Here is a big, detailed recipe post for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, crafted to feel like a beloved blog entry or a cherished family cookbook page.
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Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: A Warm Hug on a Plate
There are some meals that are more than just food; they are memories in the making. They are the scent that greets you at the door on a blustery autumn evening, the centerpiece of a comforting Sunday supper, and the dish that seems to make everything feel a little bit better. This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is exactly that kind of meal. It’s a rustic, no-fuss classic that has graced dinner tables for generations, combining simple, honest ingredients into something truly magical. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite person—reliable, soothing, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for those chilly nights when all you want to do is cozy up with the ones you love.
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A Slice of History: The Story Behind the Dish
While this recipe is lovingly named “Dolly’s,” its roots are firmly planted in the heart of American mid-20th-century home cooking. This was an era that celebrated convenience without sacrificing comfort. The rise of canned soups and boxed stuffing mixes in the 1950s and 60s gave busy homemakers a new kind of freedom. They could now create hearty, filling meals that tasted like they had been simmering all day, but in a fraction of the time. This casserole is a beautiful product of that time—a clever and delicious way to stretch a simple ingredient like chicken into a feast. It’s a tribute to the resourcefulness and love of home cooks everywhere, and “Dolly” could be anyone: your grandmother, a favorite aunt, or a kind neighbor who shared her secret to the perfect family dinner.
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The Benefits of This Beloved Casserole
Why has this dish stood the test of time? Beyond its incredible taste, it offers a wealth of benefits:
· The Ultimate Comfort Food: Its creamy, savory, and herby flavors are the very definition of comfort. It’s a palate pleaser for both children and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
· Simple & Budget-Friendly: This recipe relies on affordable, pantry-staple ingredients. It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it economical and practical.
· Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep work and simple steps, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights. You can have it assembled and in the oven in about 15 minutes.
· Deeply Satisfying: The combination of protein-rich chicken, creamy sauce, and carb-heavy stuffing creates a balanced and filling meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.
· Endlessly Versatile: It’s a fantastic base recipe that welcomes customization. You can easily add vegetables, swap the protein, or adjust the flavors to your liking.
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The Complete Guide to Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
This detailed guide will walk you through every step to create the perfect casserole.
Ingredients
· For the Casserole:
· 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
· 1 box (12 oz / 340g) seasoned stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
· 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) condensed cream of chicken soup
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
· 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
· ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
· Optional Add-Ins:
· 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
· ½ cup diced celery or onion, sautéed until soft
· ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Equipment Needed
· 9×13 inch baking dish
· Medium mixing bowl
· Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (to melt butter)
· Whisk or fork
· Measuring cups and spoons
Detailed Instructions & Methods
1. Prepare for Comfort: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures an easy cleanup and perfectly browned edges.
2. Create the Creamy Base: In your baking dish, combine the can of cream of chicken soup and the chicken broth. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. For an even richer, tangier sauce, stir in the ½ cup of sour cream at this stage. This is the secret to that velvety texture.
3. Add the Star of the Show: Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the soup mixture. If you’re using any optional add-ins like sautéed veggies or thawed peas and carrots, scatter them over the chicken now. Give everything a gentle stir to lightly combine.
4. The Magic Stuffing Layer: In a separate medium bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the ½ cup of melted butter. Toss well with a fork until all the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and feel moist to the touch.
5. Assemble the Masterpiece: Evenly sprinkle the buttery stuffing mixture over the chicken and soup in the baking dish. Spread it out to create a uniform crust that will bake into a golden, crispy topping.
6. Rest and Absorb: Here’s a crucial step for the best texture: let the assembled casserole sit on the counter for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the stuffing to begin absorbing some of the liquid from the bottom, preventing a dry top and a soupy bottom.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the stuffing topping is a beautiful, crispy golden brown. If you’re adding shredded cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 5-7 minutes of baking.
8. The Final (and Most Important) Step: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up, making it easier to serve and ensuring every bite is perfectly cohesive.
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Serving Suggestions & Variations
· Serving: This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A side of steamed green beans, a bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some cranberry sauce would complement it perfectly.
· Turkey Time: This is an incredible way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Simply substitute the chicken for an equal amount of cooked, shredded turkey.
· Cream of Mushroom: For a different flavor profile, swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
· Herby Freshness: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley or sage into the stuffing mixture for a pop of freshness.
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Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used, add-ins, and portion sizes.
· Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
· Calories: 450-550
· Protein: 25-30g
· Fat: 22-28g
· Carbohydrates: 35-45g
· Fiber: 2-3g
· Sodium: High (due to canned soup and stuffing mix; using low-sodium options can reduce this)
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In Conclusion: A Dish Made for Sharing
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a testament to the beauty of simple cooking and the power of food to bring comfort and joy. It’s the dish you’ll turn to on a hectic Tuesday, the one you’ll bring to a friend in need, and the one your family will request time and time again. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s made with love.
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For the Lovers of Good Food
This recipe is dedicated to all the lovers of good food—the ones who believe that a shared meal is the simplest and most profound form of happiness. To the families gathered around the table, the friends sharing a laugh, and the individuals seeking a moment of cozy solitude. May this casserole bring you warmth, comfort, and a full heart. Now go on, get in the kitchen, and make some memories. You deserve this hug on a plate.