Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for a family meal or potluck, this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a must-try! It combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce into a flavorful, hearty casserole. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Follow along as we walk you through the recipe step-by-step, with helpful tips, substitutions, and variations to suit your taste.

this Recipe

What is Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that layers cooked chicken with a creamy sauce and flavorful stuffing. The stuffing, typically made from a boxed mix or homemade breadcrumbs, soaks up the creamy sauce, making the casserole rich and satisfying. This dish is perfect for using up leftover chicken or turkey and is a great way to feed a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3-4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (like Stove Top, or homemade stuffing)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for variation)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture in the stuffing)
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn) – optional
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional garnish)

Substitutions and Variations for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions:

• Turkey instead of chicken: Use leftover turkey from the holidays in place of chicken for a Thanksgiving-inspired dish.
• Cream of mushroom or celery soup: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use a plant-based meat substitute or add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Add cheese: For a cheesy twist, stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese into the sauce or sprinkle cheese on top before baking.
• Use cornbread stuffing: Substitute regular stuffing mix with cornbread stuffing for a slightly sweeter, Southern-inspired version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy, flavorful Chicken and Stuffing Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the stuffing: Follow the instructions on the stuffing mix package. Typically, this involves combining the stuffing mix with melted butter and hot water or chicken broth. Let the stuffing sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the liquid. You can also prepare homemade stuffing if desired.
3. Make the creamy sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
4. Combine the chicken and vegetables: If using frozen vegetables, mix them with the cooked chicken in a separate bowl. This step is optional, but adding veggies boosts the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
5. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked chicken (and vegetables, if using) evenly in the bottom of the dish. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly. Finally, spread the prepared stuffing mixture over the top, covering the casserole completely.
6. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the stuffing is crispy and golden brown, and the casserole is bubbling.
7. Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.

How to Cook Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the stuffing according to package instructions or make homemade stuffing.
3. Mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings in a large bowl to create the creamy sauce.
4. Combine cooked chicken and vegetables in a bowl, then layer them in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
5. Top with the creamy sauce, spreading it evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Layer prepared stuffing on top, covering the casserole.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Dry stuffing: Make sure the stuffing mixture is moist but not soggy before layering it on the casserole. If your stuffing mix seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth or melted butter to keep it moist.
2. Overcooking the chicken: If using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie or leftover chicken, make sure to keep an eye on the casserole to avoid drying out the meat while baking.
3. Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the creamy sauce and the chicken. The stuffing mix already has seasoning, but adding garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce enhances the flavor of the entire dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Though this is a casual comfort food dish, you can still make it look appetizing with these tips:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with a side salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
• Pair with a veggie side: Serve this casserole with roasted green beans, asparagus, or steamed broccoli to add more vegetables to the meal.

How to Serve Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to serve it:

• Main dish: Serve the casserole as the main dish with sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or roasted vegetables.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. The casserole reheats well in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for meal prep.
• For potlucks: This casserole is a great dish for potlucks or gatherings since it’s easy to transport and can be made ahead of time.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Make your casserole look extra inviting with these presentation ideas:

• Serve in individual ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, divide the casserole into individual ramekins and bake them separately.
• Top with extra cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top before baking to create a bubbly, cheesy crust.
• Use a cast iron skillet: For a rustic, homestyle presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a large cast iron skillet.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use rotisserie chicken: For convenience, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It adds extra flavor and saves time.
2. Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
3. Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: Can I use homemade stuffing?
A: Yes! If you prefer homemade stuffing, feel free to use that instead of boxed stuffing. Just make sure it’s moist enough to cover the casserole properly.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Definitely! You can add vegetables like frozen peas, carrots, green beans, or corn to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q: How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
A: Leftover Chicken and Stuffing Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or using up leftover chicken or turkey. With tender chicken,

creamy sauce, and savory stuffing, this casserole is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses, and enjoy a warm, delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

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