Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Dish Perfect for Family Dinners and Gatherings
This chicken and stuffing casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a golden, buttery stuffing topping—all baked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.
📜 Why This Recipe Works
✔ Quick & Easy – Uses rotisserie chicken for a shortcut that saves time.
✔ Creamy & Crunchy – The rich, velvety chicken layer pairs perfectly with the crispy stuffing topping.
✔ Versatile – Customize with veggies, different soups, or seasonings to make it your own.
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when ready!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- A crisp garden salad
- Cranberry sauce (for a holiday twist!)
- Mashed potatoes (for extra comfort!)
🍗 Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Creamy Chicken Layer
- 2 lbs cooked chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken works best, but you can also use baked, grilled, or boiled chicken breasts/thighs.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup – Adds richness and binds the filling.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup – For depth of flavor (or use two cream of chicken soups if preferred).
- 1 cup sour cream – Makes the filling extra creamy (substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option).
- ½ cup milk – Thins the sauce slightly for the perfect consistency.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Enhances savory notes.
- ½ tsp onion powder – Adds subtle sweetness.
- ½ tsp black pepper – For a little kick.
For the Stuffing Topping
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix – Stove Top (chicken or herb flavor) works great, but any dry stuffing mix will do.
- 1½ cups chicken broth – Keeps the stuffing moist (use low-sodium if preferred).
- ½ cup melted butter – Adds richness and helps crisp the topping.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Oven & Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Chicken Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
- Mix well until fully combined.
- Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3️⃣ Prepare the Stuffing Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine:
- Dry stuffing mix
- Chicken broth
- Melted butter
- Stir gently until the stuffing is moistened (don’t overmix—it should still have some texture).
- Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden and crispy and the filling is bubbly.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving (this helps it set).
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy!
💡 Expert Tips for the Best Casserole
✔ Use rotisserie chicken – Saves time and adds great flavor.
✔ Add veggies – Stir in 1 cup frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
✔ Make it ahead – Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight, then bake as directed (add 5-10 extra minutes if cold).
✔ Crispier topping? Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
✔ Gluten-free? Use GF cream soups & stuffing mix.
♨️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months (thaw before reheating).
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
🍴 Variations to Try
- Cheesy Version – Add 1 cup shredded cheddar to the chicken mixture.
- Herb Lovers – Mix 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary into the filling.
- Spicy Kick – Add ½ tsp paprika or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Thanksgiving Twist – Use leftover turkey & gravy instead of chicken and soup.
🔍 FAQs
❓ Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes! Bake 2 lbs raw chicken breasts (seasoned with salt & pepper) at 375°F for 25-30 mins, then shred.
❓ What can I substitute for cream soups?
Try homemade white sauce (melt 4 tbsp butter + whisk in ¼ cup flour + 2 cups milk + salt & pepper).
❓ Can I use homemade stuffing?
Absolutely! Replace the boxed mix with 4 cups dried bread cubes + ½ tsp poultry seasoning + extra broth.
🎯 Final Thoughts
This chicken and stuffing casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a holiday side dish, this recipe never disappoints.
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! 😊
What’s your favorite casserole? Share in the comments! 👇