This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Juicy chicken is topped with soft stuffing and baked to golden perfection.
I love how easy it is to make—just mix, spread, and bake. It fills the house with yummy smells, and everyone will want seconds! Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick meal or any leftover chicken works well. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced so it mixes easily with other ingredients.
Cream of Chicken Soup: If you don’t have this on hand, homemade cream of chicken soup is very easy to make! You can also substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor or use a dairy-free alternative based on your preference.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang, plus it’s a bit healthier! You can also use regular yogurt if that’s what you have.
Frozen Corn and Peas: Fresh vegetables are a nice touch if it’s the season, but frozen works great too! If you want to switch things up, consider using mixed vegetables or even diced carrots.
Stuffing Mix: Any flavor of stuffing mix works, but herbed stuffing adds extra flavor. If you want to avoid packaged mixes, you can make your own stuffing with bread cubes, herbs, and broth.
How Do I Get the Casserole to Bake Evenly?
Getting an even bake on your casserole is crucial for a well-prepared dish. Here are some tips to ensure that everything cooks perfectly:
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the casserole inside. This helps everything cook evenly from the start.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the baking dish to avoid any cold spots.
- When preparing the stuffing, make sure it is moistened but not soggy. It should hold together but crumble nicely when cooked.
- While baking, you can cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes. This helps retain moisture before browning the top to a delicious golden color.
How to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh)
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Stuffing:
- 1 (6-ounce) package of stuffing mix (herbed or plain)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or as needed for moisture)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken and Stuffing Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. In total, you will need around 50 minutes before you can enjoy this hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly baked.
2. Mix the Chicken Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, corn, peas, chopped celery, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well so that all the ingredients are nicely mixed. You want a creamy and flavorful filling!
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Next, take a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the chicken mixture into it. Spread the mixture out evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will be the base of your casserole.
4. Prepare the Stuffing:
In a separate bowl, prepare your stuffing mix according to the package instructions. Use chicken broth to moisten the mix as directed. If you like, sprinkle in a little dried thyme for an extra burst of flavor. Mix it well until it’s all set!
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Now it’s time to layer! Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. If you’re opting for cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the stuffing for a delicious finishing touch.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling and the stuffing has turned a lovely golden brown. It will smell amazing!
7. Let It Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit. Then, scoop out a hearty serving and enjoy your comforting Chicken and Stuffing Casserole!
### FAQs for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works great in this casserole and gives it a delicious flavor. Just shred or dice the turkey meat to match the recipe’s chicken requirement. You might even want to reduce the salt slightly since turkey can be saltier than chicken.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can make your own cream of chicken soup by blending chicken broth, milk, flour, and seasonings to thicken it. Alternatively, using cream of mushroom or even a white sauce can work well too, depending on your taste preferences.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the foil and pop it in the oven, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the casserole back in the oven covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
