Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a culinary hack for busy home cooks and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here are several reasons why this chicken and stuffing bake will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Make-Ahead Meal: Life gets hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be. You can easily assemble all the ingredients the night before, cover the dish, and refrigerate it. When you get home from work or a busy day, simply pop it in the oven, and a comforting meal is ready with minimal fuss. This flexibility is a game-changer for meal planning and stress-free entertaining.
• Time-Saving Shortcuts: Embrace the convenience of a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. This simple swap shaves off significant prep time, letting you enjoy a homemade-tasting meal without the extensive cooking. Alternatively, using any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand is also a brilliant way to save time and reduce food waste.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s a reason casseroles are synonymous with comfort. The harmonious combination of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy, rich sauce creates a dish that’s incredibly satisfying and heartwarming, perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or any time you need a culinary hug.
• Versatile for Any Season: While it boasts classic holiday flavors that are often associated with festive gatherings, this casserole is genuinely delicious year-round. It’s particularly inviting during cooler months, providing warmth and satisfaction when the weather turns cold, much like our Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce.
• Family-Friendly and Customizable: This recipe is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, making it a perfect solution for family dinners. It’s also incredibly adaptable; feel free to add your family’s favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit individual tastes, ensuring everyone finds something to love in every forkful.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Utilizing affordable ingredients like store-bought stuffing mix and taking advantage of sales on rotisserie chickens makes this a cost-effective meal option. It’s also fantastic for repurposing holiday leftovers, giving new life to turkey and saving money on your weekly grocery bill.

Cooked Chicken: The Heart of the Casserole

You’ll need approximately 2 ½ to 3 cups of cooked chicken for this recipe. A rotisserie chicken is truly a fantastic shortcut here. Not only does it save you the effort of cooking chicken from scratch, but it also adds an incredible depth of flavor and moisture that complements the stuffing beautifully. You can use either white meat (breast), dark meat (thighs), or a combination of both, depending on your preference for richness and texture. Rotisserie chickens are a staple in most grocery stores, typically found near the deli counter, making them an accessible and convenient option for busy cooks.

If you prefer not to use a rotisserie chicken, you can easily cook your own: simply boil, bake, or pan-fry chicken breasts or thighs until thoroughly cooked, then shred or dice them into bite-sized pieces. This recipe is also perfect for using up leftover chicken from other meals. The “rotisserie chicken shortcut” is so versatile, we frequently use it in other family favorites like Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta and Chicken Curry Salad with Grapes, demonstrating its efficiency and flavor-boosting power.

💭 Pro Tip: Elevate Your Casserole with Leftover Turkey

Don’t limit this amazing casserole to chicken alone! You can effortlessly swap the cooked chicken for leftover turkey, especially after holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. The savory, rich flavors of turkey blend seamlessly with the seasoned stuffing and creamy sauce, offering an equally delicious and comforting result. You’ll need about 2 ½ to 3 cups of diced, cooked turkey. This recipe is quite forgiving, so a little more or less won’t significantly impact the outcome, allowing you to utilize what you have. It’s a fantastic, creative way to transform holiday leftovers into a brand new, exciting, and equally comforting meal that your family will eagerly devour!

Seasoned Stuffing Mix: The Foundation of Flavor

The choice of stuffing mix is where you have a lot of flexibility to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences. Use any brand or variety of dry, seasoned stuffing mix that your family loves. Herb-seasoned, cornbread, or even savory chicken-flavored stuffing mixes all work wonderfully. The pre-seasoned nature of these mixes adds a rich depth of flavor with minimal effort, making your casserole taste like it took hours, not minutes, to prepare. Ensure it’s a dry mix, as the moisture from the soup and broth will hydrate it perfectly during baking, resulting in a tender and flavorful stuffing layer.

Cream of Chicken Soup: The Creamy Binder

For this recipe, it’s crucial to use condensed cream of chicken soup straight from the can; do not dilute it with water. The rich, concentrated flavor and creamy texture of the undiluted soup are essential for the casserole’s moistness and binding qualities. When combined with the chicken broth and milk, it creates the perfect amount of liquid to thoroughly moisten the stuffing and envelop the chicken in a velvety, savory sauce that ties the entire dish together.

