Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Recipe

When I’m looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings the whole family together, nothing beats a hearty Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. This one-dish wonder combines tender, seasoned chicken with fluffy stuffing and a creamy sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Let me share my foolproof recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen and will surely become one in yours too.

What is Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a beloved American comfort food dish that layers seasoned chicken with herb-infused stuffing mix and a creamy binding sauce. This hearty casserole transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s reminiscent of a complete Thanksgiving dinner, but simplified into one convenient dish.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. Unlike traditional stuffing that requires careful timing and multiple components, this version uses convenient stuffing mix that absorbs all the delicious flavors while baking. The result is a golden, bubbling casserole with layers of texture and taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients List for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 box (6 oz) herb-seasoned stuffing mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Cook Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect Chicken and Stuffing Casserole requires layering flavors and textures thoughtfully. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
• This ensures easy serving and prevents sticking.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
• The chicken will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t worry if it’s slightly underdone at this stage.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add diced onion and celery.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes.
• This step builds the flavor foundation for your casserole.

4. Prepare the Creamy Base:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream.
• Whisk until smooth and well combined.
• Add dried sage and thyme to the mixture.
• This creamy base will keep your casserole moist and flavorful.

5. Prepare the Stuffing:

• In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with melted butter.
• Add ½ cup of hot water and mix gently with a fork.
• Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the stuffing to absorb the liquid.
• The stuffing should be moist but not soggy.

6. Assemble the Casserole:

• Spread the cooked chicken and vegetables evenly in your prepared baking dish.
• Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chicken layer.
• Top with the prepared stuffing, spreading it evenly across the surface.

7. Bake to Perfection:

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Substitutions and Variations

I love how adaptable this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole recipe is. Here are some substitutions and variations I’ve tried that work wonderfully:

• Protein Options: Replace chicken with turkey, pork tenderloin, or even cooked sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth, cream of mushroom soup, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Stuffing Variations: Try cornbread stuffing mix for a Southern twist, or wild rice stuffing for a more rustic texture.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap cheddar for Swiss, Gruyère, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor notes.
• Soup Substitutes: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken for variety.
• Fresh Herb Option: Replace dried herbs with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped sage and thyme for a more vibrant flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Through years of making this casserole, I’ve learned to avoid these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the Chicken Initially: Remember, the chicken will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t fully cook it in the skillet.
• Too Wet Stuffing: If your stuffing is too moist, it will become soggy. Add liquid gradually until it’s just moist enough to hold together.
• Skipping the Rest Period: Don’t skip the 5-minute rest after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.
• Not Seasoning Each Layer: Season the chicken, vegetables, and even the stuffing separately for maximum flavor impact.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Let your soup mixture come to room temperature before assembling to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This casserole is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, but I like to round it out with complementary sides. I typically serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also make excellent vegetable accompaniments.

For beverages, I find that a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy, herb-flavored dish. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling apple cider or iced tea with lemon provides a refreshing contrast.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

To elevate the presentation of your casserole, consider these simple but effective ideas:

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the golden top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Individual Portions: Divide the mixture into individual ramekins for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
• Colorful Vegetables: Add diced red bell pepper to the vegetable mix for extra color that shows through the golden stuffing.
• Crispy Topping: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra crunch.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are my top tips for casserole success:

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Portion Control: This recipe serves 6-8 people generously, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Texture Balance: For extra texture, add ½ cup of toasted nuts like pecans or almonds to the stuffing layer.
• Moisture Control: If your casserole seems dry, add an extra ¼ cup of chicken broth to the creamy mixture.
• Crispy Bottom: For a slightly crispy bottom layer, place the baking dish on the lower oven rack for the last 10 minutes of cooking.

How to Store Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Proper storage is key to enjoying leftovers safely and deliciously. Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating, which should happen within 2 hours of cooking for food safety.

Transfer leftover portions to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh stuffing instead of boxed mix?
A: Absolutely! Use about 4 cups of prepared fresh stuffing. You may need to adjust the liquid content slightly since fresh stuffing varies in moisture.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved, but the oven method maintains better texture.

Q: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Layer ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The texture will be different but equally delicious.

Q: How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
A: The internal temperature should reach 165°F, the top should be golden brown, and it should be bubbling around the edges.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach work well. Just make sure to cook any vegetables that release water before adding them to prevent a watery casserole.

Q: Is it normal for the stuffing to get a little crispy on top?
A: Yes! A lightly crispy, golden top is actually desirable and indicates perfect doneness.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole has become one of my go-to recipes for good reason. It combines all the comfort of a traditional holiday meal in one convenient dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. The layers of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, creamy sauce, and herb-seasoned stuffing create a harmony of textures and tastes that satisfy both kids and adults alike.

What I love most about this recipe is its forgiving nature and adaptability. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing meals for the week, or need to feed a crowd, this casserole delivers every time. The make-ahead capability makes it even more valuable for busy schedules.

I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own with the variations and tips I’ve shared. Once you experience the warmth and satisfaction of this homestyle casserole, I’m confident it will earn a permanent place in your recipe collection. Happy cooking, and enjoy every comforting bite!