There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and that irresistible savory crunch of stuffing on top. This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe hits all those cozy notes and makes for a satisfying meal that you’ll want on repeat.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe because it’s one of those fuss-free meals that feels like an instant classic in your kitchen. From quick prep to that golden-baked goodness on top, it hits all the right notes without demanding hours of your time.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and easy shortcuts, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Creamy: The sour cream and cream of chicken soup combo make it luscious without extra effort.
- Comfort Food Appeal: The crispy stuffing topping adds texture and a nostalgic feel everyone loves.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily swap veggies or adjust seasoning to suit your family’s taste buds.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe relies on familiar ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each element plays a role in balancing flavors and textures for a meal that feels both hearty and homey — no fancy shopping required.
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth: Adds moisture and subtle depth without overpowering the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the broth to give the stuffing a rich, buttery flavor.
- Stove-top stuffing mix: Packs in classic herb seasoning and crunch, making topping a breeze.
- Cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that binds all the ingredients; its mild flavor complements chicken perfectly.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The heart of the casserole, tender and ready to soak up flavors.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Convenient and colorful, they add freshness and a touch of sweetness.
Make It Your Way
I love making this casserole my own by mixing up the veggies or trying different stuffing flavors. It’s amazing how a little tweak can transform the dish, keeping it fresh and exciting every time.
- Vegetable Swap: I’ve tried adding chopped spinach or broccoli instead of mixed veggies, and it’s a tasty twist that boosts nutrients.
- Stuffing Flavor Boost: Using a garlic and herb or cornbread stuffing mix gives a unique spin depending on what you’re in the mood for.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free cream soup alternatives to make it allergy-friendly.
- Extra Crunch: Sometimes, I sprinkle some shredded cheese or crushed fried onions on top for that added texture and flavor burst.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Flavorful Stuffing Topping
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish — I use non-stick spray to make cleanup easier. Then, in a saucepan, heat the broth and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. This step infuses the stuffing with rich buttery goodness right from the start. Once melted, remove it from heat and stir in the stove-top stuffing mix, cover it, and set aside. This little resting step lets the stuffing absorb all those liquids, so it bakes up perfectly crispy later.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until you get a smooth, creamy base. Then stir in the shredded chicken and frozen mixed veggies—no need to thaw them first! This combination creates that cozy, hearty filling that gets all cozy under the stuffing top.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy chicken mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish, then spread the stuffing mixture over the top like a delicious blanket. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole bubbles at the edges. It’s that heavenly aroma that tells me it’s ready—crispy on top, creamy underneath, and perfectly comforting.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe truly shine, so here’s what I recommend to help you nail it:
- Don’t Overload the Veggies: Using about 1 ½ cups of frozen mixed vegetables gives a nice balance without making the dish too watery.
- Butter the Stuffing Mixture Well: The butter melts into the broth and stuffing mix, creating that perfect crust—don’t skip it!
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Giving the casserole a few minutes to set helps it hold together better on the plate.
- Watch Your Oven Time: Ovens vary, so check around 30 minutes to avoid burning your crispy topping.
How to Serve Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or some green onions to add a fresh burst of color and mild flavor. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper goes a long way too. These small touches brighten the dish and make it look like you put in extra effort—though in reality, it’s a quick meal.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is such a full meal on its own, I love pairing it with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. Steamed green beans or a tangy cranberry sauce also complement the rich casserole beautifully, adding contrast and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs. It instantly looks more elegant and helps control portion sizes. Another idea is to sprinkle the top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra golden crust that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld nicely overnight. Just be sure to cover it tightly so the stuffing topping stays as crisp as possible.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times by assembling it completely and wrapping the whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. The texture changes a bit, but it still tastes delicious and is super handy for busy weeks.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer the oven so the stuffing topping stays crisp—heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but the topping loses some crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or green beans work well. Just lightly steam or sauté them beforehand to ensure they cook fully in the casserole.
If you want to avoid canned soups, you can make a simple homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk or cream. It’s a bit more work but gives you control over flavor and ingredients.
Yes, this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe freezes nicely. Assemble completely, freeze uncovered for a couple of hours, then wrap tightly. Thaw overnight before baking to ensure even cooking.
You can swap the chicken for extra vegetables like mushrooms and use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken. Also, choose a vegetarian stuffing mix to keep it hearty yet meat-free.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s one of those meals I love to make when I want something both easy and satisfying. It’s flexible, cozy, and always hits the spot whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend with family. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s sure to become a favorite around your table too.
Print
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken and Stuffing Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy soup and sour cream mixture, mixed vegetables, and a savory stove-top stuffing topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Broth and Butter
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Stuffing
- 6 ounces stove-top stuffing mix
Casserole Mixture
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth and ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter has melted. Remove from heat, then stir in the 6-ounce package of stove-top stuffing mix. Cover the mixture and set it aside to absorb the liquid.
- Mix Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Fold in 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups of frozen mixed vegetables into the soup mixture, stirring until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Add Stuffing Topping: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes until the stuffing topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Notes
- You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- If you want a cheesier flavor, consider adding shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole mixture before baking.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked and shredded beforehand; rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh vegetables if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- To make this recipe gluten free, use a gluten free stuffing mix and gluten free cream of chicken soup alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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