Indulge in the comfort of our Chicken Stuffing Casserole, featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy soups, sour cream, and a buttery stuffing crust. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this casserole combines simplicity and heartiness in every bite!
Growing up, my grandmother had a special knack for turning simple ingredients into extraordinary meals that could gather the whole family around the table, no matter how busy life got. One of her beloved creations was this Chicken Stuffing Casserole. It was her go-to dish for every family gathering and potluck, promising a warm hug in every forkful. Years later, I’ve taken the mantle, preparing this casserole for my own family on chilly evenings or when I just need a little comfort. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished memory of laughter, love, and the savory aroma that greeted us as we stepped into grandma’s kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffing Casserole
This Chicken Stuffing Casserole stands out for its effortless preparation and classic comfort food appeal. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Time-Saver: Utilizing pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and a quick-assemble stuffing mix means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Creamy Delight: The combination of cream of chicken and mushroom soups with sour cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that beautifully complements the fluffy stuffing and tender chicken.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from a busy weekday dinner to a special gathering, this casserole adapts to suit both an everyday meal and an impromptu dinner party.
Ingredients Notes for Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Before diving into this heartwarming casserole, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what makes each component special:
- Chicken Broth & Butter: These form the base of the stuffing, giving it a moist texture and rich flavor.
- Stuffing Mix: Opt for a savory variety like Stove Top for that classic herbed taste which perfectly complements the chicken.
- Cream Soups: The duo of chicken and mushroom soups creates a creamy, luxurious base that binds all the flavors together.
- Sour Cream and Milk: These dairy delights add creaminess and smoothness to the sauce, enriching the overall mouthfeel.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken not only saves time but also ensures moist, flavorful meat in every bite.
- Mixed Vegetables: Add a pop of color and a boost of nutrition without overpowering the other flavors.
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How To Make This Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Let’s break down this recipe into manageable steps for the perfect Chicken Stuffing Casserole:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and the casserole cooks evenly.
- Stuffing Base: Heat chicken broth and butter, then stir in the stuffing mix. This foundation provides a fluffy layer that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Creamy Chicken Mixture: Whisk together the soups, sour cream, milk, and seasonings, then fold in the chicken and vegetables. This creates a rich, creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the stuffing.
- Layering: Place half the stuffing in your dish, add the chicken mixture, then top with the remaining stuffing. This method gives you a crispy topping and a soft, flavorful base.
- Baking: Cook until golden brown, allowing the flavors to meld together under the perfect crunch of the stuffing top layer.
- Serving: Let it cool slightly before garnishing with parsley for a fresh, herby note. Serve warm and bask in the comforts of a home-cooked meal.
Storage Options
This Chicken Stuffing Casserole is as practical as it is delicious when it comes to storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring it’s fully cooled before refrigerating.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in portions or whole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, which helps maintain the texture and flavor better than the microwave.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some creative tweaks:
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a different twist.
- Soup Variations: Try different “cream of” soups like celery or potato for new flavors.
- Dairy Adjustments: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier, lower-fat option.
- Vegetable Mix: Customize the vegetable medley based on what’s in season or your family’s preferences.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure all other ingredients comply with gluten-free standards to cater to dietary restrictions.
Each element of this recipe, from the creamy layers to the crispy stuffing top, invites customization and guarantees a comforting meal that feels like home.
Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients
- Chicken Broth: 1 1/2 cups
- Butter: 1/4 cup
- Stuffing Mix: 1 6 ounce package, such as Stove Top
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 10.5 ounce can
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1/2 10.5 ounce can
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup
- Milk: 1/3 cup
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: 3 cups
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables thawed: 1 cup
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Concurrently, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to facilitate easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth and butter and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the stuffing mix and then remove from heat. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes, during which the stuffing will absorb the broth and become plump.
- Mix the Creamy Chicken Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. Following this, fold in the shredded chicken and thawed mixed vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cream base.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the prepared stuffing mix evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Over this layer, evenly pour the chicken and vegetable mixture. Finish by topping this with the remaining stuffing mix, spreading it to cover the chicken mixture completely.
- Baking: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the edges bubbling when it is ready.
- Garnishing and Serving: After removing the casserole from the oven, allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and fresh flavor.