Chicken Broth: Adding Moisture and Flavor

Any variety of chicken broth will work here, whether it’s low-sodium, regular, or even homemade broth from scratch. You can also easily make your own by dissolving chicken bouillon or a bouillon cube in hot water, as directed on the package. The broth contributes crucial additional moisture, ensuring the stuffing bakes up soft, tender, and flavorful, preventing it from becoming dry or crumbly. For a richer, deeper flavor, consider using a good quality, savory chicken stock.

Milk and Pimientos: Finishing Touches

A touch of milk is combined with the remaining cream of chicken soup to create a smooth, pourable topping that adds an extra layer of creaminess and helps achieve that golden-brown crust. The chopped pimientos are then sprinkled on top, serving multiple purposes: they add a beautiful pop of vibrant red color, which is especially appealing, and they introduce a subtle sweet-tart flavor that brightens the entire dish and provides a pleasant contrast to the savory elements. While optional for taste, they truly elevate the casserole’s presentation.

📖 Variations and Substitutions: Make This Casserole Truly Your Own!

One of the best things about this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to get creative and personalize it with your favorite flavors and textures, transforming a classic into something uniquely yours. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:

Boost Flavor and Texture with Vegetables:

Stir in about 1 cup of any combination of your favorite diced vegetables to the stuffing mixture. This not only adds extra nutrients and visual appeal but also enhances the texture and savory profile of the dish significantly. Excellent choices include:

• Diced Carrots: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and vibrant orange color, along with a tender bite.
• Peas: Provides small bursts of sweetness and a soft, comforting texture that pairs well with poultry.
• Lima Beans or Green Beans: Contributes earthy flavors and a slightly firmer, satisfying bite to the stuffing.
• Corn: For a delightful touch of sweetness and a subtle crunch that complements the other ingredients.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Adding pre-sautéed sliced mushrooms can introduce a wonderful umami depth and a tender, meaty texture.
• Bell Peppers: Diced red or green bell peppers can add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a lovely pop of color.
• Spinach: Wilted fresh or thawed frozen spinach (squeezed dry) can boost nutrients and a mild earthy flavor.

You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; they can be added directly to the stuffing mixture. If using canned, ensure they are thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.

Sweet and Savory Additions for a Unique Twist:

For a unique and intriguing twist, experiment with a hint of sweetness in your savory casserole. These additions often evoke even stronger holiday flavors:

• Diced Apples: Offers a subtle tartness and tender texture that beautifully complements the poultry and herbs.
• Dried Cranberries: Brings a festive tart-sweet note, especially fitting for holiday-inspired meals, and adds a chewy texture.
• Raisins: Provides a classic sweet and chewy element that has been paired with savory poultry and stuffing for generations.

You can add ½ cup of any of these to the stuffing layer, in addition to or instead of the vegetables, depending on your desired flavor profile.

Adjust the Cream Soups and Broth:

While Cream of Chicken soup is traditional and provides a familiar comfort, you can easily swap it out to change the casserole’s flavor profile:

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a richer, earthier, and more robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with both chicken and stuffing.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Offers a slightly milder, distinctly savory, and aromatic note.

Keep in mind that while the creamy texture will remain consistent, the overall flavor of your casserole will vary significantly with each choice, so pick one that suits your taste. For the broth, feel free to use vegetable broth for a slightly different undertone or if you want to keep it vegetarian-friendly (if omitting chicken/turkey), or low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option without compromising on moisture.

Cheesy Goodness:

For an extra layer of decadence and a golden, bubbly top, consider sprinkling 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheese over the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, after removing the foil. Excellent choices include sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a mild provolone. This will create a luscious, melted cheese crust that’s irresistibly delicious and adds another dimension of flavor.

