This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s packed with tender chicken, tasty veggies, and fluffy stuffing baked all together.
It’s like a big hug in a bowl! I love how simple it is to throw together—just mix, bake, and eat! Leftovers? Yes, please! They taste just as yummy the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and lots of flavor. If you prefer, you can use leftover chicken or even turkey after the holidays!
Bread Stuffing Mix: While a store-bought mix is quick and easy, homemade stuffing can be a fun alternative. Just toast some bread, add herbs, and season it well. You can also use cornbread stuffing or even rice as a base.
Vegetables: Celery, onion, and carrots are classic choices. Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers or frozen peas if you have them on hand. They add great color and nutrition!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides creaminess to the dish. You can replace it with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade version made with milk and flour for a lighter touch.
Sour Cream: It adds richness and tang. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt works well too, and it will still keep the casserole creamy.
How Do I Ensure the Perfect Texture for My Casserole?
A key to a great chicken and stuffing casserole is the texture. You want it creamy on the inside but with a slightly crispy top. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the ingredients; you want to keep some texture from the stuffing and chicken.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish for even cooking. Widen the dish if you have too much filling.
- If the stuffing is too dry, add a bit more chicken broth before baking. If it’s too wet, add less broth!
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end of baking, but watch it closely to avoid burning!
Chicken And Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 package (about 6 oz) bread stuffing mix (or homemade stuffing)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried sage (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. So, in just about an hour, you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, prepare your casserole dish by lightly greasing it—this helps prevent sticking later on.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, onion, and carrots. Cook these vegetables until they soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This will give them a great flavor!
3. Mix All the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, the softened veggies, the bread stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, thyme, sage, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together well until it’s mixed evenly. It should have a nice, creamy consistency.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Carefully transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes uniformly.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly throughout. Yum!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this homemade goodness!
This hearty casserole blends savory chicken with moist and flavorful stuffing, enhanced by the creaminess of soup and sour cream, with a nice touch of herbs and fresh veggies to balance it out. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this casserole and can add a delicious flavor twist. Just shred or dice the turkey in the same amount as the chicken and proceed with the recipe as usual.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade version using equal parts of milk and flour cooked together until thickened. This will still provide that creamy texture you’re looking for.
Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this casserole gluten-free by using a gluten-free bread stuffing mix and ensuring that the cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free. You may also want to check if your chicken broth is gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist!
