Quick & Comforting: Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe!

Table of Contents

Introduction

When life gets hectic, and time is not on your side, what could be more comforting than coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a Chicken and Stuffing Casserole? This delightful dish is not only super easy to whip up but it is also bursting with flavors that make it a family favorite. Imagine tender pieces of chicken combined with savory stuffing, creamy sauce, and a hint of cheese, all baked to perfection. Yum, right?

Chances are, many of us have fond memories associated with casseroles. Grandma’s special recipes, family gatherings, or cozy holidays — casseroles just have a way of bringing loved ones together. The beauty of this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is its versatility; it’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or as a star dish at potlucks and celebrations, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. But let’s be real—who says stuffing is just for the holidays? This dish is comforting enough to be enjoyed year-round!

If you’re particularly busy, fear not! This bustling world demands quick solutions, and chicken casserole is your miracle worker! With time-saving techniques like pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought stuffing, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in under an hour. Let’s dive in and explore why this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is destined to become your new go-to recipe!

Budget Information

Cost Breakdown

Store-Bought Stuffing Mix: $2.00
Chicken Broth (1 cup): $1.00
Butter (2 tablespoons): $0.30
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): $1.00
Milk (1 cup): $0.50
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt (¾ cup): $0.75
Poultry Seasoning (1 teaspoon): $0.10
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (3 cups): $5.00
Chopped Broccoli (1 cup): $1.00
Shredded Cheese (1 cup): $1.50

Approximate Total Cost: $12.15
This casserole feeds about 6 people, making it a budget-friendly option at approximately $2.02 per serving!

Perfect for Every Budget

Casseroles like this one are incredibly economical, allowing you to prepare a hearty meal for a large family without breaking the bank. Plus, it utilizes a number of pantry staples, making it a reliable choice in any season. Forget about expensive takeout; this casserole is affordable, quick, and oh-so-delicious!

Why This Recipe Works

Foolproof Comfort Food

There are many reasons this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole will shine in your kitchen! First off, it’s a simple recipe that requires little prep time, making it an ideal option when you’re dealing with a busy schedule. The creamy filling combines perfectly with the crispy stuffing on top for a satisfying contrast that your taste buds will adore.

Family-Friendly and Flexible

This dish’s flexibility is one of its vital charms! Not only does the chicken stuffing casserole deliver robust flavors, but it also easily accommodates dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions. Craving something a little different? Swap the broccoli for green beans, or switch up the cream of mushroom with cream of celery or chicken soup—everything works fabulously!

Nutritious and Satisfying

Moreover, the Chicken and Stuffing Casserole brings a good balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in each serving. It includes shredded rotisserie chicken, which is a fantastic source of protein, and broccoli, which brings a healthy dose of vitamins. So you truly can enjoy comfort food that pleases your palate while keeping nutrition in check!

Ingredients + Optional Substitutions

Here’s the full list of ingredients you’ll need for this delicious Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, along with some handy substitutions:

Stuffing Mix (1 package): Any flavor (e.g. cornbread, traditional) works!
Chicken Broth (1 cup) or Chicken Stock
Butter (2 tablespoons): Can be replaced with olive oil for a lighter option!
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): Substitute with any cream soup flavor.
Milk (1 cup): Use any non-dairy milk like almond or oat if preferred.
Sour Cream (¾ cup) or Plain Greek Yogurt: Both add a delicious creamy texture.
Poultry Seasoning (1 teaspoon): This could be switched for thyme or sage.
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (3 cups): Great alternative if you have leftover turkey!
Chopped Broccoli (1 cup): Frozen or pre-washed broccoli florets save time.
Shredded Colby Jack Cheese (1 cup): Try cheddar cheese for a sharp flavor, or even mozzarella for a milder taste.

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Equipment

So, what equipment will you need? Let’s round it all up for you!

9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for casseroles.
Large mixing bowl: For combining all the filling ingredients.
Medium saucepan: To prepare the stuffing.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for getting the portions just right.
Whisk: Great for mixing the creamy filling smoothly.
Spatula: For smooth layering of filling and stuffing.

