Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender, cooked chicken with fluffy, seasoned stuffing, all baked together until golden and bubbly. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.
I love making this casserole because it’s so simple and comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. I usually use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time, and the stuffing mix adds a delicious, herby flavor that everyone seems to enjoy. One little tip I have is to add a bit of chicken broth or cream of mushroom soup to keep everything nice and moist while baking.
When I serve this, I like to pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the meal. It’s also great for leftovers and actually tastes even better the next day! If you need a comforting dish that’s easy to throw together but still feels special, this chicken and stuffing casserole never disappoints.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Using leftover or rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. You can also use shredded turkey for a twist or cooked chicken breasts if starting from scratch.
Stuffing Mix: The seasoned stuffing mix brings that classic herb flavor and crunchy texture. If you want gluten-free, look for gluten-free stuffing or use quinoa as a substitute.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds moisture and creaminess. You can swap it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce to control ingredients.
Sour Cream: Helps make the filling rich and smooth. Greek yogurt is a good substitute for a lighter option.
Butter: Melted butter helps the stuffing crisp up on top. For dairy-free, try olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
How Do You Get the Stuffing Topping Crispy and Golden?
The key to that perfect crunchy topping is coating the stuffing with melted butter and baking uncovered. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix the melted butter evenly into the stuffing so every crumb gets coated.
- Spread half the stuffing on the bottom of the dish; the rest goes on top after adding the creamy chicken layer.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. This lets the top dry out and get golden without burning.
- If it’s not as crispy as you’d like, finish with a few minutes under the broiler—but watch closely to avoid burning.
By following these steps, you get a creamy inside with a deliciously crisp topping that makes this casserole so satisfying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – makes it easy to combine chicken, soup, and other ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for quick and accurate portioning of broth, butter, and sour cream.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for mixing everything without crushing the stuffing too much.
- Aluminum foil (optional) – to cover the casserole if you want to prevent over-browning while baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a milder or different flavor.
- Add cooked mushrooms or sautéed onions for extra veggie texture and flavor.
- Use shredded turkey instead of chicken for a holiday-style twist.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy, melty upgrade.
Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 package (6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup chopped celery (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake until golden and bubbly. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes from start to finish – quick, straightforward, and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Chicken Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, chopped celery and onion if using, plus salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is smoothly mixed.
3. Prepare the Stuffing:
Place the stuffing mix in a separate bowl. Pour the melted butter over it and gently stir to evenly coat the stuffing crumbs.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread half of the butter-coated stuffing evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Then spoon the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the stuffing. Finally, sprinkle the remaining stuffing on top to form a crunchy cover.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly and the stuffing topping turns a nice golden brown.
6. Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, then serve warm alongside your favorite sides.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before using. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole as instructed, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works great as a healthier substitute and keeps the dish creamy. You can also use mayonnaise or omit it altogether, but sour cream adds nice tang and richness.
