Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Craving a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner? Look no further than this creamy chicken and stuffing casserole! It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a hearty and satisfying meal. This casserole combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a rich, creamy sauce that will leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will make this dish a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
* **Easy to make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginners.
* **Comforting and satisfying:** The combination of chicken, stuffing, and creamy sauce creates a warm and comforting meal that will fill you up.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables or spices.
* **Perfect for leftovers:** This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping.
* **Crowd-pleaser:** This dish is always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken:** 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* **Stuffing Mix:** 6 cups dry stuffing mix (I prefer seasoned stuffing mix for extra flavor)
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted
* **Celery:** 1 cup, chopped
* **Onion:** 1 cup, chopped
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 2 cans (10.75 ounces each)
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup (or more, as needed)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
* 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or sage)
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Skillet or saucepan
* Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious chicken and stuffing casserole:
Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing
1. In a large bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix and melted butter. Mix well to coat all the crumbs.
2. In a skillet or saucepan, sauté the chopped celery and onion over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavor to the stuffing.
3. Add the sautéed celery and onion to the stuffing mix.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth to the stuffing mixture, stirring until the stuffing is moistened but not soggy. You may not need all the broth, so add it slowly until the desired consistency is reached. The stuffing should be damp but not swimming in liquid.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
1. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the cooked chicken to the soup mixture and stir to combine. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Season the chicken mixture 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.
4. If desired, add any optional vegetables (peas, mixed vegetables, mushrooms) or herbs to the chicken mixture. This is a great way to customize the casserole to your liking.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
3. Spread half of the prepared stuffing mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a base layer for the casserole.
4. Pour the chicken mixture over the stuffing layer, spreading it evenly. Ensure that the chicken is distributed throughout the casserole.
5. Top with the remaining stuffing mixture, spreading it evenly over the chicken layer. You can gently press down on the stuffing to help it adhere to the chicken mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the stuffing from drying out during baking.
2. Bake for 30 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld together.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Keep a close eye on the casserole during this time to prevent the stuffing from burning.
4. Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the casserole. Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best results.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. If using rotisserie chicken, make sure it’s still moist and tender.
* **Adjust the amount of chicken broth:** The amount of chicken broth needed for the stuffing will vary depending on the dryness of the stuffing mix. Add the broth slowly until the desired consistency is reached.
* **Customize the vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole. Broccoli, carrots, or green beans would all be great additions.
* **Add cheese:** For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or mozzarella cheese over the stuffing before baking.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Use different types of soup:** Experiment with different types of creamed soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, for a different flavor profile.
* **Breadcrumbs for extra crunch:** For an even crispier top, mix some panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the stuffing before the final bake.
* **Gravy is a great addition:** Serve the casserole with a side of gravy for extra flavor and moisture.
Variations and Adaptations
This chicken and stuffing casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for variations and adaptations:
* **Turkey and Stuffing Casserole:** Substitute cooked turkey for the chicken for a delicious Thanksgiving-inspired casserole.
* **Vegetarian Stuffing Casserole:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, for a vegetarian option.
* **Spicy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Cranberry Chicken and Stuffing Casserole:** Add some dried cranberries or cranberry sauce to the chicken mixture for a festive and flavorful twist.
* **Gluten-Free Chicken and Stuffing Casserole:** Use gluten-free stuffing mix and cream of chicken soup to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free Chicken and Stuffing Casserole:** Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream, and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute.
## Serving Suggestions
This chicken and stuffing casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
* **Green Salad:** Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Serve with cranberry sauce for a festive and flavorful accompaniment.
* **Rolls or Biscuits:** Serve with warm rolls or biscuits for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Gravy:** As mentioned before, a side of gravy elevates the casserole to another level of comfort food heaven.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken and stuffing casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the casserole seems dry.
* **Freezing:** While possible, freezing can affect the texture of the stuffing. If you need to freeze it, cool the casserole completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Fat: 20-30g
* Protein: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This creamy chicken and stuffing casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. With its customizable ingredients and simple steps, it’s the perfect recipe for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that will warm your heart and soul!
Enjoy!
Recipe Card
Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:
**Recipe Name:** Creamy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-50 minutes
**Total Time:** 65-70 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 6 cups dry stuffing mix
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
* 1 cup celery, chopped
* 1 cup onion, chopped
* 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 cup chicken broth (or more, as needed)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables, 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Stuffing: Combine stuffing mix and melted butter. Sauté celery and onion, then add to stuffing. Add chicken broth until moistened.
3. Prepare Chicken Mixture: Combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken, salt, pepper, and optional vegetables.
4. Assemble Casserole: Layer half the stuffing, then chicken mixture, then remaining stuffing in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake: Cover with foil for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for 15-20 minutes more, until golden brown.
6. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
**Notes:**
* Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
* Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
* Add shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
Enjoy this classic comfort food!