Chicken And Stuffing Casserole Recipe

Have you ever craved a comforting dish that'll warm your soul and satisfy your hunger? Chicken and stuffing casserole is your answer. It's a classic comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. You'll love how quickly it comes together, with tender chicken, creamy soup, and crispy stuffing creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you're feeding a family or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to become a staple in your kitchen. Want to learn how to make it?

Recipe Highlights

• A classic casserole combining shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and pre-made stuffing mix, baked in a 9×13 inch dish at 375°F.
• Requires basic ingredients including 4 cups cooked chicken, 1 box stuffing mix, 2 cans cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup chicken broth.
• Prepare by mixing chicken and soup, spreading in a greased baking dish, and topping with buttered stuffing before baking until golden brown and 165°F internally.
• Simple recipe that offers versatility through customization with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or added vegetables such as carrots and peas.
• Easy to store in an airtight container for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently in microwave or oven to maintain moisture and flavor.

History

Although stuffing has been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, the chicken and stuffing casserole represents a more modern culinary innovation.

You'll find its roots in the mid-20th century, when home cooks sought convenient, hearty meals that could feed families quickly. Casseroles became popular during the 1950s and 1960s, driven by the rise of processed foods and convenience cooking.

Cream of chicken soup, a key ingredient, was first developed in 1934 by Campbell's, revolutionizing home cooking techniques. The combination of pre-made stuffing mix (introduced in 1972 by Kraft) and canned soup created the perfect storm for this easy, comforting dish.

You can trace the casserole's evolution through community cookbooks and family recipe collections, which captured the era's love for simple, satisfying meals that could be prepared with minimal effort.

Recipe

A classic comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal, this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. The dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the rich, herbaceous flavors of traditional stuffing, all brought together in a creamy sauce that promises to delight the whole family.

This one-pan wonder not only saves on cleanup but also delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. By using pre-cooked chicken and boxed stuffing mix, home cooks can create a delicious dinner in under an hour, making it perfect for busy households looking for a quick and tasty meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 box (6 oz) chicken stuffing mix
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the shredded chicken, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are lightly moistened. Sprinkle the buttered stuffing evenly over the chicken layer.

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

For best results, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven, which allows the filling to set and makes serving easier. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or sage to the stuffing mixture, or top with some grated cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra richness.

Cooking Steps

You'll want to start by thoroughly greasing your 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Next, mix your shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup, creating a creamy base that'll hold your casserole together nicely.

Once you've combined the ingredients and sprinkled the buttered stuffing mix on top, you'll bake the casserole until it reaches a gorgeous golden-brown color, signaling it's ready to be enjoyed.

Step 1. Grease Baking Dish Thoroughly

Greasing your baking dish properly ensures your chicken and stuffing casserole won't stick and will release beautifully when serving.

You'll want to use either butter, cooking spray, or vegetable oil to create a smooth, non-stick surface. Coat every inch of the 9×13 inch pan, paying extra attention to corners and sides where food tends to catch.

Use a paper towel or pastry brush to spread the lubricant evenly, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Select a method that matches your preference:

• Butter: Softened butter provides rich flavor
• Cooking spray: Quick and mess-free application
• Vegetable oil: Neutral taste, even distribution

Aim for a thin, uniform layer that'll prevent sticking without creating excess grease.

A well-greased dish means easier serving and cleaning, transforming your casserole preparation from potentially frustrating to smoothly efficient.

Step 2. Mix Chicken and Soup

Combine the shredded chicken and cream of chicken soup in a large mixing bowl, whisking gently to create a smooth, cohesive base for your casserole.

You'll want to ensure the chicken is evenly coated, breaking up any large chunks and creating a uniform mixture. Pay attention to the consistency – it should look creamy and well-integrated, without dry spots or soup clumps.

• Aim for gentle mixing
• Use a whisk or large spoon
• Ensure even soup coverage

Next, gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to maintain the sauce's smooth texture.

The liquid will help thin the soup slightly, creating a more spreadable consistency that'll prevent your casserole from becoming too dense or dry. Your goal is a creamy, inviting mixture that'll bind perfectly with the stuffing layer.

Step 3. Sprinkle Stuffing Over Mixture

Once the chicken and soup mixture is evenly spread in the baking dish, it's time to layer the stuffing for maximum flavor and texture.

Grab your prepared stuffing mix that's been tossed with melted butter, and carefully sprinkle it across the entire surface of the chicken mixture.

Use a light, even hand to ensure complete coverage, creating a uniform golden-brown topping that'll crisp beautifully during baking.

Pro tip: Aim for a consistent layer about 1/2-inch thick, which allows the stuffing to absorb moisture while maintaining its signature crumbly texture.

Don't press down on the stuffing; let it sit loosely atop the casserole, which helps create those delightful crispy edges everyone loves.

Step 4. Bake Until Golden Brown

When your casserole is prepped and ready, it's time to transform those raw ingredients into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece that'll make your kitchen smell incredible.

Slide the uncovered dish into your preheated 375°F oven, positioning the rack in the center for even heating.

Watch for key visual cues that signal doneness:

• Golden-brown stuffing top
• Edges bubbling slightly
• Internal temperature around 165°F

Keep a close eye during the final 10 minutes to prevent burning. The stuffing should look crisp and bronzed, while the creamy chicken mixture underneath remains moist and inviting.

After 30-35 minutes, remove the casserole and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the filling to set and makes serving easier, ensuring each scoop is perfectly portioned and piping hot.

Step 5. Let Casserole Rest

After pulling your golden-brown chicken and stuffing casserole from the oven, you'll want to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

This crucial pause allows the internal temperature to stabilize and helps the casserole set, preventing it from becoming runny when you cut into it.

During this time, the proteins relax, redistributing moisture throughout the dish and ensuring each bite remains tender and juicy.

Place the casserole on a heat-resistant surface, away from direct drafts, and resist the temptation to cut into it immediately.

The resting period helps:

• Retain moisture
• Improve structural integrity
• Enhance overall flavor distribution
• Prevent potential burning when serving

These few minutes will transform your casserole from good to exceptional, guaranteeing a perfectly textured meal.

Final Thoughts

Because this chicken and stuffing casserole is such a versatile dish, you'll find it's a reliable go-to meal for countless occasions.

Whether you're feeding a family dinner, planning a potluck, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe adapts beautifully to your needs.

Its simple ingredient list means you can easily customize it with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add vegetables like carrots and peas for extra nutrition.

The golden, crispy stuffing topping provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy chicken base, making each bite satisfying and comforting.

Pro tip: always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and flavor.