If you’re craving something that wraps you in cozy comfort with every bite, then Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken paired with a golden, flavorful stuffing that soaks up all the savory goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special family gathering, this casserole is a heartwarming classic that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
To master Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe, you only need a handful of simple, staple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays an important role, from the succulent chicken adding protein and moisture, to the stuffing delivering texture and that irresistible herby flavor.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Use cooked, shredded or cubed chicken for tender, flavorful meat in every bite.
- Stuffing mix: Whether homemade or store-bought, it provides that classic, comforting base for the casserole.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the casserole together perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the savory taste and keeps the stuffing moist and fluffy.
- Butter: Brings a luscious richness that melds all the flavors beautifully.
- Onion and celery: Fresh aromatics that add crunch and brighten the overall flavor.
- Herbs such as sage or thyme: Infuse the dish with that classic poultry seasoning vibe.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken until it’s tender and easy to shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. You can boil, bake, or even use leftover roasted chicken—just make sure it’s nicely cooked as it’s the centerpiece of this casserole. This step ensures every mouthful has juicy, flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, gently cook diced onions and celery in butter until soft and fragrant. This not only adds wonderful aroma but also layers of subtle flavor that complement the richness of the casserole. This step is what makes Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe truly stand out with that fresh yet comforting profile.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and herbs. Season well with salt and pepper. This mixture will form the luscious, creamy filling that binds the chicken and stuffing together. Stir gently to blend all these delicious components.
Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing
Pour the stuffing mix into the filling mixture, tossing carefully to combine. The stuffing will soak up the savory liquid while still maintaining a delightful texture after baking. This is the magic of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe—juicy yet hearty in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly. This final step seals all the flavors together, delivering that iconic, comforting casserole texture you’ll adore.
How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a touch of crispy fried onions on top just before serving for an added pop of color and crunch. These simple garnishes elevate both presentation and flavor, making your casserole look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside some fresh steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or even roasted carrots. The freshness and brightness of vegetables balance the richness of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe beautifully, creating a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This charming presentation makes it perfect for dinner parties or family dinners, adding a rustic, homemade feel that guests will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully, so if you want to save some for later, just wrap it well or keep it in a freezer-safe dish. It’ll keep for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout—about 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the top nice and crispy, recreating that fresh-from-the-oven experience all over again!
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey works wonderfully and offers a slightly different flavor that pairs beautifully with stuffing in Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before mixing.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes really well. Just cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted squash and use vegetable broth. Just adjust the seasoning to keep that comforting essence Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is known for.
What type of stuffing mix is best?
Both homemade and store-bought stuffing mixes work great. Choose one with herbs you like, such as sage or thyme, which complement the chicken perfectly.
How do I avoid a soggy casserole?
Make sure not to add excess liquid, and bake uncovered so the top crisps up nicely. Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving also helps it set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the warm, comforting embrace of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe to brighten up your table and heart. It’s a recipe that feels like a hug in food form, easy enough for busy days but special enough to share with loved ones. Give it a try, and you might just find a new family favorite to cherish for years to come.
Print
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch pie crust
- Category: Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Graham Cracker Crust is a simple and delicious base perfect for pies and cheesecakes. Made from finely crushed graham crackers, sugar, salt, and melted butter, this crust is easy to prepare and can be baked or chilled, making it versatile for many dessert recipes.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11–12 sheets)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Crush Graham Crackers: Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar and salt to the graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and stir to cool slightly.
- Combine Butter and Crumbs: Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker mixture and mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together.
- Press Into Pan: Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a pie shell or springform pan to form an even crust.
- Chill Crust: Refrigerate the crust for at least 2 hours to set before filling.
Notes
- The crust can be prepared ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen until ready to use. Thaw completely before filling.
- To bake the crust, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool before adding filling.
