Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: A Remarkable Southern Classic

There’s just something magical about Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole. It’s warm, creamy, and feels like home in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of country music or just a lover of cozy food, this casserole is a go-to dinner that never fails. With tender chicken, a savory stuffing topping, and a creamy base that brings it all together, it’s no wonder this dish has become a family favorite across America.

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Looking for more weeknight comfort recipes? Don’t miss our creamy cheese chicken pasta another easy dinner winner.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole from scratch (or shortcut), what ingredients work best, and how to store or freeze it without losing flavor. We’ll also answer common questions like, “Can I use rotisserie chicken?” and “How do I stop the stuffing from getting soggy?”

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What Is Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?

The Southern Charm of Dolly Parton’s Famous Dish

When you think of Southern comfort food, Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole is right up there with biscuits and gravy. This dish is all about easy prep, hearty flavor, and zero stress. With a rich layer of shredded chicken and creamy soup topped with crispy stuffing, it’s the definition of “set it and forget it” goodness.

What Makes It Unique Compared to Other Chicken Casseroles?

What sets Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole apart is the stuffing yes, stuffing! Not noodles or rice, but golden, buttery stuffing baked right on top. It gives the dish a Thanksgiving-style vibe any time of year. The creamy filling usually comes from condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup, blended with sour cream or chicken broth.

That mix gets spooned over seasoned chicken and layered under stuffing before baking until it bubbles and browns. One bite, and you’ll see why this casserole has stood the test of time.

Want something with similar comfort vibes? Try our sausage lasagne soup it’s another warm, hearty favorite.

A Peek at the Original Dolly Parton Recipe

Dolly’s version of the dish has a few classic ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 package of stuffing mix
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Salt, pepper, thyme (optional)

Everything is layered into a casserole dish and baked at 350°F for about 40 minutes, until golden and bubbly on top. You can prep the whole thing ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Need more easy dinners with pantry ingredients? Check out this air fryer chicken breast for another quick chicken fix.

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Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Essential Ingredients in Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

At its core, Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole is a cozy, pantry-friendly recipe. You don’t need anything fancy just a few humble ingredients that bring big flavor:

Ingredient	Purpose
Cooked chicken	The hearty base shredded rotisserie or poached
Stuffing mix	Crunchy, herbed topping for texture and flavor
Cream of chicken soup	Rich, creamy layer to bind everything together
Sour cream	Adds tang and softness to the filling
Chicken broth	Moistens the stuffing and prevents dryness
Seasonings	Salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, parsley
Butter (optional)	Drizzled on top for a golden, crispy finish

Pro tip: If you’re trying to keep things simple, you can combine everything in a single bowl and then press it into your baking dish no layering needed.

Can You Use Rotisserie Chicken or Canned Chicken?

Absolutely. Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole is all about convenience. Here’s how each swap performs:

• Rotisserie Chicken – A great shortcut with tons of flavor. Just remove the skin and shred.
• Canned Chicken – Works in a pinch, but rinse and drain it well to avoid extra salt and metallic aftertaste.
• Leftover Turkey – A perfect post-holiday twist on this classic.

Looking for another easy rotisserie-friendly recipe? You might love our instant pot whole chicken that gives you leftovers for days.

Stuffing Mix Options: Stove Top vs Homemade

You can go store-bought or DIY both work beautifully.

• Boxed stuffing (like Stove Top): Quick, flavorful, and foolproof
• Homemade cornbread stuffing: Adds a rustic Southern twist
• Gluten-free stuffing: Works great with broth and herbs added in

No matter which you choose, keep your stuffing slightly dry before baking. It’ll soak up moisture from the casserole and turn golden, not mushy.

Want a fun twist on a bread base? Our high-fiber sourdough makes a flavorful homemade stuffing base.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepping the Chicken and Stuffing

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13” casserole dish.
2. Cook or shred your chicken. Poached, baked, or rotisserie all work well.
3. In a large bowl, mix the base:
   • 1 can cream of chicken soup
   • 1 cup sour cream
   • ½ cup chicken broth
   • Salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme, garlic powder)
4. Add shredded chicken and stir to combine.

Optional step: sauté onions, celery, or carrots for extra flavor and stir them in.

