Easy Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Hey there, food lovers! I’m Anna, and I’m all about making everyday cooking feel a little less like a chore and a lot more like a cozy hug. You know, those days when you just want something delicious, comforting, and super easy to whip up after a long day? That’s exactly what I’m here for – sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make life easier and a whole lot tastier. My kitchen is my happy place, and I love bringing you dishes that taste like they took hours but are actually total weeknight heroes. Today, we’re diving into a real gem: Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that just makes everything feel right with the world.

Discover the Joy of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Seriously, this casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you just need a bowl of pure comfort. It’s got that creamy, savory chicken filling hugged by a perfect, golden stuffing crust. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles and empty plates. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation. It’s just so satisfying!

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

• Super Easy: Toss everything together in minutes, bake, and enjoy!
• Incredible Flavor: Creamy chicken, savory stuffing, and just the right seasonings.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, hearty, and tastes like a hug in a bowl.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any get-together.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Alright, let’s get down to business! The beauty of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is that it uses pretty standard pantry staples, but the magic really happens when you start with good quality ingredients. Think of this as your little culinary treasure hunt. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the whole process so much smoother, and trust me, it’s way more fun when you’re not scrambling for something at the last minute. So, let’s gather up everything we need to create this cozy masterpiece!

Essential Ingredients for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Here’s your shopping list for this delightful casserole. Make sure to grab these goodies:

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a total lifesaver here!)
• 1 box (6 oz) dry stuffing mix (your favorite kind works great)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste (don’t be shy!)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, but highly recommended for that stuffing topping!)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional, but adds a lovely pop of color)

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

So, let’s talk about a couple of these ingredients. For the chicken, I absolutely love using rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and seasoned, saving so much time. But if you have leftover baked or boiled chicken, that works perfectly too! Just shred it up. If you’re not a big fan of cream of chicken soup, you can totally swap it out for cream of mushroom soup – it gives it a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor profile. And for the stuffing mix, any savory-flavored dry stuffing mix will do the trick. Just make sure it’s the plain kind, not the herb-seasoned if you want to control the flavors yourself!

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

Alright, let’s get this comforting casserole into the oven! Making Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is honestly a breeze, and seeing it all come together is half the fun. We’re going to break it down into a few super simple steps, so you can whip this up without any fuss. Get your oven preheated and your baking dish ready – let’s get cooking!

Preparing the Casserole Base

First things first, grab a nice big bowl. We’re going to combine all the good stuff for the creamy chicken layer. Toss in your cooked, shredded chicken, the can of cream of chicken soup, and that dollop of sour cream. Give it all a good stir until it’s nice and smooth and everything is coated. Now, let’s add those flavor boosters: the garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all up really well. You want this chicken mixture to be evenly seasoned and creamy. Then, just spread this delicious mixture evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Easy peasy!

Creating the Savory Stuffing Topping

Now for that irresistible topping! In a separate medium bowl, dump in your dry stuffing mix. If you’re feeling a little extra, now’s the time to add those 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss it all around until the stuffing crumbs are nicely coated. This is where the magic really happens – gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go. You want the stuffing to be moist enough to hold together but not soggy. Think of it like damp sand, not a mushy mess. This little bit of moisture is key for that perfect texture when it bakes up golden and delicious.

Assembling and Baking Your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Okay, time to put it all together! You’ve got your creamy chicken base spread out in the dish, so now carefully spoon that moistened stuffing mixture right over the top. Spread it out as evenly as you can, covering all that yummy chicken underneath. Pop that dish into your preheated oven (remember, 350°F or 175°C). Let it bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for that stuffing topping to turn a beautiful golden brown and the casserole to be nicely bubbly around the edges. It smells amazing when it’s ready!

Tips for the Perfect Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Want to make sure your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is an absolute showstopper every single time? It’s really not complicated, but a few little tricks can make all the difference. I’ve learned a few things over the years that help ensure that golden crust and perfectly cooked center. These are the secrets that make this casserole truly shine!

Achieving Golden Brown Perfection

For that irresistible golden-brown topping, make sure your stuffing is nicely moistened with the broth before baking. If you added the optional butter, that helps a lot too! If your casserole is bubbling but the top isn’t quite golden enough, you can pop it under the broiler for just a minute or two – keep a super close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Ensuring Even Cooking

To make sure everything cooks evenly, try to spread both the chicken mixture and the stuffing topping into an even layer. Making sure the oven is fully preheated is also key. If your oven tends to run hot or cool, an oven thermometer can be a lifesaver!

Serving and Storing Your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Once your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is out of the oven and has had a moment to rest, it’s ready to be enjoyed! This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides really makes it a complete meal. And don’t worry if you have leftovers, because this casserole is just as delicious the next day!

Delicious Serving Suggestions

This creamy, savory casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or a side of roasted broccoli also make wonderful additions, adding a nice bit of color and freshness to the plate. Sometimes, I just love it on its own with a slice of crusty bread for soaking up any extra creamy goodness!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either pop a portion back into a moderate oven (around 325°F or 160°C) until heated through, or microwave it for a quick meal. If the stuffing topping seems a little dry after reheating, a tiny splash of chicken broth or water can help revive it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Got questions about whipping up this comforting Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole? I’ve got you covered! It’s a pretty straightforward dish, but a few common queries pop up, and I’m happy to share my tips. Let’s get all your baking questions answered so your casserole turns out perfectly every time!

Can I make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can totally assemble the casserole earlier in the day or even the night before. Just prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be starting from cold. If the stuffing topping looks a little dry after sitting in the fridge, just give it a quick spritz of cooking spray or a tiny drizzle of oil before baking!

What kind of chicken works best for this casserole?

My absolute favorite for this recipe is rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and super tender, plus it saves so much time! But honestly, any cooked chicken works beautifully. You can boil or bake chicken breasts or thighs until they’re cooked through, then shred or dice them. Even leftover roasted chicken from a previous meal is perfect. The key is just having about 4 cups of cooked chicken ready to go.

How can I make the stuffing topping crispier?

For that extra crispy stuffing topping, a couple of things can help! First, make sure you don’t over-moisten the stuffing mix with the broth – you want it moist, not soggy. Adding the optional 2 tablespoons of butter to the dry stuffing mix before adding the broth also gives it a lovely crispiness. If your casserole is bubbling and the chicken mixture is heated through, but the stuffing isn’t as golden and crispy as you’d like, you can always pop it under the broiler for a minute or two. Just watch it like a hawk so it doesn’t burn!

Nutritional Insights for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

While we’re all about delicious comfort food here, it’s always nice to have a general idea of what’s in our meals. This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is packed with flavor and goodness, making it a satisfying main course. Here’s a little peek at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Remember, these are just approximations, and your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on the specific brands you use!

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown

Here’s what you can expect in approximately one serving:

Calories	Approximately 450
Protein	Approximately 30g
Fat	Approximately 25g
Saturated Fat	Approximately 10g
Unsaturated Fat	Approximately 15g
Trans Fat	Approximately 0g
Carbohydrates	Approximately 30g
Fiber	Approximately 2g
Sugar	Approximately 5g
Sodium	Approximately 900mg
Cholesterol	Approximately 100mg

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

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