There’s something incredibly comforting about a casserole that fills your home with the warm, savory scents of fall. This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is one of those dishes that wraps you in a cozy hug from the inside out. Trust me, you don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy these flavors—this casserole brings the essence of the holiday to your table any day of the week.
What’s the secret to its magic? A combination of classic stuffing mix, creamy condensed soup, tender chicken, and crispy fried onions. Each bite offers a delicious contrast of textures and flavors that’s sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into how to make this incredibly easy and delectable casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, and crispy—all the things we crave in a hearty dish.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this on the table in under an hour.
Perfect for Leftovers: Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it also makes for a great meal prep option.
Holiday Flavors Anytime: Enjoy the taste of Thanksgiving stuffing any time you like!
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded: A convenient way to use leftover chicken or pick up a rotisserie chicken from the store.
Two 10 ½-ounce cans cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and a rich, savory flavor.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herb that complements the chicken and stuffing beautifully.
1 cup milk: Helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
1 stick butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the stuffing mix crisp up on top.
One 8-ounce package (~3 ¾ cups) dry stuffing mix: The star of the show, giving that iconic stuffing flavor.
1 cup canned fried onions: Adds a delicious crunchy topping that elevates the whole dish.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Chicken Options: If you don’t have a rotisserie chicken, feel free to use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Leftover grilled or baked chicken breasts work well.
Soup Choices: While cream of chicken soup is a classic choice, you could swap in cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different twist.
Milk Alternatives: Use any milk you prefer—dairy or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk will work.
Stuffing Mix Varieties: Choose your favorite stuffing mix, whether it’s traditional, cornbread, or herb-seasoned. This is a great way to add a personal touch!
Extra Vegetables: Add some frozen peas, carrots, or green beans to the mix for added nutrition and color.
Instructions: How to Make Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, dried thyme, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the dry stuffing mix. Stir until the stuffing is fully coated with butter. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden top.
Assemble the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Top with the canned fried onions for added crunch and flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a range of sides! Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for added color and flavor.
Mashed Potatoes: For the ultimate comfort meal, serve this casserole alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Prepare it up to the baking step, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
Reheating: To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works just fine.
Creative Variations
Cheesy Twist: Add 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of gooey goodness.
Bacon Bliss: Sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon over the top before baking for a smoky, savory kick.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate a cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, or green beans to make it a one-dish meal with added nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and check that your cream soup is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
Final Note
This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its comforting flavors and simple preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something that tastes like a holiday feast. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again—it’s just that good!
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Remember, the best recipes are the ones that adapt to your tastes and preferences. Enjoy!
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients Â
- 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken shredded
- Two 10 ½-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup milk
- 1 stick butter melted
- One 8-ounce package ~3 3/4 cups dry stuffing mix
- 1 cup canned fried onions
InstructionsÂ
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, dried thyme, and milk. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the stuffing until evenly coated. Spread the stuffing mixture over the chicken mixture, and top with fried onions.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is browned and crispy.