Easy One-Pan Stuffing Chicken Casserole

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food classic: stuffing chicken casserole! This incredibly easy recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory stuffing all in one pan. It’s the perfect fuss-free meal for busy weeknights, delivering delicious flavors with minimal effort. You’ll love how quickly this hearty dish comes together.

The concept of casseroles as a comforting, economical meal has a rich history, evolving over centuries to become a staple in many cuisines.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Chicken Casserole

• Quick and Effortless Preparation: This recipe is designed for busy schedules, requiring minimal prep and just one pan.
• Packed with Classic Savory Flavors: Enjoy the familiar, comforting taste of chicken and stuffing in every bite.
• Uses Common Pantry Ingredients: You likely have most of these simple ingredients on hand already, making it super convenient.
• Satisfying Family-Favorite Meal: Everyone at the table will enjoy this hearty and delicious stuffing chicken casserole, perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Versatile for Customization: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite additions or ingredient swaps to suit any preference.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful stuffing chicken casserole:

• 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup
• 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 6 ounce box Stove Top chicken stuffing mix
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• Fresh or dried parsley (for garnish (optional))

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this recipe to fit what you have on hand. For chicken, boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work wonderfully; just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Enhance the seasoning with Cajun spice, a poultry blend, or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Feel free to swap the cream of celery or chicken soup for cream of mushroom, or use homemade versions if preferred. For an extra rich and creamy sauce, try heavy cream or half & half instead of milk. You can also experiment with other stuffing mixes, like cornbread or savory herb, or even use homemade stuffing. Lastly, opt for low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Equipment

Gather these simple kitchen tools for your easy stuffing chicken casserole:

• 11×7-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

Creating this comforting stuffing chicken casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
2. Prepare Chicken: Cut 2 pounds of chicken tenderloins into uniform bite-sized pieces. Place these chicken pieces directly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken generously with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss the pieces gently to ensure even seasoning.
4. Whisk Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 10.5-ounce can of cream of celery soup, the 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, and 1/4 cup milk. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
5. Pour Sauce: Carefully pour the whisked soup mixture over the seasoned chicken pieces in the baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the sauce evenly, ensuring all the chicken is thoroughly coated.
6. Add Stuffing: Evenly sprinkle the entire 6-ounce box of Stove Top chicken stuffing mix directly over the creamy chicken layer. Try to create a consistent layer.
7. Moisten Stuffing: Gently pour 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth over the dry stuffing mix. It’s crucial to make sure that all of the stuffing is adequately moistened by the broth, pushing any dry spots down gently if needed.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the stuffing chicken casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes.
9. Brown Top: After the initial baking, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This extra time allows the stuffing topping to lightly brown and crisp up.
10. Check Doneness: Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature. To ensure your chicken is safely cooked, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for all poultry. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer. Oven times can vary.
11. Garnish & Serve: Garnish your warm stuffing chicken casserole with fresh or dried parsley, if desired, for a touch of color. Serve immediately, making sure to scoop up some of the delicious gravy from the bottom to drizzle over each serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

To ensure your stuffing chicken casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind. Avoid overcooking the chicken; an internal temperature of 165°F means it’s done and will remain juicy. Always ensure the stuffing mix is fully moistened by the broth before baking to prevent dry, crunchy spots. If you prefer a less soggy topping, you can slightly reduce the broth to 1 1/4 cups. Taste the sauce before adding the stuffing and adjust seasonings as needed for your preference. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for verifying chicken doneness. For an extra crispy stuffing top, you can bake the casserole uncovered for the entire last 10-15 minutes of baking, after the initial covered baking period.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile stuffing chicken casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or your favorite green vegetables like steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. For a truly complete meal, serve it alongside cranberry sauce or warm dinner rolls.

To store leftovers, transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. When reheating, cover and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Variations

• Fluffier Stuffing: For a lighter, more classic stuffing texture, prepare the stuffing mix separately according to package directions, then dollop it on top of the chicken and sauce mixture before baking.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and flavor by mixing in a cup of frozen peas, carrots, or corn with the chicken and sauce before adding the stuffing.
• Cheese Topping: For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the stuffing during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a subtle kick.
• Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top along with the parsley for an irresistible smoky flavor and crunch.

Nutrition

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this comforting casserole:

This information is an estimate based on the ingredients and preparation methods. Actual nutritional values may vary.

FAQ

Is it safe to put raw chicken in a casserole?
Yes, it is perfectly safe! The chicken cooks thoroughly within the casserole, reaching a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Do I have to use chicken tenderloins?
No, you don’t. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs also work wonderfully; just cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Can I use other stuffing?
Absolutely! Feel free to use other boxed stuffing mixes, like cornbread or savory herb, or even a homemade stuffing.

Can I make a fluffier stuffing?
Yes, for a fluffier topping, prepare the stuffing mix separately according to its package directions. Then, dollop it onto the casserole before baking.

Can I add some vegetables?
Definitely! Mix in frozen peas, carrots, or corn with the chicken and sauce layer for added nutrition and color.

Can I use other soup options?
Yes, you can. Cream of mushroom soup is a popular alternative, or you can use any other cream-based soup you enjoy.

What if I don’t have an 11×7-inch baking dish?
A 9×13-inch baking dish works well too. Your casserole will simply be a bit thinner, so keep an eye on the cooking time as it might bake faster.

How to store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffing chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This easy one-pan stuffing chicken casserole truly embodies simple, delicious cooking perfect for any busy weeknight. With minimal effort, you get a hearty, flavorful dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try tonight; we’re sure it will become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe once you’ve made it!