Introduction

When it comes to Southern comfort food, few names resonate more than Dolly Parton. Known not just for her legendary music but also for her warm heart and down-home charm, Dolly’s cooking is just as iconic. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is one of those treasured dishes — a creamy, savory, and satisfying classic that brings people together around the table.

Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this dish delivers rich flavor, tender chicken, and that nostalgic stuffing goodness all baked into one casserole dish. And yes, it’s beginner-friendly, too!

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie works great)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup (or mushroom if preferred)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Stuffing Topping:

1 (6 oz) box of stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cups hot water (for stuffing prep)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, chicken broth, diced onion, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of your greased baking dish.

Step 4: Mix the Stuffing

In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with hot water and melted butter. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the stuffing can absorb the liquid and fluff up.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Evenly spoon the stuffing over the chicken mixture. Spread it out without pressing it down too much to keep a fluffy texture. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the stuffing is golden on top.

Variation:

Cheesy Version: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the chicken mixture.
Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans to the chicken mixture before baking.

Spicy Kick: Toss in a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
Turkey Option: Great way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken!

COOKING Note:

Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before assembling the casserole. Rotisserie chicken works wonders and adds extra flavor. Letting the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely for serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Pair with green beans or roasted carrots for a classic Southern spread.

A scoop of cranberry sauce on the side adds a delightful tart contrast.

Tips:

If you’re making this ahead of time, assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
To freeze: assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour, covered with foil.

Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresher flavor profile.
You can double the recipe easily for a crowd.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

45 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 8 servings):

Calories: 410

Protein: 24g
Sodium: 980mg
Carbohydrates: 28g

Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 3g

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.

Q: What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom or another can of cream of chicken soup.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Assemble and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Q: Can I use fresh stuffing instead of boxed mix?
Definitely! Just make sure it’s fully moistened before layering it on top.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep for 3–4 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is more than just a meal — it’s a heartfelt hug in casserole form. With its creamy, savory layers and crunchy, buttery stuffing topping, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in Southern kitchens. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just indulging in some solo comfort food, this dish is bound to become a repeat favorite.

Warm, nostalgic, and oh-so-easy to whip up — this is Dolly-approved comfort food at its finest. 💛