If you are craving a comforting and hearty meal that brings together all the cozy flavors of a classic chicken dinner, this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender shredded chicken blended with creamy soup and sour cream, nestled under a perfectly buttery stuffing topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also a fantastic crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without fuss. Let me share why this casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is the first step to making this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe shine. Each component has been thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and comforting warmth in every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth: Provides a rich, savory base that keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds buttery richness and helps the stuffing achieve that beautiful golden crisp top.
- 6 ounces stove-top stuffing mix: The star ingredient for the crunchy and herb-infused topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup: Gives the casserole a creamy, savory body that holds everything together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Introduces a tangy creaminess that lightens and enriches the casserole’s texture.
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables: Brings color, nutrition, and a subtle sweetness to complement the savory flavors.
How to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your casserole slides out effortlessly after baking. Getting everything ready before you start mixing means smooth sailing ahead.
Step 2: Cook the Stuffing
In a medium saucepan, gently warm the chicken or vegetable broth along with the unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter melts completely. This warm, flavorful liquid brings that classic stuffing mix to life. Remove the pan from heat, stir in the stuffing mix, cover, and let it sit while you assemble the rest of the casserole. This step is essential to lock in the stuffing’s buttery, herbaceous flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cream of chicken soup with the sour cream until they are smoothly blended together. This creamy mixture forms the luscious sauce that unites every ingredient in the casserole with perfect harmony. It’s where richness meets tang, making each bite irresistibly cozy.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Vegetables
Fold in the shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables into your creamy base. Stir gently until every piece is coated and everything is evenly mixed. The vegetables add pops of color and texture, while the chicken ensures everyone leaves the table fully satisfied.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to form a solid base. Then, spoon the prepared stuffing mixture on top, covering the chicken layer entirely. This layered assembly sets the stage for a delightful contrast between creamy comfort and crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the stuffing topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot inside. This final bake step melds all flavors together while delivering that wonderfully crisp crust you’ve been waiting for.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe to cool for a few minutes. This resting lets the layers settle, making it easier to serve generous portions without sinking the topping. Then dive in and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade classic!
How to Serve Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness. You could also add a light grating of cheddar cheese if you want a little extra indulgence that melts deliciously over the warm casserole.
Side Dishes
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans bring savory notes, while a simple side of cranberry sauce adds that classic holiday feel anytime of year.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look extra special. You can also add a drizzle of homemade gravy on top or sprinkle toasted pecans over the stuffing for added nutty crunch and elegance at your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cover and chill it to enjoy the delicious flavors even after a busy day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. After baking and cooling, portion into freezer-safe dishes and store for up to two months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. Cover with foil to maintain moisture, removing it during the last few minutes to crisp the top again.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using cooked leftover chicken is perfect for this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped so it mixes evenly throughout the dish.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese are excellent substitutes that will still add creaminess and a slight tang to the casserole.
Can I add different vegetables?
Definitely. You can swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for fresh alternatives like broccoli florets, peas, or carrots, depending on your preference and what’s in season.
Is stove-top stuffing mix essential?
While stove-top stuffing mix provides a quick and flavorful topping, you can make your own seasoned breadcrumb mixture or use cornbread stuffing for a different texture and taste.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup, substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative, and replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is a true embrace of comfort food that’s easy to prepare and loved by everyone at the table. Its incredible flavors, textures, and simplicity make it a go-to for busy nights or cozy gatherings. Try it soon and see how this warm, hearty casserole brings pure joy with every satisfying bite!
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Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole combines shredded chicken, stove-top stuffing mix, and a creamy blend of cream of chicken soup and sour cream for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner. With frozen mixed vegetables adding color and nutrition, it’s a perfect one-pan meal that cooks up quickly in the oven, ideal for busy weeknights.
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
Cream Mixture
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make Stuffing Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth with 1/4 cup of unsalted butter until the butter melts completely. Remove from heat and stir in the 6-ounce stuffing mix. Cover the pan and set aside to allow the stuffing to absorb the liquid.
- Mix Cream 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 well 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, stirring to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Evenly transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it flat across the bottom.
- Top with Stuffing: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture over the chicken layer, spreading it evenly to cover the top completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking, then serve warm for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a lighter flavor or to keep it vegetarian-friendly (omit chicken for vegetarian version).
- Frozen mixed vegetables can include peas, carrots, green beans, and corn for a colorful and nutritious addition.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time in preparing the shredded chicken.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
