Why You Should Make This Recipe
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a warm and filling meal that brings comfort food to the table with ease. This dish is versatile, simple to prepare, and loved by many. Whether you serve it to your family on a busy weekday or offer it to guests at a gathering, this casserole fits right in. It combines shredded chicken, creamy soup, and savory stuffing into a delightful baked dish.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the use of common ingredients you might already have at home. It takes less than an hour from start to finish and offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to create a hearty meal from scratch, this recipe will be a game changer.
When you prepare this casserole, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating an experience. The smell that fills your kitchen as it bakes will have everyone eagerly awaiting their first bite. Plus, it’s easy to make adjustments to accommodate different dietary needs or personal preferences. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish, so you can enjoy a true comfort food delight.
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Making Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is straightforward and does not require any expert cooking skills. It involves just a few steps to combine your ingredients and let the oven do most of the work. Follow these easy directions, and in no time, you’ll be enjoying a warm casserole straight from the oven.
Ingredients
To make this delightful casserole, you will need:
- 2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or baked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking your casserole, ensuring it cooks evenly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. Greasing the dish helps prevent the casserole from sticking and makes serving easier.
Mix the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir these ingredients together until they are smooth and well blended. You want this mixture to have a creamy consistency.
Spread the Chicken Mixture: Once mixed, spread the chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer forms the hearty base of your casserole.
Prepare the Stuffing: Now it’s time to work on the stuffing. Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package directions. However, use slightly less water than instructed to avoid making the stuffing soggy. This will help keep the final casserole from becoming mushy.
Layer the Stuffing: Spoon the prepared stuffing over the chicken mixture, evenly covering the top.
Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter across the stuffing. This gives the casserole a golden finish when baked, making it appetizing and delicious.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes. You want to bake until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. This step ensures that all the flavors meld together nicely.
Cool Before Serving: Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set and results in a better texture.
How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Serving Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is as simple as slicing it into squares and placing them on plates. You can pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you like, consider offering additional sides like garlic bread or a light vinaigrette salad to complement the richness of the casserole.
For a cozy family dinner, simply set the casserole on the table with serving utensils, allowing everyone to help themselves. It is also a hit at potlucks or family gatherings, as it is filling and can easily be doubled or halved for larger or smaller groups.
How to Store Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Storing leftovers from Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is easy. If you have any leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Alternatively, you could cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. In the freezer, it can last for up to 2–3 months.
Tips to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your casserole greatly depends on the quality of your chicken and soup. If you can, use homemade chicken broth and high-quality cream of chicken soup for richer flavors.
Season to Taste: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. They enhance the flavor. Taste the chicken mixture before spreading it in the baking dish, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add Veggies for More Nutrition: You can mix in some frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots into the chicken mixture. This adds nutrients and makes the dish colorful.
Experiment with Flavor: Want a little different taste? Consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the chicken mixture or stuffing for extra flavor.
Use Leftover Turkey: If you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal, you can easily substitute that for chicken. It adds a nice holiday flavor to the dish!
Variations
There are many ways to customize Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Here are a few variations you might consider:
Cheesy Version: Add a cup of shredded cheese to the chicken mixture for a cheesy twist. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese could enhance the flavor.
Different Soups: Instead of cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a change in flavor.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and mix in your favorite vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
While this recipe uses shredded cooked chicken, you can use uncooked chicken. Ensure it is fully cooked before serving. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
3. Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze leftover casserole. Just make sure to cover it well. For best results, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
By following this simple yet delicious recipe for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, you can create a satisfying, hearty meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the comforting flavors and easy preparation of this incredible dish!
Dolly's Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the stuffing mix according to package directions with slightly less water.
- Spoon the prepared stuffing over the chicken mixture.
- Drizzle melted butter over the stuffing.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.