Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: 15 Min Prep

Oh, hello there! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for that perfect, soul-warming meal, and let me tell you, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is it! This dish is pure comfort in a pan – incredibly easy to throw together, ridiculously delicious, and always a hit. It’s one of those recipes that just makes you feel good, and I’ve been making it for years!

Why You’ll Love Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Seriously, this casserole is a winner! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

• Quick and Easy Preparation: You won’t spend hours in the kitchen! This comes together in about 15 minutes of prep.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: It’s that perfect blend of savory chicken, creamy soup, and delicious, buttery stuffing. Pure comfort food!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you need a go-to for Thanksgiving, this casserole fits right in.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Alright, let’s get everything ready to make magic happen! You’ll need some cooked chicken, creamy soups, milk, onion, celery, salt, pepper, butter, and that all-important stuffing mix. Plus, we’ve got a couple of optional goodies to make it extra special!

The Chicken Base

Start with about 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Then, grab a can of condensed cream of chicken soup, half a cup of milk, a little chopped onion and celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is the creamy, savory heart of our casserole!

The Savory Stuffing

For that amazing topping, you’ll need half a cup of melted butter and one 6-ounce package of dry herb-seasoned stuffing mix. Just toss them together – it’s super simple but makes all the difference!

Flavor Enhancers and Optional Additions

A little chopped pimento adds a pretty pop of color if you have it, but it’s totally optional. We’ll also need a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and a quarter cup of water for the topping. And for that cheesy finish? A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese is pure heaven!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Alright, let’s get this amazing casserole into the oven! It’s really just a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a bubbling, golden dish of pure comfort. Trust me, the smell alone will make your house feel like home!

Preparing the Casserole Layers

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 175 Celsius). While that’s heating up, get a 9×13 inch baking dish ready – just give it a quick grease. Now, in a big bowl, mix up your shredded chicken with the cream of chicken soup, milk, onion, celery, pimento (if you’re using it!), salt, and pepper. In another bowl, toss that stuffing mix with the melted butter until it’s all coated. We’re going to spread about half of that buttery stuffing mixture right on the bottom of your greased dish. That’s our first layer of yummy!

Assembling and Baking Your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Okay, now pour that delicious chicken mixture right over the stuffing layer in the pan. Make sure it’s spread out evenly. Then, spoon the rest of that buttery stuffing mixture on top of the chicken. It’s going to get wonderfully golden and crisp! For the topping, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and the water in a little bowl until it’s smooth, then pour that evenly over the stuffing. Cover the whole thing tightly with foil and pop it into that preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that, take the foil off and let it bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is that gorgeous golden brown and you can see it bubbling around the edges. That’s when you know it’s ready!

Finishing Touches and Resting

If you’re adding that cheesy goodness, now’s the time! Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking. It’ll get all melty and delicious. Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in right away! Let it stand for about 5 to 10 minutes. This really helps everything set up nicely, so you get those perfect, distinct layers when you serve it. It’s worth the wait, I promise!

Tips for Mastering Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Want to make this casserole absolutely perfect every single time? It’s pretty simple, but a few little tricks really make a difference. These tips will help you get that amazing flavor and texture we’re all after!

Choosing the Right Chicken

Honestly, using pre-cooked chicken is a lifesaver. Rotisserie chicken is my absolute favorite because it’s already seasoned and super tender. It just makes getting this casserole ready so much faster and adds a lovely depth of flavor. For more chicken recipes, check out our easy chicken tacos or our melt-in-your-mouth chicken breast.

Achieving the Perfect Stuffing Texture

To get that stuffing topping nice and golden, make sure you really toss it well with the melted butter. Don’t skimp on the butter! Also, uncovering it for the last part of baking is key. That exposure to direct heat is what makes it get beautifully crispy and browned. You can find more baking tips on Pinterest.

Adding Extra Flavor and Texture

If you want to bump up the flavor even more, try using half-and-half instead of milk in the chicken mixture. It makes it extra creamy! And don’t be afraid to toss in some frozen peas or shredded carrots with the chicken mixture. It adds a nice little bit of freshness and color! For a similar flavor profile, try our creamy chicken noodle soup.

Serving and Storing Your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This casserole is so hearty and satisfying, it’s almost a meal on its own! But if you want to round it out, I’ve got some easy ideas. And don’t worry if you have leftovers – this dish reheats like a dream!

Delicious Serving Pairings

Honestly, a big, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is just perfect alongside this. Or, you could steam up some green beans or Brussels sprouts. It really doesn’t need much else to be a complete meal! Our maple glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries would also be delicious sides.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Just let the casserole cool down completely, then pop any leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop a portion in the microwave until it’s warmed through, or for a crispier topping, cover it loosely with foil and warm it up in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Got questions about making this yummy casserole? I get it! It’s always good to know the little details. Here are a few things people often ask me:

Can I use fresh stuffing instead of a mix?

You sure can! If you’re making your own stuffing, just make sure it’s seasoned well and has a similar moisture level to the boxed kind. You might need to adjust the butter a little bit. It’s a fantastic way to make it even more like a homemade Thanksgiving recipe casserole!

What are good variations for this casserole?

Oh, the possibilities! For a real treat, try adding some frozen peas or carrots to the chicken mixture. You could even swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of celery or mushroom for a different flavor profile, getting closer to a chicken pot pie casserole with stuffing. And a little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese with the cheddar is yummy too!

Is this a good Thanksgiving Chicken Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! It’s one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes casseroles because it’s so comforting and satisfying, but it’s way easier than a whole roasted bird. It brings that cozy, homey flavor that everyone loves during the holidays. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a chilly Tuesday!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Just so you know, the nutritional info can change a bit depending on exactly what you use, but here’s a good ballpark for one serving of this delicious casserole. It’s got about 450 calories, 25g of fat (with 10g being saturated), 25g of protein, and 30g of carbs. It’s a hearty dish that really satisfies!

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