Hey there, fellow comfort food lovers! Today I’m gonna share one of my absolute favorite recipes that’s been a staple in my family for over 20 years – a mouthwatering chicken and stuffing casserole that’ll knock your socks off! Trust me, this isn’t just any ordinary casserole. It’s that perfect blend of hearty, filling goodness that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds.
What I love most about this recipe is how ridiculously simple it is to throw together. No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients – just good ol’ comfort food that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (but between us, it’s super quick!).
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Casserole
Before we dive into the how-to lemme tell you why this chicken and stuffing casserole deserves a spot in your dinner rotation
- It’s stupid easy – seriously, just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep
- Budget-friendly – uses pantry staples you probably already have
- Family-approved – kids and picky eaters give it two thumbs up!
- Perfect for busy weeknights – when you don’t have time for complex cooking
- Great for leftovers – actually tastes even better the next day!
- Customizable – add veggies or switch up the soups to make it your own
I started making this recipe years ago when my kiddos were small, and it’s still one of our most requested meals There’s something about that combo of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful stuffing that just hits different when you need some comfort food!
What You’ll Need
Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing chicken and stuffing casserole:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins (or boneless skinless breasts/thighs)
- 1 box Stove Top chicken stuffing mix (6 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of celery soup (10.5 oz)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh or dried parsley for garnish
Equipment Needed:
- 11×7-inch baking dish (or 9×13 if that’s what you have)
- Small mixing bowl
- Cooking spray
- Aluminum foil
The best part? This recipe is super flexible. Don’t have tenderloins? No problem! You can use chicken breasts thighs or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole – Step by Step
Now for the fun part – actually making this delicious dish! Don’t worry, it’s seriously easy.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray your baking dish with cooking spray. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in the baking dish. Season them with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken pieces, making sure to cover all the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Add the Stuffing
Sprinkle the dry Stove Top stuffing mix right on top of the soup mixture. Then pour the chicken broth over the stuffing, making sure all of the stuffing gets moistened by the broth.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to get that stuffing nicely browned on top. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired. When serving, make sure to scoop up some of that amazing gravy from the bottom to drizzle over each portion!
My Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Stuffing Casserole
After making this dish approximately a million times (ok, slight exaggeration), I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to absolutely amazing:
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For a fluffier stuffing: If you prefer a fluffier stuffing texture, prepare the Stove Top according to package directions first, then dollop it on top of the casserole. Just skip the additional chicken broth if you go this route!
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Add some veggies: Need to sneak in some extra nutrition? Mixed vegetables, green beans, corn, or broccoli mix in beautifully. You can either add them directly to the chicken layer or serve them alongside.
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Switch up the soups: Feel free to experiment with different cream soups! Cream of mushroom works great, or you could do a combo of your favorites for different flavor profiles.
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Make it ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, store in the fridge, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
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Seasoning boost: While the recipe is delicious as-is, sometimes I add a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or poultry seasoning for an extra flavor kick.
FAQs About Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Over the years, I’ve gotten tons of questions about this recipe. Here are answers to some of the most common ones:
Is it safe to put raw chicken in a casserole?
Absolutely! As long as your dish reaches 165°F, any bacteria on the raw chicken will be killed. Just make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
You betcha! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and saves even more time. Just shred or chop it up and reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes since you’re just heating everything through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. You can either freeze it before baking or after. Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in foil or transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I use low-sodium ingredients?
Definitely! If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium soups, stuffing mix, and chicken broth. The flavor will still be delicious!
Variations to Try
One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun variations to try:
Thanksgiving Leftover Version
After Thanksgiving, swap the chicken for leftover turkey and add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side. It’s like Thanksgiving dinner all over again!
Cheesy Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the soup mixture before adding the stuffing. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
Loaded Veggie Version
Mix in sautéed mushrooms, onions, celery, and carrots with the chicken for a more veggie-packed meal.
Cornbread Stuffing Twist
Try using cornbread stuffing instead of chicken flavored for a slightly sweeter, Southern-inspired variation.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
I’ve been making this casserole for my family for years, and there’s a reason we keep coming back to it. The combination of tender chicken and savory stuffing creates that perfect comfort food experience, while the creamy soup mixture forms an incredible gravy that ties everything together.
What I really appreciate is how this dish manages to be both simple and satisfying. On busy weeknights when I’m too tired to cook anything complicated, I can throw this together with minimal effort and still put a hot, homemade meal on the table that everyone loves.
Plus, it’s a complete meal in one dish! Though I usually add a simple side salad or steamed veggie to round things out, the casserole itself has your protein, starch, and sauce all in one convenient package.
Final Thoughts
This chicken and stuffing casserole has saved my dinner plans more times than I can count. It’s one of those recipes that’s become a cornerstone in my cooking repertoire – reliable, delicious, and always a hit.
Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week, or just want some good old-fashioned comfort food, I promise this casserole will deliver. It’s got that magical quality of tasting like it took way more effort than it actually did (and isn’t that what we all want in a recipe?).
So grab those ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready for some serious yumminess. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
Would love to hear if you try this recipe! Drop me a comment below with how it turned out or any creative twists you added to make it your own. Happy cooking, friends!
P.S. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later – trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Tips
A side of steamed vegetables, fresh green salad or roasted potatoes are all you need to round out the meal when serving this easy chicken and stuffing casserole recipe.
Can you freeze chicken and stuffing casserole?
Yes, you can easily freeze this casserole. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring leftovers to single-serve freezer-safe containers. Freeze the leftovers for up to three months, then let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.