👩🏻‍🍳 What to Serve with Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This savory and delicious Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but pairing it with complementary side dishes can truly elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering. Its rich, comforting flavors work wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some perfect ideas to complete your spread:

Fresh and Crisp Salads:

To provide a refreshing contrast and balance the richness of the casserole, a light and crisp salad is always a welcome addition. Consider these vibrant options:

• Mixed Bean Salad: A simple, tangy, and protein-packed salad that adds texture and a refreshing counterpoint to the warm casserole.
• Crunchy Cole Slaw: The crispness of fresh cabbage and a creamy or vinaigrette dressing provides a delightful textural and flavor contrast.
• A simple green salad: Toss fresh mixed lettuce greens with a homemade Blue Cheese Vinaigrette for a tangy and robust side that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• A light cucumber and tomato salad: Refreshing and simple, a great palate cleanser.

Hearty Sides for a Classic Meal:

For a truly traditional, holiday-inspired spread, or just a deeply satisfying meal, these hearty sides are indispensable and pair wonderfully with chicken and stuffing:

• Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly decadent, these potatoes add another layer of comfort to your plate.
• Orange-Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole: A delightful touch of sweetness and warming spices that complements the savory casserole beautifully, enhancing the holiday feel.
• Elegant Green Bean Casserole: A timeless classic that fits perfectly with the comfort food theme, offering tender green beans in a creamy sauce.
• Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: For a sophisticated, earthy flavor with a slight crisp, providing a delicious bite and depth.
• Homemade Creamed Corn: Sweet and creamy, it’s a classic side dish that offers a comforting sweetness to balance the savory main.
• Roasted root vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes roasted with herbs make a simple yet flavorful addition.

Breads and Rolls:

No comforting meal is truly complete without something warm and soft to soak up all those delicious juices and sauces from the casserole.

• Classic Potato Rolls: Tender, fluffy, and perfect for a warm, homemade touch that makes any meal feel special.
• Garlic bread or simple crusty rolls: Always a crowd-pleaser and excellent for scooping up any lingering bits of delicious stuffing.

Gravy: The Ultimate Topping

To truly elevate your casserole and enhance its holiday-inspired flavors, serve it with a rich, savory gravy. Our easy and delicious Make Ahead Gravy is the perfect companion, adding an extra layer of moisture and deep, umami flavor that ties all the elements together. It’s a classic holiday-inspired flavor combination that truly makes this dish sing.

Sweet Endings: Desserts to Complete Your Meal:

Wrap up your wonderful, satisfying meal with a delightful dessert that complements the comforting theme:

• Pumpkin Pie with Condensed Milk: A festive choice that continues the holiday spirit and offers a sweet, creamy finish.
• Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Pie: A delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for a classic dessert.
• Fresh Apple Cake Dessert: A simple, comforting, and wonderfully aromatic treat that’s always a family favorite.
• Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Pie: A quick, satisfying, and rich sweet treat for those who love peanut butter.

🦃 Holiday Leftover Magic: Transform Your Feast

One of the most appealing aspects of this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole recipe is its incredible versatility as a fantastic vehicle for holiday leftovers. If you find yourself with an abundance of leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this casserole offers the perfect, creative solution to enjoy those beloved holiday flavors beyond the initial family dinner. It’s a wonderful and delicious way to prevent food waste and extend the deliciousness of your festive meal into the days that follow.

Instead of cooked chicken, simply substitute 2 ½ to 3 cups of diced, cooked turkey. Whether you have white meat, dark meat, or a mix from your holiday bird, the turkey will meld beautifully with the savory stuffing and creamy sauce. Don’t worry too much about exact measurements; this recipe is quite forgiving, and you can certainly use a little more or less diced turkey depending on what you have available. It’s an ideal way to reinvent your holiday roast into a new, exciting, and equally comforting meal that your family will eagerly devour without feeling like they’re eating the “same old” leftovers.

For best results with leftover turkey, ensure it’s properly stored and cooled before incorporating it into the casserole. If the turkey happens to be a bit dry from the original cooking, the creamy sauce in this casserole will work wonders to rehydrate it perfectly, making it tender and flavorful once more as it bakes. This section not only highlights a clever cooking hack but also emphasizes the efficiency of meal planning and utilizing every delicious morsel from your holiday feast, maximizing both flavor and value.

Planning to enjoy this ultimate comfort food later? Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to freeze this chicken and stuffing casserole, both baked and unbaked, for future convenient meals.

