There’s something about a warm, hearty casserole that instantly makes a meal feel special. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner, celebrating a holiday, or simply in need of a quick yet comforting meal, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the perfect dish to fill the house with delicious aromas and satisfied appetites. This recipe combines tender, shredded chicken with creamy soup, savory stuffing, and a medley of vegetables—creating a comforting, one-dish meal that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and an ideal way to use up leftover chicken. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be as simple as it is satisfying.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, from the ingredients and preparation steps to tips on customizing the recipe. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this cozy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Before we get started, let’s make sure you have everything you need to create this easy, satisfying casserole. Here’s the list of ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
(Perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or simply roasting a few chicken breasts.) - 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix
(Feel free to choose your favorite flavor or type—whether classic, herb, or cornbread.) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
(This adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor that brings the casserole together.) - 1 cup chicken broth
(You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, but chicken broth adds a richer flavor.) - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
(Typically peas, carrots, and corn, though you can use fresh or different veggies based on your preference.) - 1/2 cup milk
(This adds creaminess to the chicken mixture.) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
(For a savory boost of flavor.) - 1 teaspoon onion powder
(To complement the garlic and add depth to the dish.) - Salt and pepper to taste
(Adjust according to your personal preference.) - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
(This optional topping adds a cheesy, golden finish to your casserole, perfect for extra flavor.)
Why This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Will Become a Family Favorite
A Simple, Yet Flavorful Comfort Food
Chicken and stuffing casserole is one of those meals that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The combination of chicken, creamy soup, and savory stuffing creates a rich, hearty dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The best part? It’s all made in one dish—minimizing the mess and cleanup!
Perfect for Weeknights and Holidays
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for a special holiday gathering, this casserole works for any occasion. On a typical weeknight, it comes together in under an hour, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family. For holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s a fantastic alternative or complement to the traditional turkey and mashed potatoes, adding some variety without compromising on comfort.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The soup, broth, and milk will form a creamy sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this is your base, so feel free to adjust the seasoning until it’s just right.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions. Most stuffing mixes just require adding water or broth and a bit of butter, but always check the instructions on the package to be sure.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Once the chicken mixture is ready and the stuffing is prepared, pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top the chicken mixture with the prepared stuffing, making sure it covers the entire surface. The stuffing acts as the “crust” of the casserole, becoming golden and crispy during baking.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the stuffing. This will melt into the stuffing as it bakes, creating a deliciously cheesy crust that adds even more comfort to the dish.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. You’ll know it’s done when the top is crispy and the casserole bubbles around the edges.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. Here are a few variations and ideas to inspire you:
Add Extra Veggies
If you love vegetables, feel free to add more to the casserole. You can include fresh or frozen vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or even mushrooms. Simply toss them into the chicken mixture to increase the nutritional value and add more texture to your dish.
Use Different Meats
While this recipe calls for shredded chicken, it can easily be adapted to use shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a more flavorful, savory base. If you prefer something different, shredded beef or even cooked sausage can add a new twist.
Make it Gluten-Free
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the stuffing mix with a gluten-free alternative. Many brands offer gluten-free stuffing mixes, or you can even make your own from gluten-free bread.
Spicy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
For those who like a little heat, you can spice up your casserole by adding some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. The heat will balance out the creamy and savory flavors, giving the casserole an exciting kick.
Top with Crispy Fried Onions
For added texture and flavor, top your casserole with crispy fried onions in the last 5 minutes of baking. They will become wonderfully crunchy and add an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
Nutritional Information
This recipe yields 6 servings and each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
The nutritional content will vary based on specific ingredients used (such as if you add cheese or extra veggies), but overall, this casserole is a balanced meal packed with protein and vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
A One-Dish Wonder
Not only does this casserole taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare and clean up. With just one baking dish, the process is stress-free, which is perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly and Picky-Eater Approved
Because of its creamy texture and familiar flavors, this casserole is a hit with kids and picky eaters alike. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and stuffing is not only satisfying but also familiar, making it an easy way to get your little ones to eat their veggies.
A Dish That Feels Like Home
When you take a bite of this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, you’ll immediately be transported to a place of warmth and comfort. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of family dinners and cozy nights at home. Plus, the leftovers are just as good the next day, making this casserole a great option for meal prep.
Conclusion: Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Tonight!
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the answer. With its creamy chicken mixture, savory stuffing topping, and deliciously crispy finish, it’s the kind of meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a quiet night in, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy a comforting meal that brings joy to the table.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—comfort food like this is too good to keep to yourself!
PrintChicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
There’s something about a warm, hearty casserole that instantly makes a meal feel special. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner, celebrating a holiday, or simply in need of a quick yet comforting meal, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the perfect dish to fill the house with delicious aromas and satisfied appetites. This recipe combines tender, shredded chicken with creamy soup, savory stuffing, and a medley of vegetables—creating a comforting, one-dish meal that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and an ideal way to use up leftover chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and mixed vegetables. Stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top the chicken mixture with the prepared stuffing, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the stuffing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- You can customize the casserole by adding extra vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or mushrooms.
- If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a quick alternative to cooking your own chicken.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the stuffing mix for a gluten-free alternative.
- Adding crispy fried onions on top in the last 5 minutes of baking will give it an extra crunchy finish.
- You can use turkey or even sausage instead of chicken for different flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes