If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that comes together with ease yet dazzles with flavor, this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. It combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, and crisp, buttery stuffing topping to create a harmonious medley that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the creamy base and the golden crust, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that bring a balance of texture and flavor to every bite. Each component plays its role in delivering that classic, cozy casserole experience—creamy, savory, and satisfying.
- Chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and a savory depth that infuses the stuffing for extra flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Provides richness and helps create that beautifully crisp topping on the stuffing mix.
- Stove-top stuffing mix (6 ounces): The star for a crunchy, flavorful crust that seals in the casserole’s goodness.
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.75 ounces each): Offers a creamy, comforting base to unite all the ingredients seamlessly.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a mild tang and luscious creaminess to the filling, balancing the dish perfectly.
- Cooked and shredded chicken (3 cups): The hearty protein that makes this casserole satisfyingly filling.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 1/2 cups): Adds color, nutrition, and a subtle crunch that livens up the creamy layers.
How to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray so your casserole won’t stick and comes out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing Topping
In a medium saucepan, gently heat the chicken broth and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is hot. Remove from heat and stir in the stuffing mix. Cover the pan and let the stuffing absorb all that buttery broth—this is the key to a moist yet crispy topping.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with sour cream. Whisk them together until smooth. This velvety mixture will bind everything in the casserole and make every bite creamy and indulgent.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Vegetables
Fold in your cooked, shredded chicken and the frozen mixed vegetables into the creamy base. Mixing thoroughly ensures that the chicken and veggies are evenly distributed, so you get balanced flavors throughout.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. This creates the hearty foundation for your casserole’s delicious layers.
Step 6: Add the Stuffing Layer
Carefully spoon the prepared stuffing over the top of the chicken mixture, creating a nice even layer. This topping will bake to a golden brown crust that adds wonderful texture and contrast.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbling hot. This baking time allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to crisp up delightfully.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set slightly, so each portion holds together perfectly when plated.
How to Serve Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and herbal freshness that brightens the rich flavors of the casserole. If you like a little extra zest, a light dusting of paprika works beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts to add freshness and balance to the meal. Mashed potatoes or crusty bread also complement the creamy texture for those extra comforting vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also sprinkle cheese over the stuffing before baking for a golden, cheesy crust that takes this dish to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover casserole should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply cover the assembled dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap before baking, or freeze leftover portions after baking. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions or the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly. Microwaving works in a pinch but may result in a softer topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn work wonderfully. Just make sure to lightly steam or sauté them first so they cook fully during the baking time.
What type of chicken is best for this casserole?
Cooked, shredded chicken from a rotisserie, poached breasts, or even leftovers all work perfectly. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the casserole.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional stove-top stuffing mix usually contains gluten, so to make this casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free stuffing mix or homemade gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the stuffing mix.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free sour cream substitute and creamy dairy-free soups, and swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. This allows you to enjoy the casserole without compromising on flavor.
Can I add cheese to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffing before baking creates a rich, melty crust that enhances the dish’s comforting appeal.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s straightforward, hearty, and full of homestyle goodness that brings people together around the table. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it becomes a beloved favorite to reach for again and again.
Print
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken and Stuffing Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soup and sour cream, nutritious mixed vegetables, and flavorful stove-top stuffing baked till golden and bubbling. Perfect for an easy family dinner that’s hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Broth and Butter
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Stuffing
- 6 ounces stove-top stuffing mix
Chicken Mixture
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by coating it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the casserole after baking.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a medium saucepan, warm 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth and 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter melts completely. Remove from heat and stir in the 6-ounce package of stove-top stuffing mix. Cover the saucepan and set aside to allow the stuffing to absorb the liquid.
- Mix Soup Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine two 10.75-ounce cans of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of sour cream. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Fold 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken and 1 1/2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables into the soup mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated to create a hearty filling.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, creating a base layer for the stuffing topping.
- Top with Stuffing: Spoon the prepared stuffing over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish, covering it evenly to form a delicious crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the stuffing topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let flavors settle and ensure safe eating temperature. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish!
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly (using vegetarian cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken).
- Use fresh cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to mix in different frozen vegetables based on preference, such as peas, carrots, or corn.
- If you want a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
