Mouthwatering Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

Save this recipe on:

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this. I grew up on casseroles, but this Mouthwatering Chicken and Stuffing Casserole has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to make—and eat. It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with tender chicken, golden stuffing, and just enough herbs to make every bite taste like a cozy hug. I love how it brings the nostalgic warmth of home-cooked meals while still being incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.

What makes this casserole a regular in my kitchen is its incredible simplicity. With minimal ingredients and a prep time that doesn’t cut into your evening, you get a meal that’s hearty, filling, and satisfying for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a potluck winner, or a comforting Sunday meal, this dish checks every box.

---

Why You’ll Love This Mouthwatering Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

This casserole brings together all the best textures—crispy, creamy, tender—and flavors you crave when you want something hearty. It’s incredibly flexible, meaning you can easily make it with rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or even make it vegetarian. Plus, it only requires one baking dish, which keeps cleanup blissfully simple.

---

What Kind of Stuffing Should I Use?

You can use just about any boxed stuffing mix you prefer—herb-seasoned, chicken-flavored, or even cornbread stuffing. I usually go with the classic herb stuffing mix for a balanced savory flavor, but if you’re feeling creative, mixing two types can give the dish an extra dimension. You could also use homemade stuffing if you have leftovers from a holiday meal—it’ll soak up the creamy sauce like a dream.

---

Options for Substitutions

If you’re short on an ingredient or want to tailor this recipe to dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to adapt:

• Protein Swap: Sub in turkey or cooked sausage instead of chicken.
• Cream Soup Substitute: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery in place of cream of chicken.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free soup and plant-based butter or olive oil.
• Gluten-Free Version: Opt for gluten-free stuffing and a certified gluten-free soup base.
• Veggie Boost: Add peas, carrots, green beans, or sautéed mushrooms to increase the vegetable content.

---

Ingredients for This Mouthwatering Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

• Cooked Chicken: The star of the dish—use shredded or diced chicken breast or thighs. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for convenience.
• Boxed Stuffing Mix: Adds that iconic herby flavor and satisfying texture on top. It also soaks up the creamy base.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides the creamy, savory base that holds the casserole together.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tang that balances the flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and enhances the chicken flavor.
• Butter: Helps toast the stuffing to golden perfection.
• Onion (optional): Diced and sautéed, it adds a sweet aromatic base layer.
• Celery (optional): Adds texture and a mild savory crunch.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of color and freshness.

---

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions, but reduce the liquid slightly if you prefer a crisper topping. You can also toast the mix in a skillet with melted butter for extra texture and flavor.

---

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Celery (Optional)

If using onions and celery, sauté them in a bit of butter until they’re soft and fragrant. This step adds depth to the overall flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

---

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir in your sautéed vegetables if using. This creamy base is what makes the casserole so comforting.

---

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Fold in your cooked chicken pieces until they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

---

Step 6: Top with Stuffing

Evenly sprinkle or spoon the prepared stuffing over the chicken mixture. Make sure to spread it out to cover the surface for an even golden crust.

---

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.

---

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add brightness and a fresh aroma.

---

How Long to Prepare the Mouthwatering Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

This casserole is wonderfully time-efficient, making it a great choice for both weekday dinners and special gatherings.

Preparation Time: If your chicken is already cooked (like rotisserie or leftovers), the prep takes just about 15 to 20 minutes. That includes mixing the creamy base and assembling everything in the dish.

Cooking Time: Once it’s in the oven, it bakes for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the stuffing is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

---

Tips for Perfect Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

• Use well-seasoned chicken or even leftover roasted chicken for more flavor.
• Don’t add too much liquid to the stuffing—slightly drier stuffing crisps up better on top.
• Mix the soup, sour cream, and broth thoroughly to avoid any bland spots.
• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so the filling can set and thicken slightly.
• Add a pinch of poultry seasoning or garlic powder for an extra layer of taste.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Over-soaking the stuffing: This can make the topping mushy instead of crisp.
• Not seasoning enough: Taste the creamy base before baking and adjust salt or spices if needed.
• Using raw chicken: This recipe assumes cooked chicken. Raw chicken won’t cook thoroughly or safely in the short bake time.
• Skipping the rest time: Cutting into it too soon may result in a runny filling.
• Crowding the dish: Don’t overload the casserole with too much filling—it needs space to cook evenly.

---

What to Serve With Chicken And Stuffing Casserole?

1. Roasted Green Beans

Light and crisp, they balance the richness of the casserole perfectly.

2. Cranberry Sauce

A sweet and tart side that gives a Thanksgiving-inspired twist.

3. Simple Garden Salad

Fresh greens with a vinaigrette cut through the creamy dish nicely.

4. Mashed Potatoes

For the ultimate comfort meal, serve this casserole with buttery mashed potatoes.

5. Buttered Corn

Quick, easy, and naturally sweet—it’s a kid-friendly side that works well.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. For best results, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. If already baked, thaw and reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.

Reheating: Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals. For the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 325°F until heated through.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Serving size: 1 cup

• Calories: ~370
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Just pop it in the oven when ready.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover turkey, especially after holidays.

What’s the best way to freeze this?

Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap if freezing unbaked. Label and date it. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils, and use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double it for a crowd—just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

---

Conclusion

This Mouthwatering Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a satisfying, cozy meal that brings together tender meat, creamy sauce, and crispy stuffing in one simple dish. It’s easy enough for weeknights and comforting enough for special occasions. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something warm and homey, this recipe has you covered from prep to plate.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: