If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, this Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe is absolutely your new go-to. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory chicken paired with a crispy, buttery stuffing topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole feels like a warm hug on a plate and transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each element contributes to textures and flavors that work in harmony—from creamy soup and savory gravy to tender chicken and crunchy, golden stuffing topping.
- 12 ounce jar chicken gravy: Adds rich, savory depth to the dish and keeps everything moist.
- 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy earthiness and acts as a binder for the casserole.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the casserole juicy and enhances the chicken flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the savory elements beautifully.
- ½ tablespoon onion powder: Gives a gentle onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts aroma and flavor with subtle garlic notes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough spiciness to wake up your taste buds.
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped: The hearty protein star of this casserole.
- 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables: Brings color, nutrition, and different textures.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for crisping the stuffing topping and adding richness.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Used to moisten the stuffing mix for a perfect crumbly texture.
- 6 ounce package stuffing mix: The crowning glory, delivering that irresistible crunch on top.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herby garnish that brightens up the final presentation.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking dish and oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish prevents sticking and ensures your casserole slides out easily once it’s baked to perfection.
Step 2: Mix the creamy base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy, cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of chicken broth, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. This mixture is the luscious glue that holds the casserole together and infuses the filling with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Combine chicken and vegetables
Fold in the cooked, chopped chicken breast along with the frozen mixed vegetables. Make sure every piece is well coated with the creamy gravy mixture; this step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and that the vegetables cook evenly within the casserole.
Step 4: Transfer to baking dish
Pour the entire chicken and gravy filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This layer is the heart of the casserole, bubbling with tasty goodness as it bakes.
Step 5: Prepare the stuffing topping
In a separate medium bowl, combine 1 cup of chicken broth, 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and the stuffing mix. Stir just until moistened — don’t overwork it or it could get soggy rather than crunchy.
Step 6: Add the crispy stuffing layer
Using your hands, crumble the stuffing evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. This step is crucial because a generous, uniform layer of stuffing is what gives this casserole its signature golden crust and wonderful texture contrast.
Step 7: Bake to golden perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the gravy is bubbling around the edges and the stuffing topping turns a beautiful golden brown, crisp and irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top just before serving adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness, making the dish look as appetizing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it alongside warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. Alternatively, layering leftover casserole over a bed of fresh spinach right before baking adds vibrant color and extra nutrition to the classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the entire dish (without baking), cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through and crispy on top. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that wonderful crunch!
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans can be chopped and used instead of frozen. Just lightly steam or sauté them beforehand to ensure they cook fully.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole?
Yes, the chicken should be cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces before folding it in. This ensures the chicken stays tender and the casserole bakes evenly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for extra vegetables or meatless substitutes, and use vegetable broth and vegetarian gravy. The stuffing topping works just the same!
What is the best stuffing mix to use?
Any classic bread-based stuffing mix works well. Choose one with herbs like sage and rosemary for extra flavor, but simple seasoned mixes are equally tasty and convenient.
How can I make the stuffing topping crispier?
Make sure you mix the stuffing just until moistened and use plenty of melted butter. Also, avoid covering the casserole while baking — this keeps the topping dry and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
If you want a satisfying, hands-off meal that tastes like it took hours to make, you have to try this Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe. The creamy chicken, cozy vegetables, and golden, buttery stuffing come together in one dish that feels like a celebration of comfort food. I promise once you try this, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy chicken stuffing casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy gravy mixture topped with a buttery stuffing crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole bakes to golden perfection with bubbling gravy and a crispy stuffing topping.
Ingredients
Gravy Mixture
- 12 ounce jar chicken gravy
- 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Main Filling
- 3 cups chicken breast (cooked and chopped into bite size pieces)
- 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
Stuffing Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 6 ounce package stuffing mix
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Gravy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy, condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Fold the cooked, chopped chicken breast and frozen mixed vegetables into the gravy mixture, ensuring everything is fully coated for even flavor distribution.
- Combine Mixture in Dish: Pour the chicken and gravy mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Stuffing Topping: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, chicken broth, and stuffing mix just until the stuffing is moistened but not soggy.
- Top with Stuffing: Use your hands to crumble the moistened stuffing evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, creating a neat layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the gravy is bubbly and the stuffing topping turns golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious, cozy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with fresh or other preferred vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free sour cream and butter alternatives.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before folding it into the gravy mixture.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy mixture can enhance the flavor.
