Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: A Comforting Family Meal

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce into one delicious dish. This casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that satisfies hunger and provides comfort. The golden, crispy stuffing top covers juicy chicken pieces and a rich, creamy base. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners, this casserole needs minimal preparation but delivers maximum flavor. The dish works well for meal planning since you can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when needed. Chicken and Stuffing Casserole remains a favorite in many households because it offers familiar flavors in a convenient form.

Reasons to Try Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This casserole deserves a place in your regular meal rotation for several good reasons:

• Complete meal in one dish: It contains protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables all in one baking dish.
• Time-efficient: The preparation takes only 15 minutes, then the oven does the rest of the work.
• Budget-friendly: It uses basic ingredients that don’t strain your grocery budget.
• Crowd-pleaser: Both adults and children enjoy the familiar, comforting flavors.
• Versatile: You can add different vegetables or adjust seasonings to match your family’s preferences.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors blend even more when stored overnight in the refrigerator.

The combination of crunchy stuffing with the creamy chicken mixture creates a pleasant texture contrast. Each bite delivers savory chicken flavor enhanced by herbs from the stuffing and richness from the creamy sauce.

Where did Chicken and Stuffing Casserole come from?

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole emerged in mid-20th century America during the post-World War II era. This period saw rapid growth in convenience foods and casserole dishes. Homemakers sought efficient, economical ways to feed their families, and food companies responded with products like instant stuffing mix.

The Campbell Soup Company played a significant role in popularizing such casseroles through recipe booklets and advertising campaigns in the 1950s and 1960s. Their condensed cream soups became staple ingredients in many casserole recipes, including the Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.

The dish represents American home cooking’s practical approach – combining pre-made elements with fresh ingredients to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The recipe spread through community cookbooks, family recipe cards, and word of mouth, with each region and family developing their own variations.

Today, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole remains popular because it balances convenience with homemade quality. It reflects a distinctly American cooking tradition that values practicality, comfort, and bringing family together around the dinner table.

Ingredients Notes

For the Chicken Base:

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for easy preparation and lean protein. Fresh chicken works best, but thawed frozen chicken will work if patted dry.
• Cream of chicken soup: Provides the creamy base. Select low-sodium versions if you monitor salt intake.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness. Full-fat creates the best texture, but light versions work too.
• Chicken broth: Enhances the chicken flavor throughout the dish. Homemade broth provides the best flavor, but good-quality store-bought broth works well.
• Mixed vegetables: Fresh vegetables offer the best texture, but frozen mixed vegetables provide convenience. Thaw and drain them before adding to prevent excess water.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These dried seasonings distribute flavor evenly throughout the casserole.
• Salt and pepper: Always essential for bringing out flavors. Season according to your taste.

For the Stuffing Topping:

• Stuffing mix: The boxed herb-seasoned stuffing mix creates the perfect crispy topping. Different brands vary in seasonings, so find one you prefer.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the stuffing brown. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level.
• Chicken broth: Moistens the stuffing without making it soggy.

How to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the chicken. Cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Make the creamy base. In a large bowl, mix together:
   • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
   • 1 cup sour cream
   • 1/2 cup chicken broth
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4. Add vegetables. Stir in 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, and green beans) to the creamy mixture.
5. Combine with chicken. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the creamy vegetable mixture and stir until evenly coated.
6. Transfer to baking dish. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Prepare the stuffing topping. In a medium bowl, combine:
   • 1 box (6 oz) herb-seasoned stuffing mix
   • 1/4 cup melted butter
   • 1 cup chicken broth Stir until the stuffing mix is evenly moistened.
8. Add the topping. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
9. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the stuffing turns golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Rest before serving. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help the layers set.

What You Must Know About Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

• Chicken doneness: Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for food safety.
• Moisture balance: The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add a little more broth; if too wet, use less.
• Baking dish depth: Use a dish with at least 2-inch sides to prevent overflow during baking.
• Cream soup substitution: If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk or broth.
• Raw vs. cooked chicken: This recipe uses raw chicken that cooks in the casserole. Pre-cooked chicken reduces baking time but may result in drier meat.
• Even distribution: Spread ingredients evenly in the baking dish for consistent cooking.
• Checking doneness: Cut into the thickest piece of chicken to verify it’s fully cooked with no pink remaining.

Helpful Tips

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• For added flavor, sauté a diced onion and celery before mixing with the other ingredients.
• If the top browns too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
• Allow ingredients to come to room temperature before baking for more even cooking.
• For make-ahead preparation, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready (may need 5-10 minutes additional baking time).
• To save time, use rotisserie chicken (about 3-4 cups shredded) and reduce baking time to 30 minutes.
• For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning to the chicken mixture.
• For a crispy top, spray the stuffing lightly with cooking spray before baking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein options: Turkey works wonderfully as a substitute for chicken.
• Vegetable variations: Add mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers based on your preference.
• Creamy alternatives: Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option.
• Cheese addition: Mix 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken layer for a cheesy version.
• Soup variations: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can substitute for cream of chicken.
• Herb enhancements: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to boost flavor.
• Stuffing varieties: Try cornbread or whole grain stuffing mix for different flavors and textures.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your cream soup is gluten-free.
• Spice level: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a mild heat.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This complete meal works well on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with these serving ideas:

• Pair with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Serve with cranberry sauce on the side for a sweet-tart contrast.
• Add a side of steamed green beans or asparagus for extra vegetables.
• Offer dinner rolls or crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce.
• Include a side of applesauce for a traditional comfort food pairing.
• Garnish individual servings with fresh parsley or thyme for visual appeal.
• For holiday meals, serve alongside other traditional sides like mashed potatoes.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with the date to track freshness.

Reheating:

• Refrigerated leftovers: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout.
• For microwave reheating, use medium power and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through (about 2-3 minutes total).
• Add a tablespoon of chicken broth before reheating to maintain moisture.
• Frozen portions should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Cover with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent the top from burning.
• Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheated.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Based on 8 servings per casserole:

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Potassium: 520mg
• Vitamin A: 80% DV
• Vitamin C: 15% DV
• Calcium: 8% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce into one delicious dish. This casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that satisfies hunger and provides comfort. The golden, crispy stuffing top covers juicy chicken pieces and a rich, creamy base. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth plus 1 cup for stuffing
• 2 cups mixed vegetables carrots, peas, corn, green beans
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt divided
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
• 1 box 6 oz herb-seasoned stuffing mix
• 1/4 cup butter melted

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper.
• In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in mixed vegetables.
• Add seasoned chicken pieces to the creamy mixture and stir until coated.
• Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.
• In a separate bowl, combine stuffing mix, melted butter, and 1 cup chicken broth.
• Spread the stuffing mixture over the chicken layer.
• Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and chicken reaches 165°F.
• Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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