Layering the Casserole for Even Cooking

1. Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the casserole dish.
2. In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing mix using only half the recommended broth so it stays slightly dry.
3. Gently spoon the stuffing over the chicken mixture don’t pack it down.
4. Dot with a few pats of butter if desired.

Baking Tips for a Crispy Top and Moist Center

• Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35–40 minutes.
• If the top isn’t golden enough, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
• Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken the filling.

Want a crispy edge and creamy middle every time? Bake on the center rack and avoid overstuffing your dish. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Craving another crispy-yet-creamy bite? You’ll love our air fryer Brussels sprouts as a crunchy side dish.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

Can You Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, and that’s part of the charm. Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole is ideal for meal prep or holidays. You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

How to make it ahead:

• Assemble the full casserole (uncooked).
• Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• When ready, bake uncovered at 350°F add 10 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

How to Store and Reheat Without Drying It Out

Once cooked, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container:

• In the fridge: up to 4 days
• In the freezer: up to 3 months

To reheat:

• Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes
• Or bake covered at 300°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through

Tip: Add a splash of broth over the top before reheating to keep things moist and creamy.

Need a dessert that’s just as freezer-friendly? Try our indulgent tortilla cinnamon rolls they’re a cozy treat after a savory meal like this.

Freezing Instructions and Shelf Life Guidelines

To freeze uncooked:

• Assemble the casserole in a foil pan.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap + foil.
• Label with date and instructions: “Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.”

To freeze cooked:

• Cool completely.
• Portion into airtight containers or wrap the whole thing.
• Reheat with a splash of broth or cream for best results.

Troubleshooting Common Casserole Issues

Why Is My Stuffing Soggy?

Stuffing can turn mushy if:

• You add too much broth
• You use pre-moistened stuffing + add more liquid
• You cover the casserole while baking (traps steam)

Fix it: Use less liquid in the stuffing prep, bake uncovered, and toast your stuffing mix first if needed.

Want crispy, golden results? Bake uncovered and give it a broil blast at the end.

How to Prevent a Watery or Runny Casserole

A watery Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole usually means:

• Your chicken was too wet (especially boiled or canned)
• You added too much broth or soup
• You didn’t bake it long enough to reduce excess moisture

Quick fixes:

• Drain and pat your chicken dry
• Reduce liquids slightly or skip the sour cream if using a thinner soup
• Bake longer to evaporate moisture (cover edges with foil if browning too fast)

Fixing Overcooked or Dry Chicken

Dry chicken usually means:

• It was already dry when added
• You overbaked the dish

Prevention tips:

• Use dark meat or rotisserie chicken it’s more forgiving
• Always cover and store leftovers with added moisture (like broth or butter)

Try pairing your leftovers with something juicy like our pickle ranch pizza for a flavor-packed combo.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Perfect Sides to Serve with Chicken and Stuffing

This casserole is rich, so pair it with something bright or crunchy:

• Steamed green beans or roasted carrots
• Apple walnut salad
• Cranberry sauce (especially around the holidays)
• Fresh slaw with a vinegar dressing
• Checkerboard salad for a fresh pop of color and texture

Want to go all-in? Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or with a side of our butternut squash soup.

Delicious Add-ins: Veggies, Cheese, or Bacon?

Yes, yes, and yes. This dish plays well with upgrades:

• Veggies: mushrooms, peas, spinach, corn, or sautéed onions
• Cheese: shredded cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella folded into the chicken layer
• Meat upgrades: chopped bacon, leftover turkey, or ham work too

Making It Gluten-Free or Low-Sodium Friendly

• Gluten-free version: Use GF stuffing mix and check labels on soup/broth
• Low-sodium version: Use homemade cream soup and low-salt broth; skip boxed stuffing or use your own

FAQ Section

Conclusion: A Timeless Southern Favorite Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Whether it’s Sunday dinner, a holiday side dish, or a comforting meal after a long day, Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole hits the spot every time. It’s creamy, hearty, and comes together with ease just like the best comfort food should.

Ready to start your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole? Preheat your oven and get ready to fill your kitchen with cozy Southern aromas. This recipe will soon become a go-to in your home.

Looking for another crowd-pleaser? Don’t miss our ultra-flavorful instant pot beef brisket recipe for another warm, filling dinner that feeds a hungry crew.

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