Quick & Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: Comfort Food in Under an Hour!

Are you craving a comforting, home-cooked meal but short on time? Look no further than this incredibly easy and delicious Chicken and Stuffing Casserole! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly. It combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

## Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy schedules.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little bit of homey goodness.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors and textures in this casserole.
* **Great for Leftovers:** This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or packing lunches.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken and Stuffing Casserole:

* **Cooked Chicken:** 3 cups, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* **Stuffing Mix:** 6 ounces (one box, any flavor you prefer – herb, cornbread, etc.)
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 10.75 ounces (one can)
* **Milk or Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup (to moisten the stuffing)
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup, melted
* **Celery:** 1/2 cup, chopped (optional, but adds a nice flavor and texture)
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Add-ins:** Frozen peas, carrots, mushrooms, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack), dried cranberries

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Chicken and Stuffing Casserole:

**Step 1: Preheat and Prep**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking.

**Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing**

* In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the melted butter and milk or chicken broth. Mix well until the stuffing is evenly moistened. Be careful not to over-saturate the stuffing, as it will become mushy.
* If using, stir in the chopped celery and onion into the stuffing mixture.

**Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Soup**

* In a separate bowl, combine the shredded or cubed cooked chicken with the cream of chicken soup. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the soup.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the stuffing mix and cream of chicken soup already contain salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

**Step 4: Layer the Casserole**

* Spread half of the prepared stuffing mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. This forms the base of the casserole.
* Next, spread the chicken and soup mixture evenly over the stuffing layer. Make sure to distribute the chicken evenly so that each bite is flavorful.
* Top with the remaining stuffing mixture, spreading it evenly over the chicken layer. Gently press down on the top layer of stuffing to help it adhere to the chicken and soup.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the casserole moist and prevent the stuffing from drying out.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
* Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

**Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set slightly.
* Serve hot and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience:** Save time by using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or cube the chicken and you’re ready to go.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole. Frozen peas, carrots, green beans, or mushrooms are all great additions. You can add them to the chicken and soup mixture or layer them between the stuffing and chicken.
* **Cheese Please!** For a cheesy casserole, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the stuffing during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack cheese all work well.
* **Cranberry Craze:** Add dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture for a touch of sweetness and tartness. This is especially delicious during the holidays.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken and soup mixture for a little bit of heat.
* **Use Different Soups:** While cream of chicken soup is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cream soups, such as cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of broccoli.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Croutons for Crunch:** Add a layer of croutons between the chicken mixture and the top layer of stuffing for added crunch.
* **Different Stuffing:** Feel free to use different kinds of stuffing mixes. Cornbread stuffing gives a sweeter, slightly crumbly texture, while herb stuffing offers a savory, aromatic flavor.
* **Gravy, baby!:** For a truly decadent experience, top the casserole with gravy before serving. You can use store-bought gravy or make your own from scratch. Turkey gravy or chicken gravy both pair well with this dish.

## Serving Suggestions

This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all great choices.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-40 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
* 6 ounces stuffing mix (one box)
* 10.75 ounces cream of chicken soup (one can)
* 1/2 cup milk or chicken broth
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1/2 cup celery, chopped (optional)
* 1/2 cup onion, chopped (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: Frozen peas, carrots, mushrooms, shredded cheese, dried cranberries

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix with melted butter and milk/broth. Mix well. Add celery and onion, if using.
3. In a separate bowl, combine chicken with cream of chicken soup. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread half of the stuffing mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Spread the chicken and soup mixture evenly over the stuffing.
6. Top with the remaining stuffing mixture.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients used)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

## Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a winner! It’s a simple, satisfying, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this casserole is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy meal!

Enjoy this delightful, fast, and comforting meal! Remember to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!