Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together tender chunks of chicken with fluffy, flavorful stuffing all baked into a warm, satisfying meal. This casserole is simple to make and full of familiar, homey flavors that everyone loves. The combination of juicy chicken and soft stuffing topped with a little melted cheese or crispy edges makes for a classic comfort food favorite.
I love making this casserole because it’s a one-dish wonder—everything comes together in one pan, which means less mess and more time to relax. I usually toss in some extra herbs or veggies, like carrots or celery, to give it a little extra color and flavor without any extra fuss. Plus, it’s a great recipe to use up leftover chicken or stuffing, so it feels like a little kitchen win whenever I make it.
The best way I’ve found to serve this casserole is with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad to keep things fresh. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to bring to potlucks when you want something reliable and tasty. Whenever I serve this dish, it always gets smiles and seconds—they just can’t seem to get enough of that comforting taste!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked chicken: Using cooked chicken saves time. I recommend rotisserie chicken, but leftover roasted or boiled chicken works well, too. For a lighter option, try shredded turkey instead.
Herb stuffing mix: This is the star for texture and flavor. If you want gluten-free, look for gluten-free stuffing or try crushed gluten-free crackers seasoned with herbs.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess. You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different twist. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream soup.
Sour cream: Sour cream gives tang and creaminess. Greek yogurt is a great swap if you prefer something lighter or want extra protein.
Celery and onion: These add crunch and flavor. Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
How Do You Get a Crispy, Golden Stuffing Topping Every Time?
The crispy top is what makes this casserole stand out. Here’s how to get it right:
- Spread the dry stuffing mix evenly on the bottom of your baking dish before adding the wet chicken mixture. This lets it absorb some moisture but stay texture-rich.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top. Butter helps the stuffing brown and crisp nicely.
- Bake uncovered so the steam can escape and the top dries to a golden crunch.
- Keep an eye on the last 5 minutes of baking to avoid burning but still get a nice color.
Following these steps gives you a crunchy topping with tender chicken and creamy filling underneath—exactly what you want in a great casserole.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size to layer stuffing and chicken mixture evenly for baking.
- Large mixing bowl – makes mixing the creamy chicken filling easy without spills.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you get the right amounts for consistent flavor and texture.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for combining ingredients gently without crushing the stuffing.
- Aluminum foil (optional) – useful if you want to cover the casserole to keep it moist during baking, then uncover to crisp up the top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked turkey for a classic holiday twist using leftover Thanksgiving meat.
- Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top before baking for a melty, cheesy crust.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or diced cooked carrots for extra veggies and flavor.
- Stir in dried cranberries or chopped apples for a sweet contrast that works great with the herbs.
Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 box (6 oz) dry herb stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. You’ll spend little time mixing everything together, then bake until bubbly with a golden, crispy stuffing topping. Perfect for a quick, hearty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Add the cooked chicken, celery, onion, and dried parsley (if using). Mix everything evenly so all the flavors blend well.
3. Layer the Stuffing and Chicken Mixture
Spread the dry stuffing mix evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will give the casserole a nice crunchy base. Pour the chicken mixture over the stuffing, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add Butter and Bake
Drizzle melted butter over the top of the casserole. This helps the stuffing get golden and crispy. Place the dish in the oven (uncovered) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the stuffing on top is golden brown.
5. Cool and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, then enjoy your warm, comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes, frozen chicken works well as long as it’s fully thawed before using. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat the chicken dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Is There a Gluten-Free Option for This Recipe?
Yes! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the same texture without gluten.
