If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with ease, this Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe is absolutely the answer. It’s a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, vibrant mixed vegetables, and flavorful stuffing, all topped with a creamy sauce and a golden, crispy crust. This dish strikes the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a beloved family favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role. From the savory stuffing mix that provides a crispy, buttery topping to the mixed vegetables adding bursts of color and nutrition, every component is essential to making this dish so delicious.
- 6 oz. dry chicken stuffing mix: This forms the crispy, flavorful crust that crowns the casserole.
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Protein-packed and tender, this makes the casserole filling and satisfying.
- 12 oz. frozen mixed vegetables: Adds a medley of colors and nutrients, balancing the richness of the dish.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Contributes a subtle depth of savory warmth.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Brings mild sweetness and complexity.
- ¼ tsp pepper: Offers a gentle kick to brighten the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that holds everything together.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the soup creating a luscious sauce.
- 3 tbsp butter: Melts over the stuffing for an irresistible golden finish.
How to Make Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F. This temperature is key for achieving that perfect golden top while thoroughly heating the casserole through.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
Follow the package instructions to prepare the dry chicken stuffing mix. This easy step creates the crispy, buttery topping that will become the highlight of your casserole.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken
Grease your casserole dish to prevent sticking, then spread the cooked shredded chicken evenly across the bottom. This layer forms the savory base of the dish.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Scatter the frozen mixed vegetables evenly over the chicken. Then sprinkle on the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to infuse the veggies and chicken with inviting flavor.
Step 5: Pour the Creamy Sauce
Whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mix evenly over the vegetable layer, ensuring every bite is rich and moist.
Step 6: Top with Stuffing
Evenly spoon the prepared stuffing over the top of the casserole. This layer will crisp up in the oven to create a satisfying contrast to the creamy inside.
Step 7: Drizzle with Butter
Melt the butter and drizzle it generously over the stuffing layer. This step is the secret behind that golden brown, perfectly crispy topping.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. When the stuffing is nicely browned and crisp, your Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe is ready to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the casserole just before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can also add a delicious, nutty touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for some crunchy greens. A light cranberry sauce can provide a sweet, tangy contrast that brightens the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving portions in individual ramekins for a charming personalized touch. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted nuts like slivered almonds or pecans on top of the stuffing to introduce a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Stuffing Casserole can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it tightly sealed to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. After baking, let it cool completely, then portion into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to help maintain the crispy topping. Alternatively, microwave individual servings but expect a softer crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be substituted, just make sure to chop them evenly and slightly steam or sauté if needed so they cook fully during baking.
Is it okay to use a different kind of cream soup?
Yes, you can swap cream of chicken with cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor twist, though cream of chicken keeps the dish classic and comforting.
Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Use a vegetarian stuffing mix along with cooked mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes, and swap the soup for a vegetarian-friendly canned cream soup.
What type of stuffing mix works best?
Any boxed chicken-flavored stuffing mix works well. The key is using a dry mix that crisps nicely when baked on top of the casserole.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe is truly a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and simplicity together in one delicious package. It’s quick to prepare, uses straightforward ingredients, and guarantees a satisfying meal everyone will adore. I encourage you to try making it soon and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor and textures with your loved ones.
Print
Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Stuffing Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring layers of shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy soup topped with crispy baked stuffing. Perfect for a quick family dinner, it combines savory flavors with a satisfying texture in a simple casserole.
Ingredients
Stuffing
- 6 oz. or about 3 cups dry chicken stuffing mix
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 12 oz. frozen mixed vegetables
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Stuffing: Prepare the dry chicken stuffing mix according to the package directions, usually by combining with water and allowing it to hydrate and fluff up.
- Layer Chicken: Spread the cooked and shredded chicken evenly in a single layer on the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Layer the frozen mixed vegetables evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper evenly over the vegetables.
- Mix Soup and Milk: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the vegetables layer.
- Add Stuffing Topping: Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the layers beneath.
- Top with Butter: Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the stuffing layer to aid browning and crisping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the stuffing is browned and crispy on top.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup if preferred, but cream of chicken adds a richer flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat soup.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be swapped with fresh chopped vegetables if desired, adjusting cook time slightly.