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing an 11″ x 7″ baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of butter. A square 9″ x 9″ dish or any 2-quart baking dish will also work fine. In a large skillet on the stovetop, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced celery (½ cup) and onion (¼ cup). Sauté these aromatics for about 3 minutes, or until they have softened and become fragrant. This step builds a foundational layer of savory flavor for your stuffing.

Step 2: Create the Stuffing Base. Reduce the heat to low to prevent burning. Stir in the 4 cups of herb-seasoned stuffing mix, ensuring it begins to absorb the butter and aromatics. Next, add ½ of the contents from the 10 ½ ounce can of cream of chicken soup (remember, use it undiluted directly from the can). Mix thoroughly until the stuffing crumbs are well coated with the softened vegetables and creamy soup. This ensures every bite of stuffing is moist and flavorful from the start.

Step 3: Moisten and Bind the Stuffing. Turn off the heat to cool the skillet slightly. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and add 1 whisked egg. Stir all the ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined and the stuffing mixture is evenly moistened. The broth will hydrate the dry stuffing crumbs, and the egg will act as a binder, helping the stuffing hold its shape and preventing it from crumbling excessively in the casserole.

Step 4: Customize Your Stuffing. This is your chance to add your personal touch! If you’re including any extra vegetables (such as diced carrots, peas, or green beans), dried cranberries, or raisins for additional flavor and texture variations, this is the perfect time to gently blend them into the stuffing mixture. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout for consistent taste and texture in every serving.

Step 5: Layer the Stuffing. Carefully transfer the prepared stuffing mixture from the skillet into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly to form a smooth, uniform bottom layer for your casserole. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to gently press it down.

Step 6: Add the Chicken Layer. Evenly top the stuffing layer with your 2 ½ to 3 cups of cooked chicken (or diced turkey if you’re using holiday leftovers). Ensure the chicken pieces are distributed well over the entire surface of the stuffing, so every serving gets a good portion of poultry.

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly flexible when it comes to the stuffing mix. You can use any brand of seasoned, dry stuffing mix you prefer, including popular and widely available options like Stove Top. Stove Top offers various seasoning varieties (e.g., herb, cornbread, chicken-flavored), all of which would work wonderfully in this casserole, adding their unique flavor profiles. Just ensure the bread crumbs are pre-seasoned or that you include any seasoning packet that comes with the mix for optimal flavor and to achieve the intended taste profile.

No, there’s absolutely no need to cook the stuffing according to the box directions beforehand. The dry stuffing mix will absorb all the wonderful liquids (chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk) and will cook perfectly as the casserole bakes in the oven. This saves you an extra step in preparation and ensures the stuffing remains moist and integrates beautifully into the dish, rather than being overly dry or mushy from pre-cooking.

While a rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds incredible convenience and flavor, it is by no means mandatory. You can use 2 ½ – 3 cups of any cooked, shredded, or chopped chicken (or even turkey) you have on hand. This includes chicken breasts or thighs that you’ve boiled, baked, pan-fried, or grilled yourself. The most important thing is that the poultry *must be fully cooked* before you assemble the casserole, as it will only be heated through and meld with the flavors during the baking process, not cooked from raw.

You absolutely can! Eggs do surprisingly well in the freezer, especially when they are incorporated and combined with other ingredients, as they are in this casserole (mixed with stuffing, onion, celery, and chicken). The other ingredients help to stabilize the egg, preventing any undesirable texture changes that might occur if freezing raw eggs alone. Freezing is an excellent way to prepare this casserole ahead of time for future meals, whether you freeze it baked or unbaked. Refer to our detailed storage and freezing tips below for the best results and proper thawing methods.

To make this casserole a bit lighter, consider using low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat or “healthy request” cream of chicken soup, and skim milk. You can also significantly increase the amount of fresh or frozen vegetables added to the stuffing layer, such as broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, or spinach, to boost nutrient content and fiber. Using skinless, boneless chicken breast will also reduce the fat content. While these substitutions might slightly alter the overall richness, the casserole will still be delicious, comforting, and a more wholesome option.

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