PIN IT

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Yield: 6 hearty servings

Let’s get down to the good stuff! Here is your detailed guide to assembling this scrumptious Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it prepares the atmosphere for cooking your casserole evenly. While waiting, take a moment to prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish. Spray it lightly with cooking spray or grease with butter to prevent sticking, ensuring cleanup will be a breeze!
Prepare the Stuffing
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of butter. The butter will melt, and the mixture should come to a gentle boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add the stuffing mix. Stir it gently, ensuring all the pieces are coated with the broth. Let the stuffing sit for at least 5 minutes to absorb all that delicious flavor—it should be fluffy and tender by the time we need it!
Make the Creamy Filling
In your large mixing bowl, whisk together one can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of milk, ¾ cup of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning. You’ll achieve a smooth and creamy consistency that will coat our other ingredients beautifully. The aromatic poultry seasoning adds a delightful flavor punch, perfectly complementing the chicken!
Add the Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese
Into the creamy mixture, add 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 cup of chopped broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated. The brightness of the broccoli against the creamy filling and savory chicken is simply delightful!
Layer and Top with Stuffing
Pour the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure every slice has that dreamy, creamy goodness. Furiously scoop the prepared stuffing on top, evenly distributing it across the surface. This layer is what makes the casserole during baking, forming that deliciously crispy crust.
Bake the Casserole
Place your casserole in the preheated oven, and let it bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Magic happens at this point; the flavors meld together beautifully as the stuffing becomes golden and crispy while the filling bubbles away underneath. When the timer goes off, you should have a glorious casserole waiting to be devoured!

Cooking Time Summary

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Facts

Yield: 6 hearty servings

Per Serving (approx. 1/6 casserole):

Calories: 521
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1189mg

Dietary Tags: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free stuffing), Nut-Free, and simply delicious!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve indulged in the Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, if you find yourself with any leftovers (highly unlikely, but still!), the casserole can be stored:

Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Great news! You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is a breeze:

Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C), cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying, and heat until warmed through.
Stove: For individual servings, a skillet works nicely. Add a splash of water or broth, cover and cook on low until hot.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, the dish is truly delightful on its own. However, to elevate the dining experience, consider these pairings:

Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top takes presentation to the next level.
Sides: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Sauces: A drizzle of homemade gravy or cranberry sauce can enhance flavors, with cranberry adding a lovely contrast to the richness of the casserole!

For festive occasions, make it a complete meal with mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash on the side.

Reader Tips or Helpful Notes

Here are ten tried-and-true tips for making this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole even better:

Shortcut with Pre-Shredded Chicken: Save even more time by purchasing pre-shredded rotisserie chicken from the deli.
Season Well: Feel free to adjust seasonings—add black pepper or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli provides a lovely crunch. If using frozen, ensure it’s thawed and drained of excess liquid.
Experiment with Cheese: Try using mozzarella or gouda for a different cheese profile.
Make-Ahead Opportunity: Assemble it a day in advance, and bake it just before serving.
Storing Leftovers: Line your container with parchment paper before filling to avoid sticking.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice to the creamy filling for a zesty zing.
Perfect Layering: Pack the stuffing layer down slightly for a more cohesive topping.
Oven Watch: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil to ensure even cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure your casserole isn’t too dry; the creamy filling should be moist enough to keep everything deliciously cohesive!

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute broccoli with green beans, peas, or even carrots. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed.

2. Is there a vegetarian option available for this casserole?

Certainly! You can create a vegetarian version by omitting chicken and adding a hearty blend of mushrooms, bell peppers, and extra veggies.

3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

4. How do I ensure this casserole doesn’t dry out?

If you notice it’s drying out, add a little extra chicken broth or cream before baking.

5. Can leftovers be frozen?

Yes! This casserole freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s tightly sealed, and reheat it gently from frozen.

6. What can I serve with this dish?

This casserole is versatile! Pair it with a light salad, some roasted vegetables, or enjoy it as is. A side of cranberry sauce can also complement the flavors beautifully!

Conclusion

Whether you’re navigating a busy weeknight or planning for a family gathering, this Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a cherished recipe that promises to bring comfort and satisfaction to your table.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this delightful casserole shine in your kitchen! If you’ve enjoyed creating this easy meal, I would love to hear your thoughts. Have any questions? Drop them in the comments below or share your casserole creations on social media – I’m eager to see your delicious interpretations! Don’t forget to snap a picture, tag me, and spread the love of quick, comforting meals! Happy cooking!