Description: A comforting and hearty casserole, perfect for a family dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful stuffing, and a creamy sauce into a single dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please. It’s an excellent way to use leftover chicken, especially rotisserie chicken, to create a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 box (6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and the flavors meld together properly.
Step 2: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and celery stalks. Sauté them until softened, about 5 minutes. Sautéing the vegetables first helps to release their natural flavors, which will enhance the overall taste of the casserole. Keep an eye on the vegetables to prevent them from burning, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. The sour cream adds a tangy richness to the sauce, while the garlic powder, pepper, and thyme contribute depth of flavor.
Step 4: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables into the creamy sauce. Ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, so every bite is flavorful. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin before shredding for a leaner option.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves combining the stuffing mix with hot water and melted butter. Follow the package directions closely to achieve the correct consistency.
Step 6: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the dish and makes it easier to serve. You can use cooking spray or butter to grease the dish.
Step 7: Spread half of the prepared stuffing mixture evenly on the bottom of the greased casserole dish. This creates a solid base for the creamy chicken mixture.
Step 8: Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over the stuffing layer, spreading it evenly. Make sure the chicken is distributed uniformly across the dish.
Step 9: Top with the remaining stuffing, ensuring it covers the entire chicken mixture. This forms a delicious, crispy topping that complements the creamy filling.
Step 10: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. The casserole should be heated through, and the stuffing should be slightly crispy on top.
Step 11: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Step 12: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful stuffing, and creamy sauce creates a symphony of textures and flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken, reducing food waste and turning it into a brand new, exciting meal. Using rotisserie chicken further simplifies the process, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The ease of preparation, with minimal steps and readily available ingredients, is another compelling reason to love this recipe. It’s perfect for novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. The casserole is also easily customizable; you can adjust the seasonings, add different vegetables, or substitute the cream of chicken soup with another creamy soup of your choice.
Finally, the casserole’s forgiving nature means that minor adjustments won’t significantly impact the outcome. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a quick and easy meal or a beginner eager to impress, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad.
- Pair with cranberry sauce for a festive touch, especially during the holidays.
- A simple side of mashed potatoes complements the casserole beautifully.
- Offer a warm, crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Serve with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or a small scoop of ice cream.
Tips:
- To prevent the stuffing from drying out, you can lightly spray the top with melted butter or chicken broth before baking.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, bake the casserole uncovered for the entire cooking time.
- Add different vegetables to the chicken mixture, such as peas, carrots, or corn, for added nutrition and flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- If you want a cheesy topping, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the stuffing during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings people together. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a perfect choice for any occasion, from busy weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce is a guaranteed hit, and the ease of preparation ensures that even novice cooks can create a masterpiece. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or add your own creative twists, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this classic dish, and savor the memories it helps create.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
- Yes, you can definitely substitute the chicken with other types of meat. Turkey works exceptionally well, especially after Thanksgiving. You could also use cooked ham or even shredded pork. Just make sure the meat is already cooked and shredded before adding it to the casserole.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze this casserole, but the texture of the sour cream might change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and then cover it with foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- I don’t have cream of chicken soup. Can I use something else?
- Certainly! You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with other cream-based soups like cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of potato soup. Alternatively, you can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.
- How can I make this recipe healthier?
- There are several ways to make this casserole healthier. You can use low-fat or fat-free sour cream. Opt for whole wheat stuffing mix for added fiber. Increase the amount of vegetables in the casserole by adding chopped broccoli, carrots, or peas. Using skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat will also reduce the fat content. Finally, you can reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe or substitute it with olive oil.
