This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a cozy dish packed with tender chicken and fluffy stuffing, all baked together in one pan. It’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner!
I love how everything cooks in the same dish, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, who can resist that delicious aroma while it’s baking? It’s pure comfort food! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken here. I often opt for rotisserie chicken because it saves time. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey works just as well! For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or cooked lentils instead.
Stuffing Mix: A box of herbed or seasoned stuffing is traditional, but you can make your own with day-old bread, herbs, and spices if you’re feeling adventurous! Gluten-free options are also available if needed.
Cream Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add creaminess. If you want a healthier twist, consider using homemade cream soups or a white sauce instead. Dairy-free options can be found too!
Sour Cream: This gives richness; Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. For dairy-free, use a plant-based yogurt that isn’t sweetened.
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Comes Out Perfectly?
Getting the right texture and flavor in your casserole is key. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great every time:
- Layering: Make sure to spread the stuffing mix evenly on the bottom and top. This helps it crisp up nicely.
- Moisture Balance: Ensure your chicken and soup mixture isn’t too dry. If it seems thick, add a bit more broth or sour cream.
- Golden Top: Drizzling melted butter over the stuffing mix promotes browning. Don’t skip this step!
- Check Doneness: The casserole should be bubbly and the top golden brown. If it’s browning too fast, cover it with foil for the last few minutes.
Follow these tips for a delicious casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (herbed or seasoned preferred)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken & Stuffing Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, making it a quick and satisfying meal for busy evenings. After adding everything to the casserole dish, you can relax while it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to keep the casserole from sticking. Get everything ready so you can mix it all together easily!
2. Mixing the Soup Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried parsley. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.
3. Adding the Chicken:
Next, fold in the diced or shredded cooked chicken and the chopped onion (if you’re using it) into the soup mixture. Make sure all the chicken is coated well with the creamy mix.
4. Assembling the Casserole:
Now, spread half of the stuffing mix evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. This will create a flavorful base for your casserole. Pour the creamy chicken and soup mixture over the stuffing layer, spreading it out evenly.
5. Topping it Off:
Sprinkle the remaining stuffing mix on top of the chicken mixture, covering it fully. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the stuffing to help it get nice and crispy while baking.
6. Baking:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. It’s done when it’s hot, bubbly, and the stuffing on top is golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
7. Serving:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly—this helps it set. Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley for a bit of color and freshness.
Enjoy this warm, comforting Chicken & Stuffing Casserole as a hearty dinner or bring it to share at your next potluck gathering. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully cooked before shredding or dicing. You can boil or bake it until cooked through, or for quicker results, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent the stuffing top from getting too dry.
What Can I Serve with This Casserole?
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is great on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies also complement this comforting dish nicely!
