Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Save this recipe on:

This Chicken Stuffing Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that instantly takes me back to family dinners around the table. It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor from tender chunks of chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy vegetables—all baked to golden perfection. Whenever I need something reliable and crowd-pleasing, this is the recipe I go back to.

What I love most is how simple it is to throw together. No complicated steps or exotic ingredients—just basic pantry staples and a few minutes of prep. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels like a Sunday dinner. If you’ve got leftover chicken or stuffing, even better! You’ll have dinner ready in less than an hour, and everyone will be asking for seconds.

---

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffing Casserole

• Total comfort food: Creamy, crispy, hearty—every bite feels like a hug.
• One dish wonder: Everything cooks together in one baking dish for easy cleanup.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it earlier in the day and bake when ready.
• Great use for leftovers: Perfect for leftover rotisserie chicken or holiday stuffing.
• Family-approved: Even picky eaters usually come back for more.
• Customizable: Easy to switch out veggies or stuffing flavors depending on what you have.

---

What Kind of Stuffing Should I Use for Chicken Stuffing Casserole?

You can use just about any kind of stuffing you love or have on hand, and that’s part of what makes this casserole so easy. I usually grab a classic herb-seasoned boxed stuffing mix—it’s flavorful and fluffs up beautifully on top of the casserole. But if you have homemade stuffing or leftover Thanksgiving stuffing, absolutely use it. It adds a richness and depth that boxed mix can’t quite match.

Cornbread stuffing is also a delicious option if you want something with a slightly sweet Southern flair. The important thing is to prepare the stuffing according to the package or recipe instructions before layering it on top of the casserole—dry stuffing won’t bake properly in the oven.

---

Options for Substitutions

This casserole is super flexible and forgiving, so feel free to mix things up:

• Chicken: Swap with turkey (perfect post-holiday recipe) or cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Stuffing: Use gluten-free stuffing if needed, or sub in mashed potatoes for a twist.
• Cream of chicken soup: Replace with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, or even a homemade white sauce.
• Vegetables: Use a frozen veggie mix, or substitute with fresh sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or green beans.
• Dairy-free: Use a plant-based soup alternative and skip the milk or use oat/almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Add-ins: Stir in some shredded cheese or cooked bacon for an extra indulgent touch.

---

Ingredients for This Chicken Stuffing Casserole

• Cooked Chicken
  The heart of the dish—shredded or cubed, cooked chicken adds protein and makes the casserole hearty and filling. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.
• Stuffing Mix
  This forms the crispy, golden top layer and adds tons of savory flavor. Choose your favorite boxed mix or use homemade if you have leftovers.
• Cream of Chicken Soup
  Creates the creamy, comforting base that ties everything together. It infuses the chicken and veggies with rich flavor.
• Milk
  Thins the soup slightly and makes the sauce extra smooth and luscious. Whole milk or 2% works best.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables
  A colorful mix of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans adds texture, nutrition, and a pop of freshness.
• Butter
  Used to moisten the stuffing and help it crisp up nicely in the oven while adding buttery richness.
• Onion (optional)
  If you love a little extra texture and flavor, sautéed onion adds a nice touch of sweetness and depth.
• Poultry Seasoning or Dried Herbs
  Optional, but a sprinkle of thyme, sage, or poultry seasoning enhances the savory, herby flavor of the casserole.

---

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

Start by preparing your stuffing according to the package instructions. If you’re using boxed stuffing mix, it usually involves combining it with hot water and butter. Let it sit while you prep the rest of the casserole.

---

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the casserole to bake evenly and helps the top get beautifully golden and crisp.

---

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, frozen mixed vegetables, and any seasonings you like (poultry seasoning, garlic powder, etc.). Stir until everything is fully coated and evenly mixed.

---

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the chicken and veggie mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Then spoon the prepared stuffing over the top, gently pressing it down without compacting it too much.

---

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

---

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up a bit and makes it easier to scoop. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color.

---

How Long to Cook the Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the stuffing topping is golden brown and slightly crisp, and the creamy filling is hot and bubbling around the edges. If you’re using leftover stuffing or colder ingredients straight from the fridge, you may want to add 5 more minutes to the baking time.

---

Tips for Perfect Chicken Stuffing Casserole

• Use pre-cooked chicken: This keeps prep quick and ensures the chicken doesn’t dry out while baking.
• Don’t skip butter in the stuffing: It helps brown the top beautifully and adds richness.
• Let it rest before serving: A 5-minute rest time lets the filling settle and makes scooping easier.
• Taste your filling before baking: Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs before it goes in the oven.
• Cover if browning too fast: If your stuffing is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
• Add cheese for extra comfort: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella between the filling and stuffing adds a gooey layer of deliciousness.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using raw chicken: The chicken must be fully cooked before going into the casserole. Raw chicken won’t cook properly in the casserole’s bake time and could be unsafe.
• Overpacking the stuffing: Pressing the stuffing down too firmly will make it dense and soggy. Lightly fluff it on top for the perfect crispy texture.
• Skipping seasoning: If your soup or stuffing mix is on the bland side, a dash of garlic powder, black pepper, or poultry seasoning can really bring the dish to life.
• Not thawing vegetables: If your frozen vegetables are in large clumps, give them a quick rinse or thaw before mixing to ensure even distribution.
• Forgetting to grease the pan: A little non-stick spray or butter on the baking dish helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole in the last 10 minutes—if the stuffing topping gets too dark, lightly cover with foil.

---

What to Serve With Chicken Stuffing Casserole?

Green Salad with Vinaigrette

A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and stuffing.

Cranberry Sauce

A spoonful on the side adds a sweet and tangy contrast, especially if you’re using Thanksgiving leftovers.

Garlic Green Beans

Simple sautéed green beans with garlic butter add a nice snap and vibrant color.

Mashed Potatoes

For the ultimate comfort meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and maybe a ladle of gravy.

Buttered Corn on the Cob

Easy and kid-friendly, this adds sweetness and crunch.

Homemade Biscuits or Rolls

Because let’s be honest—extra bread is never a bad idea.

Apple Slaw

A tangy apple slaw with cabbage adds crunch and freshness, making the whole meal feel lighter.

---

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Chicken Stuffing Casserole store really well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze it, too! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish in freezer-safe wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, or reheat the full casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes). Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate per serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: ~410
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Values will vary depending on the type of stuffing, soup, and add-ins used.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Stuffing Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake when you’re ready. You might need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

---

Can I use leftover Thanksgiving stuffing?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for repurposing leftover holiday stuffing. Just make sure it’s still moist—if it’s dried out, stir in a little broth before layering it on top.

---

Can I use canned vegetables instead of frozen?

You can, but be sure to drain them well. Canned vegetables are softer and more salty, so adjust seasoning accordingly.

---

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves a lot of time. Just shred or cube it before mixing.

---

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even make a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and broth.

---

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, but the texture will be different. Cook on low for 3–4 hours, and use a tea towel under the lid to reduce moisture for a crispier topping.

---

How do I keep the stuffing crispy?

Don’t press the stuffing too flat. Also, bake uncovered and toward the top of your oven so it browns nicely.

---

Can I add cheese to the casserole?

Of course! Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss between the chicken mixture and stuffing for a melty, cheesy layer.

---

Conclusion

Chicken Stuffing Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together—simple, satisfying, and endlessly cozy. Whether you’re using up leftovers or whipping up something from scratch, it’s a guaranteed hit on busy weeknights or laid-back Sundays. It’s flexible enough for swapping ingredients, hearty enough to stand alone, and classic enough to become a family favorite. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it makes a regular appearance on your table.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: