Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful stuffing, and a creamy sauce all baked into a warm, satisfying meal. The crispy topping of stuffing adds a lovely crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy chicken underneath.
I love making this casserole because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate. It’s so simple to put together, and it’s always a hit whether for a family dinner or when friends come over. I usually use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time and boost the flavor.
Serving it with a side of steamed green veggies or a fresh salad makes it a balanced meal that everyone enjoys. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good the next day, which is always a bonus in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Using shredded or cubed chicken works well here. Rotisserie chicken saves time and tastes great. You can also use leftover baked or boiled chicken.
Stuffing Mix: I like cornbread stuffing for a slightly sweet crunch, but herb stuffing is a nice savory alternative. If you prefer gluten-free, try a gluten-free stuffing mix or use crushed gluten-free bread.
Cream Soups: Cream of chicken and mushroom soups make this casserole creamy and flavorful. For a healthier twist, swap with homemade cream sauce or use low-sodium canned soups.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Sour cream adds richness, but Greek yogurt is a lighter option that still gives creaminess and a little tang.
Celery & Onion: These give the casserole a mild crunch and fresh flavor. If you want to switch it up, finely chopped bell peppers or carrots would work too.
How Do I Get a Crispy Stuffing Topping Without It Getting Soggy?
To keep the stuffing topping crispy, sprinkle the stuffing mix on top last and drizzle it with melted butter. The butter helps it brown nicely in the oven.
- Spread the stuffing evenly over the wet mixture but don’t stir it in.
- Use melted butter on top to get that golden color.
- Bake uncovered to allow steam to escape and stuffing to crisp up.
- Check near the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
These little steps make the difference between soggy and beautifully crisp stuffing!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowl – to combine all ingredients smoothly and avoid mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts and balanced flavor.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to gently mix without breaking up the stuffing too much.
- Aluminum foil (optional) – helps cover the casserole if it browns too fast while baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a smoky, meaty twist that pairs well with creamy chicken.
- Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for extra gooeyness and richness.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms or green beans to boost veggies and add texture variety.
- Use turkey instead of chicken for a holiday-inspired casserole with familiar flavors.
Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 (6 oz) box of seasoned cornbread stuffing mix or herb stuffing mix
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes for preparation, mixing, and assembling, plus 30-35 minutes of baking time. Overall, you should plan for around 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to keep the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup (if using), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Chicken and Veggies:
Stir the shredded cooked chicken, chopped celery, and chopped onion into the creamy mixture until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Combine with Stuffing:
Add the stuffing mix to the bowl and gently fold it in just until the stuffing is moistened by the mixture. Be careful not to over-mix to keep some texture.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top to help create a delicious golden and crispy crust.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top is nicely browned and the casserole is bubbling. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting, hearty chicken and stuffing casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken as long as it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then cook and shred or cube as directed.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping, or use a microwave covered to retain moisture.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Soups?
If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a simple homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. This adds freshness and lets you control the ingredients without sacrificing creaminess.
