Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Dish

Few meals bring more comfort to the table than a chicken and stuffing casserole. This classic dish is a go-to for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for busy weeks. The combination of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce creates a delicious and hearty meal that is hard to resist. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients and minimal prep make it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for a gathering, this dish can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Additionally, the casserole holds up well to freezing, so it’s an excellent option for make-ahead meals. In this post, you’ll learn how to prepare the best chicken and stuffing casserole with detailed instructions, substitution ideas, and useful tips for freezing. Furthermore, we’ll explore how to add extra ingredients, like vegetables or cheese, to make this comforting dish even better. Ready to make this delicious meal? Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to have all the tools and ingredients ready. Proper preparation ensures a smooth cooking process and helps achieve the best results.

Essential Tools

To make your chicken and stuffing casserole with ease, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): A large baking dish is ideal for this recipe, ensuring even cooking and ample space for layering.
• Mixing Bowls: Use medium to large bowls for combining the stuffing mixture and any optional add-ins.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for perfectly balanced flavors.
• Aluminum Foil: Essential for covering the dish during the initial part of the baking process to keep the moisture in and the chicken juicy.

Key Ingredients for the Casserole

A few simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to make this comforting dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken breasts are the most popular choice, but thighs offer a juicier alternative if you prefer dark meat.
• Packaged Stuffing Mix (Herb-Flavored): The herb seasoning in stuffing mix enhances the overall flavor of the casserole. Opt for a trusted brand to keep the preparation quick and easy.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (or Cream of Mushroom): This creamy base gives the casserole its signature richness. You can choose between cream of chicken or mushroom soup, depending on your preference.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing mixture, preventing it from drying out.
• Sour Cream: For added creaminess, sour cream helps to balance the flavors and makes the casserole more indulgent.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These basic seasonings provide a savory undertone to the chicken.

Optional Add-ins for Customization

While the basic ingredients are delicious on their own, there are several optional add-ins you can use to elevate your easy chicken and stuffing casserole:

• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn boosts the nutrition and texture of the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For an extra layer of creamy goodness, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top before baking.
• Fresh Herbs or Seasonings: Feel free to get creative by incorporating fresh parsley, thyme, or other herbs to add brightness to the dish.

Having everything prepped and ready makes the cooking process much more enjoyable. Now that your ingredients and tools are set, let’s move on to assembling this delicious casserole!

Ingredients for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Now that we’ve covered the essential tools, it’s time to gather the key ingredients for your chicken and stuffing casserole. This recipe combines simple ingredients that result in a rich and satisfying dish, with options for customization to suit your taste preferences.

Core Ingredients for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

These are the main ingredients you’ll need to create the classic chicken and stuffing casserole:

• 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are lean and tender, making them a great choice for this casserole. You can also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
• 1 Box of Herb-Flavored Stuffing Mix: The stuffing mix provides the casserole’s savory bread layer. The herb seasoning in the stuffing brings depth and a classic holiday-like flavor to the dish. A 6-ounce box is typically sufficient, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
• 1 Can of Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 ounces): Cream of chicken soup adds the creamy texture that defines this casserole. If you prefer a slightly earthier flavor, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup.
• 1/2 Cup Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a subtle tanginess and extra creaminess to the casserole. It’s optional but highly recommended for the best texture.
• 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth: Chicken broth keeps the stuffing mixture moist and enhances the overall flavor. You can use homemade broth or store-bought low-sodium broth.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: This spice provides a mild garlicky kick that complements the other savory ingredients without overpowering them.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: These simple seasonings are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and stuffing. Be sure to season the chicken well before layering it in the casserole.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor and Nutrition

To customize your chicken casserole with stuffing mix, consider adding some of these ingredients to elevate the dish:

• 1 Cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Incorporating a mix of carrots, peas, and corn adds color, texture, and a nutritional boost to your casserole. These vegetables blend well with the creamy sauce and stuffing.
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For a cheesy variation, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of the casserole before baking. The cheese melts into the stuffing, creating a creamy, gooey topping.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Cream of Mushroom Soup Alternative: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup works well. Each offers a slight flavor variation while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can swap the sour cream for a non-dairy alternative like almond-based or coconut yogurt. Likewise, use a dairy-free cheese for the topping.

With all the ingredients assembled, you’re ready to begin preparing your easy chicken and stuffing casserole. In the next section, we’ll walk through the step-by-step instructions to bring this comforting meal to life.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

With your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to bring this delicious chicken and stuffing casserole to life. This recipe is straightforward, making it easy for cooks of all skill levels to follow. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, these instructions will guide you through each step.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the base of your casserole—the chicken.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to warm up as you assemble the casserole, ensuring even baking.
2. Season the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. The seasoning helps bring out the natural flavor of the chicken, making it tender and flavorful.
3. Layer the Chicken in a Baking Dish: Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of the dish. Make sure the chicken is evenly spread out so that it cooks uniformly.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing Mixture

Next, you’ll prepare the stuffing mixture, which adds a savory and flavorful layer to the casserole.

