When the weather gets colder, nothing beats the comfort of a warm chicken stuffing casserole. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of cozy evenings, the aroma of home-cooked food, and the joy of sharing a satisfying dish with loved ones.
Why We Love This Chicken Stuffing Casserole
You might be wondering what makes chicken stuffing casserole so universally loved. Well, there are several reasons why this dish is a favorite for many:
Simplicity & Comfort
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. The blend of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy soup creates a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug in a dish.
Versatility
Chicken stuffing casserole is incredibly versatile. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or customize it with your favorite add-ins, it adapts to suit everyone’s preferences. You can throw in veggies, use different types of cheese, or even switch up the stuffing for a unique twist.
Perfect for Leftovers
One of the best parts of making chicken stuffing casserole is that it tastes just as good the next day—if not better. The flavors have more time to meld, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Simply store it in the fridge, and you’ve got a tasty, easy meal ready to go.
Family-Friendly
This is one of those dishes that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. The balance of chicken, stuffing, and creamy sauce is satisfying and familiar, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to make in large quantities, which is a bonus when feeding a crowd.
Ingredients for Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Before you start assembling your casserole, let’s gather the ingredients. The following quantities are perfect for creating a dish that will feed 6-8 people, but feel free to adjust based on your needs.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless for tender and juicy results.
Stuffing Mix: Use a seasoned mix for the best flavor.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium preferred for balanced flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and binds the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For a creamy, melty topping.
Butter: Unsalted for richness, can use salted with reduced salt.
Onion: Adds mild sweetness and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced for savory depth.
These ingredients come together to create the heart of the casserole, but feel free to experiment with additional flavors as you see fit.
How to Make Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these simple steps to make your chicken stuffing casserole:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil, and cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with chicken broth. Stir until the mixture is fully moistened, then let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid. This step ensures your stuffing will be perfectly tender when it bakes.
Step 3: Make the Casserole Base
In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them for 4-5 minutes until they turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions, garlic, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well-combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly at the bottom. Then, top it with the stuffing mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If you want an extra crispy topping, broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Stuffing Casserole
For an even more delicious and foolproof chicken stuffing casserole, keep these expert tips in mind:
For Extra Flavor
Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage can take this dish to the next level. Add a teaspoon of fresh or dried herbs to the stuffing mixture for an aromatic burst of flavor.
Use Leftover Chicken
If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, don’t hesitate to use it in this casserole. It’s a great way to save time and give the casserole a deeper, roasted flavor.
Crispier Top
For a crispy topping, pop the casserole under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on it so that it doesn’t burn—this will add a nice crunch to every bite.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the casserole a day ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. On the day you plan to serve it, simply bake it at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes, depending on how cold it is from the fridge.
Variations of Chicken Stuffing Casserole
While the classic chicken stuffing casserole recipe is a winner on its own, there are plenty of ways to mix it up. Here are a few variations you can try to make this dish even more unique:
Vegetarian Chicken Stuffing Casserole
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with mushrooms or tofu. This will still give you that savory, hearty feeling without the meat. You can also use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth to make it fully plant-based.
Spicy Chicken Stuffing Casserole
If you like a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to your casserole. The spicy kick complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Southern-Style Chicken Stuffing
Add a cornbread stuffing mix instead of the traditional stuffing. This variation brings a touch of Southern comfort to your casserole, and the slightly sweet cornbread adds an interesting contrast to the savory chicken.
Serving Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Chicken stuffing casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it alongside a few dishes to round out your meal:
Pair with a Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole. Try arugula or mixed greens with a lemon dressing.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or sweet potatoes make great sides, offering both color and nutrition to your plate.
Perfect for Holidays: Serve it as part of your holiday spread, alongside mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or a fresh bread basket.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Chicken Stuffing Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking, or you can cook it directly from frozen—though it may take a bit longer.
Can I Make Chicken Stuffing Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade version using low-fat milk or a dairy-free version if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I Add Vegetables to Chicken Stuffing Casserole?
Yes, absolutely! Vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or even spinach add extra flavor and nutrients to your casserole. Just stir them into the chicken mixture before baking.
Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 package Stuffing Mix 6 oz.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 oz.
- 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Parsley chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil, and cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Once cooked through, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with chicken broth and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
- In a separate skillet, melt the butter and cook the onions for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions, garlic, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well-combined.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly at the bottom. Top with the stuffing mixture, pressing it down slightly, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy topping.