If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a bear hug on a chilly evening, look no further than Chicken & Stuffing Casserole. This dish is a heartwarming combination of real comfort food staples: juicy chicken, creamy sauce, buttery stuffing, and a hint of vegetables for color and crunch. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with inviting aromas and makes gather-round-the-table moments absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck, Chicken & Stuffing Casserole always fits right in, and it’s as easy to make as it is to devour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can’t beat a recipe that’s both uncomplicated and full of cozy flavors! Every ingredient in Chicken & Stuffing Casserole has a purpose, adding to its creamy texture, savory taste, or golden-topped appearance. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Cooked chicken: Use freshly cooked, rotisserie, or leftover chicken; shredding or dicing lets the flavors blend beautifully in every bite.
- Cream of chicken soup: This classic ingredient brings smooth richness and binds everything together for a creamy base.
- Sour cream: Sour cream adds a subtle tang and even more creaminess, making every forkful extra luscious.
- Milk: Just a splash to loosen up the sauce and meld the flavors.
- Garlic powder: For that lovely background warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
- Onion powder: Enhances savory notes without extra chopping; this is your shortcut to great flavor.
- Black pepper: A pinch of pepper balances the richness and brightens the whole dish.
- Stuffing mix: The star topping! It crisps up beautifully and soaks up the savory broth for irresistible texture.
- Chicken broth: Fluffs up the stuffing and infuses an extra layer of chicken-y goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds golden color and boosts those cozy flavors in the stuffing.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (optional): A pop of color, flavor, and nutrition—totally customizable based on what your family loves.
How to Make Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple move ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes serving (and cleanup!) a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir it all together until the mixture is smooth—it should already smell amazing!
Step 3: Add Chicken and Vegetables
Fold in your cooked, diced or shredded chicken. If you’re adding frozen mixed vegetables, toss them in now too. Give everything a good mix so that every bite will have a bit of everything.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. This forms the hearty foundation, waiting for its stuffing crown!
Step 5: Prepare the Stuffing Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix, chicken broth, and melted butter. Mix gently until the liquid is absorbed and the stuffing is nice and fluffy—no dry bits left behind.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Spoon the fluffy stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken base. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it sets up perfectly!
How to Serve Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a crack of black pepper over the top of your Chicken & Stuffing Casserole makes it feel extra special. If you want a bit of color, some finely chopped chives or green onions add a lively freshness that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole is filling on its own, but teams up delightfully with a simple green salad, cranberry sauce, or roasted green beans. If you’re in the mood for serious comfort, serve with mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking Chicken & Stuffing Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party or portioning leftovers into lunch-friendly containers. For a fun family twist, scoop it into hollowed-out dinner rolls or stuff into bell pepper halves before baking to switch things up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Chicken & Stuffing Casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle overnight, making tomorrow’s bite even better!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use an airtight freezer container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual!
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for a quick lunch, or cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until piping hot. If the stuffing gets a little soft, uncover for the last few minutes to restore its delicious crunch.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday turkey. Just shred or dice the turkey as you would chicken, and follow the recipe from there.
What kind of stuffing mix should I use?
Any classic boxed stuffing mix will work beautifully here, whether it’s herb seasoned, cornbread, or even your favorite specialty flavor. Choose what you love or have on hand!
Can I make Chicken & Stuffing Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Is it necessary to use the frozen vegetables?
Nope, they’re totally optional! Without them, you’ll have a classic, plain Chicken & Stuffing Casserole. Feel free to mix in cooked broccoli, peas, carrots, or any favorite veggies if you want extra color and nutrition.
Can I use low-fat versions of the cream soup and sour cream?
You sure can. Light or reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and sour cream will also work, though the final casserole may be slightly less rich. The overall flavor and creamy texture will still shine!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Chicken & Stuffing Casserole—it’s easy to make, guaranteed to satisfy, and bursting with those nostalgic, home-cooked flavors we all love. Give it a spot on your dinner table and make some delicious memories!
