Easy & Comforting Stuffing Chicken Casserole

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This stuffing chicken casserole is a simple, hearty dish that brings ultimate comfort to your family table. It’s truly a snap to prepare, using common pantry staples to create a delicious, satisfying dinner in no time. Get ready for an easy, flavorful meal everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Chicken Casserole

You’ll quickly fall in love with this incredible chicken and stuffing casserole for many reasons. It’s designed for ease and maximum flavor, making it a go-to for busy parents and beginners alike.

• This is an effortless one-dish meal, meaning less cleanup after dinner.
• It offers ultimate comfort food flavor, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
• The casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you crave a homemade meal.
• It’s highly customizable with simple swaps, letting you tailor it to your family’s preferences.
• Best of all, this delicious stuffing chicken casserole makes fantastic leftovers for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

Gather your simple ingredients to create this mouthwatering stuffing chicken casserole. This recipe uses readily available items, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience.

• 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 adapt this stuffing chicken casserole to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Chicken: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth, or a dash of Cajun seasoning for a kick.
• Cream Soups: Opt for low-sodium versions to control the salt content. Cream of mushroom soup also makes a great addition or substitute. For a homemade touch, consider making your own cream soup. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides insights into how processed foods, often high in sodium, can impact health.
• Milk: For extra richness and a creamier sauce, swap milk for heavy cream or half & half.
• Stuffing Mix: Any flavor of Stove Top or your favorite brand of stuffing mix will work wonderfully. You can also use a low-sodium option.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is a great choice. Vegetable broth also works if you prefer.
• Fluffy Stuffing: If you prefer a fluffier topping, prepare the stuffing mix separately according to package directions, then dollop it over the soup mixture instead of sprinkling dry mix. In this case, omit the extra chicken broth poured over the stuffing.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools to make this delightful stuffing chicken casserole.

• 11×7-inch baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish also works, but the casserole will be thinner)
• Cooking spray
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer

Instructions

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create a fantastic stuffing chicken casserole. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and quick, perfect for any weeknight.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish generously with cooking spray, then set it aside. This step helps prevent sticking.
2. Cut 2 pounds of chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
3. Toss the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure to coat all the chicken for balanced seasoning.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the 10.5 ounce can of cream of celery soup, 10.5 ounce can of cream of chicken soup, and 1/4 cup of milk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
5. Pour this creamy soup sauce over the chicken pieces in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently smooth it out, ensuring all of the chicken is fully covered by the delicious sauce.
6. Evenly sprinkle the entire 6 ounce box of Stove Top chicken stuffing mix on top of the sauce layer. Try to get an even spread for a consistent topping.
7. Carefully pour 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth over the stuffing mix. Make sure that all of the stuffing is thoroughly moistened by the broth. This ensures a soft, flavorful topping.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown and crisp the top. Oven times can vary; the chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F degrees using a meat thermometer.
9. Garnish your hot stuffing chicken casserole with fresh or dried parsley, if desired. Serve immediately. When serving, be sure to scoop up some of the rich, creamy gravy from the bottom and drizzle it over each portion for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieve the perfect stuffing chicken casserole every time with these helpful tips.

• For comprehensive food safety, the USDA recommends that all poultry, including chicken, reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C).
• Moisten the stuffing thoroughly with broth to ensure it cooks up soft and flavorful, not dry.
• Don’t overbake your casserole. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so remove it once it reaches temperature.
• Adjust the liquid amount slightly if you prefer a thicker or thinner gravy consistency.
• Prevent sticking by using ample cooking spray on your baking dish, especially important for easy cleanup.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This versatile stuffing chicken casserole pairs wonderfully with many sides and can be easily customized.

• Serve With: Scoop up the creamy gravy with each serving. This casserole is fantastic alongside creamy mashed potatoes or rice.
• Side Dishes: Fresh green beans, tender steamed broccoli, or a crisp side salad perfectly complement the richness of the casserole.
• Flavor Boosts: A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of fresh sage or thyme adds a gourmet touch.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in a cup of mixed frozen vegetables, diced carrots, or celery with the chicken before adding the soup mixture for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
• Cheese Please: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking, after removing the foil, for a gooey, cheesy crust.
• Rice Base: For a complete meal, add 1 cup of uncooked white rice and an additional 1 cup of water or broth to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the chicken layer. This will cook alongside the casserole.

Storage & Reheating

Storing and reheating your delicious stuffing chicken casserole is simple, ensuring you can enjoy leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or individual freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot.

Nutrition Information

This stuffing chicken casserole provides a hearty meal.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate; values may vary based on specific brands and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making this delightful stuffing chicken casserole? We have answers!

• Is it safe to put raw chicken in a casserole? Yes, it’s perfectly safe as long as the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F during baking.
• Can I use other chicken cuts? Absolutely, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are excellent substitutes. Just cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces.
• Can I use other stuffing mixes? Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors of boxed stuffing or even use a homemade stuffing recipe.
• How do I make the stuffing fluffier? To achieve a fluffier topping, prepare the stuffing separately according to its package directions, then simply dollop it onto the casserole.
• Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Yes, adding mixed frozen vegetables, diced carrots, or celery directly to the casserole is a wonderful idea for added nutrition.
• Are there other soup options? Cream of mushroom soup is a popular alternative, or you can combine different cream soups for a unique flavor profile.
• What if I don’t have an 11×7-inch baking dish? A 9×13-inch baking dish works well; the casserole will simply be a bit thinner and may cook slightly faster.
• What is the best way to store leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for up to three months.

Conclusion

This easy and comforting stuffing chicken casserole truly embodies simple, delicious home cooking. It’s a versatile, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. We encourage you to try this amazing recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen. Share your personal twists and let us know how your family enjoys this wonderful dish!