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the herb-flavored stuffing mix, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir everything together until the stuffing mix is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. The cream of chicken soup and sour cream ensure the stuffing stays moist and flavorful while baking.
2. Add Vegetables (Optional): If you’re incorporating frozen vegetables into your casserole, now is the time to stir in 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, or your choice). This adds color, texture, and extra nutrients to the dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Now, it’s time to put everything together.

1. Spread the Stuffing Mixture Over the Chicken: Evenly distribute the stuffing mixture over the chicken in the baking dish. Ensure the stuffing fully covers the chicken breasts, as this will create a rich and flavorful top layer.
2. Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re a fan of cheesy casseroles, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the stuffing mixture. This adds a creamy and savory finish to your casserole.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

With everything assembled, it’s time to bake your chicken casserole with stuffing mix.

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during the first part of baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Covering the dish ensures the chicken stays moist and tender while cooking.
2. Uncover for the Last 10 Minutes: For a crispy, golden-brown stuffing topping, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. This allows the stuffing to firm up and develop a nice texture.
3. Check for Doneness: Once the baking time is complete, check that the chicken is fully cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should read 165°F (75°C). If the chicken isn’t fully cooked, return the dish to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Once you’ve followed these steps, your easy chicken and stuffing casserole will be ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Score for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Understanding the nutritional value of your meals is essential, especially when planning family dinners or meal prepping. While this chicken and stuffing casserole is a comforting, hearty dish, it still offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving:

Estimated Nutrition per Serving:

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 18g

These numbers are based on an average portion size and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used or any optional add-ins like cheese or vegetables. For those looking to make this dish healthier, consider using low-sodium chicken broth or swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.

Serving & Storage Tips

Once your chicken and stuffing casserole is baked to perfection, you’ll want to make sure it’s served properly and stored correctly for the best experience. This casserole is versatile and works well for family dinners, potlucks, or even as leftovers for meal prepping. Here are some tips on how to serve and store it.

How to Serve Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This dish is flavorful enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can make for a more well-rounded meal. Consider these serving suggestions:

• Pair with a Fresh Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory casserole.
• Serve with Steamed Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus are great low-calorie sides that balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Cranberry Sauce: For a classic pairing reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner, serve your casserole with a dollop of cranberry sauce. The tartness complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This casserole makes great leftovers and can also be frozen for future meals. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator: After the casserole has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. It’s best to freeze it before baking if possible. Simply assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and then wrap in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. For more detailed freezing tips, check out Freezing Chicken Casseroles.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most out of your easy chicken and stuffing casserole, whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or as a convenient meal later on.

Variations of Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

One of the best things about this chicken and stuffing casserole recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify the dish to suit dietary preferences, add nutritional value, or simply change up the flavors. Here are a few creative variations to try:

Healthy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

If you’re looking for a lighter version of this comforting meal, there are simple adjustments you can make without sacrificing flavor:

• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup to reduce the sodium content. Many brands offer heart-healthy, reduced-sodium versions of these ingredients.
• Greek Yogurt Swap: Replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Not only does this cut down on fat, but it also adds extra protein to your casserole. Plus, Greek yogurt provides a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Whole-Grain Stuffing: For a fiber boost, choose a whole-wheat or whole-grain stuffing mix. This swap makes the dish more wholesome without a noticeable difference in taste or texture.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with Vegetables

Adding vegetables to your easy chicken and stuffing casserole is an excellent way to increase its nutritional value. Plus, the veggies blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce and stuffing, making it a complete one-dish meal.

• Frozen Vegetables: Stir 1-2 cups of frozen vegetables (such as broccoli, peas, carrots, or corn) into the stuffing mixture. These veggies add color, texture, and vitamins, making the dish more nutritious without much extra effort.
• Fresh Vegetables: If you prefer fresh vegetables, try adding chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the casserole before baking. These veggies bring extra flavor and a bit of crunch.

For more healthy and creative variations, explore these Healthy Chicken Casserole Recipes to get additional inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Even the simplest recipes can spark a few questions, especially when making substitutions or adjustments. Here are answers to some common questions about making a chicken and stuffing casserole.

1. Can I use a different soup in place of cream of chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor or need to make a substitution, you can replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery. Both options work well with the other ingredients and provide a similar creamy texture. Each soup adds a unique twist to the dish, with cream of mushroom offering a deeper, earthy flavor and cream of celery giving it a mild, fresh taste.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be prepped ahead. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil while it’s in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time to account for starting with a cold casserole.

3. How do I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy stuffing, make sure to uncover the casserole for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This allows the stuffing to crisp up on top while remaining moist and tender inside. Additionally, if you prefer a less moist stuffing, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth you mix into the stuffing mixture. Start with 1/3 cup instead of 1/2 cup and adjust to your preference.

4. What’s the best way to freeze this casserole?

For the best results, freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the dish as directed but stop before placing it in the oven. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. This extra layer of protection prevents freezer burn and keeps the ingredients fresh. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and bake as the recipe instructs. For more detailed tips, see How to Freeze Casseroles.

Conclusion

The chicken and stuffing casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce creates a rich and satisfying meal that your family will love. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.

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