Chicken casserole with stuffing is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful stuffing in one easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family favorite, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious chicken casserole with stuffing step-by-step.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Casserole with Stuffing
This casserole is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The chicken is juicy and tender, the creamy sauce adds richness, and the stuffing topping gives a crispy, savory crunch. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that uses pantry staples like canned soups and boxed stuffing mix, making it super convenient. It’s also versatile—you can use fresh or leftover chicken, add vegetables, and customize the seasoning to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients to get you started. You can adjust quantities depending on how many people you’re serving.
– 2 pounds chicken tenderloins or cooked shredded chicken
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup (optional for extra flavor)
– 1/4 cup milk
– 6-ounce box of chicken-flavored stuffing mix (Stove Top works great)
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– Optional: 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
– Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
– Butter (for cooking stuffing mix or sautéing vegetables)
– Optional: sautéed onions, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor
– Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken
If using raw chicken tenderloins, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. If you have cooked shredded chicken (like from a rotisserie), you can skip this step.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup (if using), and milk until smooth. If you want a richer casserole, you can add sour cream here as well.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
Place the chicken pieces or shredded chicken into the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated. If you want to add frozen mixed vegetables, stir them into the chicken and sauce mixture before spreading it in the dish.
5. Prepare the Stuffing Topping
In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth and butter to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the stuffing mix. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid and become fluffy. Alternatively, you can melt butter and toss it with dry stuffing mix without broth for a crunchier topping.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken and sauce mixture in the baking dish. For extra flavor, you can add a layer of shredded cheese between the chicken mixture and stuffing or on top of the stuffing.
7. Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-15 minutes until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy on top. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley if desired. When serving, scoop some of the creamy sauce from the bottom to drizzle over each portion for extra moisture and flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Casserole with Stuffing
– Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken works perfectly and saves time.
– Add vegetables: Frozen peas, carrots, or green beans add color and nutrition.
– Customize the stuffing: Try different stuffing flavors like herb, cornbread, or sausage stuffing for variety.
– Make it creamy: Adding sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce can make it extra rich.
– Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
– Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
– For gluten-free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and soups to adapt the recipe.
Variations to Try
– Cheesy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: Add shredded cheddar or provolone cheese inside and on top for a melty, cheesy delight.
– Vegetable-packed version: Sauté onions, celery, and mushrooms before mixing them into the chicken and sauce for extra flavor and texture.
– Cream of mushroom soup swap: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of celery or chicken for a different taste.
– Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce for a little heat.
– Healthy makeover: Use low-fat soups, reduced-sodium broth, and add more veggies to lighten the dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This chicken casserole with stuffing balances ease and flavor perfectly. The creamy soup base keeps the chicken moist, while the stuffing topping adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both filling and comforting, ideal for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit your pantry and preferences.
Enjoy making this classic comfort food that brings warmth and smiles to your table!
Chicken casserole with stuffing is a timeless dish that’s simple to prepare, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal with your loved ones.