This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners! It’s packed with tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy goodness all baked together.
I love how easy this meal is to make; just mix everything in a dish and pop it in the oven! It’s a hug in a casserole dish that makes everyone smile. 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for this dish, as it’s already cooked and adds great flavor. If you’re short on time, deli chicken works well too. For a lighter version, shred some turkey instead!
Stuffing Mix: Cornbread stuffing is great, but feel free to use any stuffing mix you enjoy, like herb or traditional bread stuffing. You can even make your own stuffing from day-old bread or rolls for more texture and flavor!
Veggies: Onions, celery, and mushrooms add nice flavor. You can swap mushrooms for bell peppers or spinach if you’re not a fan. Try adding grated carrots for extra color and nutrients!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess; if you need a substitute, consider using homemade cream sauce or even a can of cream of mushroom soup. For a healthier option, use a low-fat version or skip the cream altogether!
Sour Cream: This is optional but adds tasty creaminess. Greek yogurt can be a healthy alternative if you want something lower in fat!
How Do You Ensure the Stuffing is Crispy and Delicious?
To get that wonderful crispy topping for your casserole, you need to follow a couple of important steps:
- First, don’t skip the melted butter drizzle over the stuffing. This step is key for moisture and promotes browning!
- Also, baking the casserole uncovered lets the stuffing crisp up beautifully. Covering it with foil might keep it soft but won’t give the desired golden texture.
- Make sure to bake it until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy, typically about 30-35 minutes.
After baking, let it sit for a few minutes before serving to help it hold together better!
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 package (6 oz) cornbread stuffing mix (or any preferred stuffing mix)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for sautéing and greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, totaling around 50 minutes from start to delicious finish. You’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté these veggies until they are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds lots of great flavor!
3. Combine the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, frozen peas, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and optional sour cream if you want a creamier consistency. Give it a good stir and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Carefully transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. Then, sprinkle the stuffing mix on top of the chicken layer.
5. Add Butter and Bake:
Drizzle melted butter over the stuffing — this will help it become crispy and golden while it bakes. Now, place the casserole, uncovered, into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll want it bubbly, and the stuffing should be golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so it can set. Enjoy your cozy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole!
If you’re serving a crowd, this dish is perfect as it can be easily doubled. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cooked Chicken Instead of Fresh Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cooked chicken; just make sure it’s completely thawed before using it in the casserole. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quick alternative.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, as it will be cold when it goes in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave portions or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring the stuffing stays crispy by covering it loosely with foil.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to include other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or corn for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté any fresh vegetables that need cooking before adding them to the casserole mix!