Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Chicken Stuffing Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, blending savory chicken, flavorful stuffing, and a creamy sauce into one irresistible dish. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that brings the cozy flavors of a holiday feast to your table any night of the week. Best of all, it comes together with minimal effort and pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a game-changer for busy families and anyone craving a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
- Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Quick Preparation: You can have this casserole prepped and in the oven in just about 15 minutes.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce is pure comfort in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: This is a dish that kids and adults alike will devour, making dinnertime a guaranteed success.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Chicken Stuffing Casserole is its simple ingredient list. You probably have most of what you need already!
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver here.
- Boxed Stuffing Mix: A 6-ounce box of your favorite brand, like Stove Top, works perfectly.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This creates that classic creamy, savory sauce.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness that balances the flavors. You can also use Greek yogurt.
- Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the chicken flavor.
- Mixed Vegetables: A bag of frozen mixed peas and carrots adds color, nutrients, and texture.
- Melted Butter: Mixed with the topping for that golden, buttery crunch.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole is as easy as mix, layer, and bake. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix and the melted butter. Toss until the stuffing is evenly coated.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the stuffing topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Casserole
Want to guarantee a perfect casserole every time? Here are a few expert tips to elevate this simple dish.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole. You want the filling bubbly and the top golden. Overbaking can dry it out.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For the ultimate shortcut, a store-bought rotisserie chicken provides flavorful, moist meat with zero effort.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven lets it set, making it easier to serve.
Delicious Variations to Try
This Chicken Stuffing Casserole recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations.
- Add Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Swiss cheese blend into the chicken mixture for an extra cheesy dish.
- Different Veggies: Swap the peas and carrots for steamed broccoli, green beans, or sautéed mushrooms and onions.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or sage to the chicken mixture for a more traditional, holiday stuffing flavor. For a fresher taste, consider a delicious Tuscan-inspired butter bean addition.
What to Serve with Chicken Stuffing Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a simple weeknight meal, a fresh green salad or some steamed green beans is all you need. If you’re looking to round out the meal, try serving it alongside some roasted brussels sprouts with bacon or a light and refreshing cucumber caprese salad.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best parts about this easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole is that the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
- To Store: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave. For the best results, reheat the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, which helps the topping stay crisp.
- To Freeze: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, without the stuffing topping, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the buttered stuffing topping, sprinkle it over the casserole, and bake as directed, adding about 5-10 extra minutes.
Absolutely. You can make a simple homemade cream sauce by melting 3 tablespoons of butter, whisking in 3 tablespoons of flour, and then slowly whisking in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth or milk until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it completely but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.
There are many ways to customize this dish! Try adding a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the filling, swapping the mixed vegetables for broccoli or green beans, or adding herbs like thyme or sage for a more traditional flavor.
Any cooked chicken works well. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the quickest and easiest option. You can also use leftover baked or boiled chicken breasts or thighs.
More Hearty Casserole Recipes
If you loved this dish, you’ll want to try some of our other satisfying casseroles. This Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole is another family favorite that’s sure to please.
Enjoy Your Comfort Meal!
This Chicken Stuffing Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Chicken 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, chicken broth, thawed mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, toss the dry stuffing mix with the melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix over the chicken mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
