Get ready for the ultimate comfort food! This chicken and stuffing casserole is wonderfully hearty and incredibly simple to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. With minimal prep and effortless baking, you can have a delicious, filling dinner on the table in under an hour. This classic dish promises both flavor and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Quick & Easy: This simple chicken and stuffing casserole requires minimal prep and comes together fast. You get a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s a warm, savory, and satisfying classic. Perfect for any evening, it delivers that nostalgic, homemade taste everyone loves.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You will likely have most of these common ingredients on hand already. It relies on everyday staples for convenience.
- Versatile Meal: Easily adapt this dish to your family’s tastes. Swap out ingredients or add extra vegetables to make it your own.
- Family-Approved: This casserole is a long-standing favorite. Expect clean plates and requests for seconds from even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting chicken and stuffing casserole:
- Chicken Tenderloins: 2 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Canned Soups: 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup, 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup.
- Dairy: 1/4 cup milk.
- Stuffing Mix: 6 ounce box Stove Top chicken stuffing mix.
- Broth: 1 1/2 cups chicken broth.
- Garnish (Optional): Fresh or dried parsley.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily customize this hearty dish. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenderloins. Enhance the flavor with garlic powder, onion powder, or a poultry seasoning blend. For the creamy base, low-sodium cream of mushroom soup or even cheddar cheese soup are great alternatives. Substitute milk with heavy cream or half & half for extra richness. Feel free to explore other Stove Top flavors like cornbread or try a homemade stuffing mix. Opt for low-sodium or vegetable broth if preferred.
Equipment
You only need a few basic tools for this simple recipe. Grab an 11×7-inch baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish also works, but the casserole will be thinner). You will also need a small mixing bowl, a whisk, cooking spray, aluminum foil, and a reliable meat thermometer.
Instructions
Creating this easy chicken and stuffing casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cut Chicken: Cut 2 pounds of chicken tenderloins into uniform bite-sized pieces. Place these chicken pieces directly into your prepared baking dish.
- Season Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in the dish with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup, 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup, and 1/4 cup milk until the mixture is completely smooth and combined.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Carefully pour the whisked soup mixture over the seasoned chicken pieces in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth the sauce, making sure all the chicken is covered.
- Add Stuffing: Evenly sprinkle the entire 6 ounce box of Stove Top chicken stuffing mix over the sauce and chicken layer. Try to create an even layer of stuffing.
- Moisten Stuffing: Gently pour 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth over the dry stuffing mix. Make sure every bit of the stuffing is moistened by the broth; this is key for a soft texture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes.
- Brown Top: Remove the foil from the dish. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the top of the stuffing to lightly brown and crisp up.
- Check Doneness: Confirm the chicken is fully cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken piece. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish the hot chicken and stuffing casserole with fresh or dried parsley, if desired. Serve immediately, scooping up some of the savory gravy from the bottom to drizzle over each serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For comprehensive guidelines on food safety, including proper cooking temperatures for poultry, the USDA provides a safe minimum internal temperature chart. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. For fluffier stuffing, consider preparing the stuffing separately according to package directions, then gently dollop it over the sauce before baking. This yields a different, often softer, texture. Don’t forget to scoop up the savory gravy from the bottom of the dish; it adds wonderful moisture. Ensure all the dry stuffing mix is thoroughly moistened with broth to prevent dry, crunchy spots. Using the recommended baking dish size helps with even cooking; a larger dish might result in a thinner, quicker-cooking casserole. Finally, taste the chicken mixture before adding the stuffing to adjust saltiness, especially if using low-sodium broth or soups.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting casserole alongside simple mixed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. A crisp side salad offers a refreshing contrast. It’s also delicious served over creamy mashed potatoes, soaking up the savory gravy.
Storage
For optimal food quality and safety when handling leftovers, the USDA offers comprehensive safe food storage guidelines. Store any leftover chicken and stuffing casserole in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Gently warm refrigerated leftovers in a covered oven at 300°F until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until piping hot. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Variations
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to speed up assembly even more. Experiment with different stuffing flavors like cornbread or herb-seasoned varieties. Try swapping the cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese soup. For added nutrition and texture, stir in frozen mixed vegetables, sliced mushrooms, or cooked rice with the chicken before adding the sauce. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking adds a delightful cheesy crust.
Nutrition
This chicken and stuffing casserole offers a satisfying meal. Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific brands and substitutions.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 371 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g |
| Cholesterol | 108mg |
| Sodium | 1594mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5g |
FAQ
Is raw chicken safe in casserole? Yes, as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, raw chicken cooks thoroughly and safely within the casserole.
Can I use other chicken parts? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are excellent substitutes for tenderloins in this chicken and stuffing casserole.
Can different stuffings be used? Absolutely! Feel free to try other boxed mixes like cornbread or herb-flavored stuffing, or even your favorite homemade recipe.
How to get fluffier stuffing? For an extra fluffy topping, prepare the stuffing separately according to package directions before gently spooning it over the casserole.
Can I add vegetables? Yes, incorporating frozen mixed vegetables, fresh broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms with the chicken adds extra flavor and nutrients.
What if I don’t have an 11×7-inch dish? A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly, though your casserole will be slightly thinner and may bake a few minutes faster.
How to store leftovers? Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.
Conclusion
This easy chicken and stuffing casserole truly delivers on simplicity, flavor, and ultimate comfort. It is the perfect weeknight meal solution, blending convenience with heartwarming goodness. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, even beginner cooks can create a family-favorite dish. Give this simple recipe a try for a satisfying dinner experience everyone will enjoy. We encourage you to make it your own and share your experiences!