This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners! It features tender chicken topped with flavorful stuffing, all baked together for a delicious meal.
It’s like a cozy hug on a plate! I love how easy it is to prepare—just mix, layer, and bake. You can even enjoy leftovers the next day, if there are any! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken breast. Leftover roast chicken works great here! If you’re vegetarian, you can replace chicken with chickpeas or a meat alternative.
Stuffing Mix: I prefer the herb-seasoned variety for extra flavor. If you can’t find stuffing mix, you can easily make your own from day-old bread seasoned with your favorite herbs!
Frozen Peas: Peas add a pop of color and sweetness. You can swap them for frozen corn or green beans if you prefer. Fresh vegetables also work if you want to get a little more fancy!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides a creamy base, but feel free to use cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor. For a healthier option, you can make homemade cream soup with flour, broth, and milk.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a fine substitute, giving a tangy taste while keeping it light.
How Do I Ensure the Stuffing is Perfectly Browned?
Getting that delicious golden-brown topping on your stuffing is all about moisture and heat. Here’s how to do it:
- After mixing the stuffing, use melted butter to moisten it evenly. This helps the top crisp up as it bakes.
- Spread the stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture without packing it down. This lets heat circulate around it.
- Lastly, a little extra drizzle of butter on top right before baking enhances browning and flavor!
Keep an eye on it while baking, and if it browns too quickly, cover it with foil until it’s cooked through.
Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 (6 oz) box of stuffing mix (e.g., herb seasoned bread stuffing)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Extras (Optional):
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken and Stuffing Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30–35 minutes to bake. So, in about 50 minutes, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready for the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your casserole to bake perfectly.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large bowl, blend the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream together until smooth. This mixture will make your casserole creamy and delicious!
3. Add the Chicken and Peas:
Next, add in the shredded or chopped cooked chicken and frozen peas. If you’re using onion and celery, toss those in too! Give everything a good stir so all the ingredients are combined well. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a bit of non-stick spray or oil. Then, spread the chicken and soup mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. This will be the tasty base of your casserole.
5. Prepare the Stuffing:
Now, follow the instructions on the stuffing mix box. Instead of water, use chicken broth to add extra flavor, and substitute melted butter for any other oils. Once it’s ready, sprinkle the stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
6. Drizzle with Butter:
For that golden crust, drizzle the remaining melted butter evenly over the top of the stuffing before putting it in the oven. This helps it brown nicely!
7. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the stuffing to be golden brown and the casserole bubbly.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
Enjoy this cozy and hearty Chicken and Stuffing Casserole served hot! It’s perfect for family dinners and is sure to bring smiles around the table.
Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this casserole. Just shred or chop it the same way you would with chicken, and follow the recipe as usual.
How Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure that the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth are also gluten-free. This ensures everyone can enjoy the dish!
Can I Assemble This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with This Casserole?
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a well-rounded meal!
