the side dishes and garnishes. This allows your guests to customize their plates and enjoy the casserole exactly the way they like it.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover chicken stuffing casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to transfer it to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through.
You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven. Cover it with foil to prevent it from burning and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-ahead
This chicken stuffing casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will help it bake more evenly. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold.
You can also prepare the individual components of the casserole ahead of time. Cook the chicken, chop the vegetables, and prepare the stuffing. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
Common mistakes when making Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
- Using dry stuffing: Make sure your stuffing is moist enough before adding it to the casserole. If it seems dry, add a little more chicken broth.
- Overbaking the casserole: Overbaking can dry out the chicken and stuffing. Bake until heated through and the top is golden brown, but not too dark.
- Not seasoning properly: Don’t forget to season the chicken, vegetables, and stuffing with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Skipping the sour cream: The sour cream adds a creamy richness to the casserole that is essential for the overall flavor and texture.
- Using too much chicken broth: Adding too much chicken broth can make the casserole watery. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if needed.
Final notes
This Dolly’s chicken stuffing casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish. It’s a taste of comfort, a reminder of simple joys, and a celebration of togetherness. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it and make it your family’s new favorite.
Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free! Gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and enjoy the process. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me and my family.
So go ahead, give this chicken stuffing casserole a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s the perfect way to bring a little bit of Dolly’s down-home goodness to your own kitchen.
Loved this Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole? Try these next
- Raspberry chocolate lasagna recipe
- Christmas bars recipe
- Easy chocolate cake
- Lemon poppy seed muffins
- Apple cinnamon pancakes
Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
A comforting and hearty chicken and stuffing casserole inspired by Dolly Parton’s home cooking. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 cups prepared stuffing (use your favorite recipe or a store-bought version)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in thyme and sage.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, stuffing, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter, if desired.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden brown.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a crispier topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking. You can also add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to the skillet along with the onion and celery. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg