Ultimate Comfort: Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole for Hearty Weeknight Meals
There are some dishes that simply taste like home, and a Chicken Stuffing Casserole is undoubtedly one of them. This incredibly easy-to-make dish brings together classic, comforting flavors in a single baking dish, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of staple ingredients – chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, dry stuffing mix, and cream of chicken soup – you can whip up a hearty, golden-brown casserole that’s both delicious and remarkably simple. It’s the kind of wholesome, belly-filling food that effortlessly combines convenience with rich, savory taste, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.
Why This Simple Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
This chicken stuffing casserole isn’t just another recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor and comfort. It works so well for several compelling reasons:
- Unbeatable Convenience: Featuring just four main ingredients – boneless, skinless chicken, readily available frozen mixed vegetables, a packet of dry stuffing mix, and a can of cream of chicken soup – this recipe minimizes grocery runs and maximizes ease. It’s a true “dump-and-bake” meal that requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for those evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table without a fuss.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a golden, savory stuffing crust, this casserole is incredibly filling. Each spoonful delivers a balanced blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone at the table feeling content and nourished. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening or a busy day.
- Remarkably Versatile: One of the greatest strengths of this casserole is its adaptability. While the core recipe is fantastic, it also serves as an excellent base for customization. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or to utilize what you already have in your pantry. This flexibility ensures that the dish can be enjoyed time and time again, always feeling fresh and exciting.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common and affordable ingredients, this casserole is a smart choice for economical meal planning. It transforms simple staples into a substantial meal that can feed a crowd, providing great value without sacrificing taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Have leftover ham or turkey from a holiday feast? This casserole offers a brilliant way to transform those delicious remains into a completely new, equally appealing dish. It breathes new life into holiday staples, making sure no food goes to waste.
Key Ingredients for Your Comforting Casserole
This recipe shines in its simplicity, requiring just a few common ingredients that combine to create a symphony of flavors. Below is a concise list of what you’ll need. For detailed measurements, precise instructions, and a printable version of the recipe, please scroll to the end of this post where you’ll find the full recipe card.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips & Creative Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient and its potential alternatives can help you tailor this casserole to your taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Here’s a closer look:
CHICKEN: The recipe calls for 4 1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. This is a lean and versatile protein.
- Pre-cooked Chicken for Extra Speed: For an even quicker meal, opt for shredded rotisserie chicken. This completely bypasses the need for raw chicken and significantly cuts down on cooking time, as the chicken only needs to heat through.
- Using Cooked Leftovers: This casserole is phenomenal for utilizing holiday leftovers. Diced or shredded cooked turkey or ham can be swapped in for chicken, infusing the dish with new flavors and reducing food waste.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used. They tend to stay moister during baking and offer a slightly richer flavor.
STUFFING: You’ll need dry stuffing mix, typically found in bags or boxes at your local grocery store.
- Pre-seasoned Mix: Brands like Pepperidge Farm or Stovetop stuffing are excellent choices for their convenience and pre-mixed seasonings. They provide a reliable flavor profile without any extra effort.
- Homemade Stuffing: If you prefer to make your own from scratch, feel free! Just ensure it’s a dry mix or pre-baked and crumbled. You can adjust the seasonings to your heart’s desire – think sage, thyme, rosemary, or a hint of poultry seasoning.
- Adding Moisture/Flavor: While the recipe includes water for wetting the stuffing, you can enhance the flavor further by using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water, or even by drizzling melted butter over the dry stuffing before adding the liquid.
FILLING (Cream of Soup): Cream of chicken soup forms the creamy, savory base of this casserole.
- Alternative Creamy Soups: Don’t limit yourself to just cream of chicken! Cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup are fantastic substitutes that offer slightly different but equally delicious flavor profiles.
- Homemade Soup: For a fresher, more control-over-ingredients approach, consider making your own homemade cream of chicken soup from scratch. This can elevate the casserole’s taste even further.
- Adding Liquids: If you find the casserole a bit too thick, you can thin the soup mixture slightly with a splash of milk, chicken broth, or even a bit of white wine for added depth of flavor.
VEGETABLES: Frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient addition, providing both nutrients and vibrant color.
- Common Mixed Veggies: Most frozen mixed vegetable blends include peas, carrots, corn, and green beans. These are perfect for this dish.
- Fresh Alternatives: Feel free to use fresh vegetables! Chopped carrots, celery, onions, or bell peppers can be lightly sautéed before adding to the casserole for extra flavor and tenderness. Broccoli florets, asparagus pieces, or sliced mushrooms are also wonderful additions.
- Custom Combinations: Don’t hesitate to personalize your vegetable mix. Consider adding some spinach or kale (chopped fine), or even roasted butternut squash for a fall-inspired twist.
WATER: Water is essential for moistening the dry stuffing mix, allowing it to soften and bake into a tender, flavorful topping.
