Welcome to the only Chicken and Stuffing Casserole recipe you’ll ever need. This dish is the epitome of comfort food—a warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. We’ve perfected this classic to be exceptionally easy, using simple ingredients to create a rich and creamy casserole with a wonderfully crisp, golden-brown stuffing topping. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, a potluck superstar, and a dish that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Get ready to make a meal your whole family will request again and again.
Whether you’re using leftover chicken or cooking it fresh, this recipe is designed for delicious simplicity. Let’s dive into creating this ultimate comfort classic.
Why This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a Must-Make
In a world of complicated recipes, this easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole stands out. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights and a reliable crowd-pleaser for gatherings. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Incredibly Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together in just minutes. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and savory stuffing is pure comfort. It’s a nostalgic dish that warms you from the inside out.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From a quick family dinner to a holiday side dish, this casserole fits seamlessly into any menu. It’s as versatile as it is delicious.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for making ahead. You can assemble it in the morning or the night before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
The Core Ingredients
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is the star. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, bake your own, or even use leftovers from a delicious roast chicken.
- Stuffing Mix: A box of your favorite savory stuffing mix, like Stove Top, creates that perfect crunchy and flavorful topping.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the secret to the ultra-creamy, savory sauce that brings the whole dish together.
- Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the sauce, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Chicken Broth: Used to moisten the stuffing and add another layer of savory flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter is mixed with the stuffing to ensure it gets perfectly golden-brown and crispy in the oven.
- Seasoning: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper is all you need to perfectly season the creamy chicken filling.
How to Make The Perfect Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
This is a simple, no-fuss process. Just follow these steps for a perfect casserole every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Casserole Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing Topping
In a separate medium bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the melted butter. Toss gently until the stuffing crumbs are lightly coated. Now, pour the chicken broth over the stuffing and mix until just moistened. You don’t want it to be soggy, just damp enough to bake up beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken filling in the casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the stuffing is golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Tips for Success
Want to guarantee your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t Over-mix the Stuffing: To keep the topping light and crisp, mix the stuffing until it’s just moistened. Over-mixing can make it dense.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since the ingredient list is simple, using a good quality cream of chicken soup and fresh sour cream makes a noticeable difference in flavor. For extra flavor, consider making your own slow cooker chicken breast to shred.
- Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add a cup of steamed vegetables like peas, carrots, green beans, or corn to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition and texture.
Delicious Variations
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Try one of these delicious variations to switch things up:
- Cheesy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese to the chicken mixture for an extra gooey, cheesy layer.
- Broccoli and Chicken Casserole: Mix in 1-2 cups of steamed broccoli florets with the chicken for a classic flavor combination. This is a great way to sneak in some greens!
- Mushroom and Swiss: Add 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese to the chicken filling for a savory, earthy twist. A similar flavor profile can be found in our crack chicken casserole.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli
- A Simple Garden Salad with Vinaigrette
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Cranberry Sauce for a holiday feel
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This casserole is just as good the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time if needed.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
FAQ
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
Absolutely! A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred the meat and you’ll have the perfect amount for this casserole.
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
The key is to mix the stuffing with the broth and butter until it is just moistened, not saturated. Baking it uncovered also allows the top to get wonderfully crisp and golden brown.
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a simple cream sauce by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisking in 3 tablespoons of flour, and then slowly whisking in 1.5 cups of milk or chicken broth until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix and melted butter. Toss to coat. Pour the chicken broth over the stuffing and mix gently until just moistened.
- Sprinkle the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set.
Notes
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
For a cheesy version: Stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture.