- Broth for Enhanced Flavor: For a richer, more robust flavor, substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the water. This subtle change can significantly deepen the savory notes of the stuffing.
- Amount Adjustment: The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of water, with an option to use up to 1 cup. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the brand and type of dry stuffing mix used, as some absorb more liquid than others. You want the stuffing to be thoroughly moistened but not soggy.
Effortless Steps to Your Perfect Chicken Stuffing Casserole
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious casserole. For a complete printable version of this recipe, including all measurements and comprehensive instructions, please refer to the recipe card located at the very end of this post. You can Jump to Recipe now to get started!
- Prepare Your Casserole Dish: Begin by spreading 1/2 cup of the cream of chicken soup evenly across the bottom of a 13×9 casserole dish. This layer acts as a protective, flavorful base, preventing the chicken from sticking and adding to the overall moisture of the dish. Next, arrange the diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts over this creamy base. Spreading them in a single, even layer ensures they cook uniformly and thoroughly.
- Create the Creamy Vegetable Layer: In a separate bowl, combine the remainder of your cream of chicken soup with the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir these two ingredients together until the vegetables are well coated in the soup. This ensures every bite of your casserole is infused with that rich, creamy flavor and tender veggies. Once mixed, spread this creamy vegetable mixture evenly over the raw chicken in your casserole dish. This layer will keep the chicken moist and tender as it bakes.
- Add the Stuffing Topping: Generously sprinkle the dry stuffing mix over the creamy chicken and vegetable layers. Distribute it as evenly as possible to ensure a consistent texture. Then, pour the water (or chicken/vegetable broth for extra flavor) slowly and evenly over the top of the dry stuffing mix. The goal is to moisten the stuffing thoroughly so it can soften and bake into a beautiful, golden crust. Using a fork, you can gently pat down any overly dry spots to encourage absorption.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap steam, ensuring the chicken cooks through and the stuffing remains moist during the initial baking phase. Place it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 45 minutes. For a crispier, golden-brown topping, remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. The casserole is ready when the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), the sauce is bubbly, and the stuffing is golden and slightly crispy. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy schedules or preparing for guests. To prep in advance, assemble the casserole exactly as described in the instructions, but hold off on adding the dry stuffing mix and water. Once the chicken and creamy vegetable layers are in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, add the dry stuffing mix and water, then bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from a chilled state. This casserole also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Storing leftover chicken stuffing casserole is straightforward. Once cooled completely, transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thawed portions in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
To achieve that wonderfully crispy, golden-brown stuffing topping, remove the aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This allows the direct heat to crisp up the top layer of the stuffing. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Yes, cheese is a fantastic addition! For a cheesy twist, sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses over the creamy vegetable layer before adding the dry stuffing mix. You can also add a final sprinkle of cheese over the top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, after removing the foil, to create a bubbling, golden-brown cheese crust.
While delicious on its own, you can easily enhance the flavor profile. Consider sautéing a finely diced onion and a couple of cloves of minced garlic before adding them to the creamy vegetable mixture. A pinch of dried thyme, sage, or a general poultry seasoning blend mixed into the soup layer can also add depth. For a touch of freshness, stir in some fresh parsley or chives before serving.
The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding bone) in the center of the casserole. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when the chicken is pierced.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole
Chicken stuffing casserole is a complete meal on its own, offering a delightful combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. However, it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to round out your dinner. A crisp green side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. Fluffy dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up any creamy goodness. For additional vegetables, consider serving steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans on the side. During the holidays or when using leftover turkey, a dollop of cranberry sauce can add a wonderful tangy note. This versatile dish truly makes a satisfying meal, whether served simply or alongside your favorite accompaniments.
Explore More Delicious Casserole Recipes
If you love the ease and comfort of this chicken stuffing casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are the ultimate go-to for hearty, family-friendly meals that often require minimal effort. They are perfect for feeding a crowd, preparing ahead of time, or simply enjoying a warm, satisfying dinner. Dive into our collection of other incredible casserole recipes that promise to bring flavor and convenience to your kitchen:
- Taco Casserole
- John Wayne Casserole
- Ground Beef Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Crockpot John Wayne Casserole
- Corn Casserole
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
We hope you enjoy this easy and delicious Chicken Stuffing Casserole as much as we do. It’s a timeless dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Stuffing Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts raw, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 21 oz cream of chicken
- 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables
- 6 oz dry stuffing mix like Pepperidge Farm
- ½ cup water can use up to 1 cup if needed
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
Before You Begin
- Alternatively, you can make the stuffing with water in a bowl before topping on the vegetables.
Instructions
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Spread 1/2 cup of cream of chicken on the bottom of the casserole dish. Add the diced chicken breasts.
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Mix the remainder of cream of chicken soup with the frozen vegetables. Spread evenly on top of the raw chicken.
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Top with stuffing mix. Pour water over the top of stuffing mix to wet.
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Bake at 400F covered with tinfoil for 45 minutes.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.