If you love easy dinner recipes that taste like pure comfort, this chicken and stuffing casserole will hit all the right notes. It’s a cozy, creamy, and hearty family comfort food that brings together the flavors of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery stuffing in one satisfying bite.
Imagine the aroma of roasted herbs and melted butter filling your kitchen as this golden casserole bakes to perfection. The top layer turns crisp and slightly crunchy, while the inside stays soft, creamy, and full of savory flavor. It’s the kind of budget-friendly meal that makes everyone at the table go back for seconds.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for easy weeknight dinner ideas, or just craving something warm and homemade, this simple chicken casserole is the perfect solution. With minimal prep, affordable ingredients, and big, comforting flavors, it’s a dish that feels like Sunday dinner—any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Prepare – Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under an hour.
- Budget-Friendly – Great for families looking for affordable meals without sacrificing flavor.
- Family Approved – Kids and adults alike love the creamy, savory taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Easily reheats and tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable – Add veggies, cheese, or herbs to make it your own.
- Classic Comfort Food – Creamy, cozy, and full of nostalgic homemade flavor.
This casserole checks all the boxes for an easy dinner recipe for families that’s comforting, delicious, and incredibly simple to make.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy chicken and stuffing casserole, and why each ingredient matters:
- Shredded Cooked Chicken (2–3 cups)
Use leftover baked or rotisserie chicken for convenience. It adds protein and a hearty texture to the dish. - Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
This is the creamy base that ties everything together. It gives the casserole its rich, velvety texture—perfect for comfort food lovers. - Sour Cream or Mayonnaise (½ cup)
Adds a smooth tang and helps balance the richness of the sauce. Both work equally well—use what you have on hand. - Chicken Broth (¼ cup)
Keeps the casserole moist and flavorful while preventing it from drying out during baking. Choose low-sodium broth for healthy home cooking. - Stuffing Mix (1 box, 6 oz)
The star of the topping! Stuffing adds the perfect buttery crunch and savory herbs that make this dish taste like a holiday dinner in one pan. - Melted Butter (2 tablespoons)
Drizzled over the stuffing to create a crisp, golden crust and a rich, buttery flavor. - Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Simple but essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the creamy sauce.
Optional Add-Ins: Add cooked vegetables like peas, green beans, or carrots for extra nutrition, or sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for cheesy comfort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or mayonnaise), and chicken broth. Stir until fully blended and creamy. - Layer the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Smooth out the surface for even cooking. - Prepare the Stuffing
Make the stuffing according to the box instructions, but use slightly less water than suggested. This keeps it fluffy and prevents sogginess. - Add the Stuffing Layer
Spoon the stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture, covering it completely. Drizzle the melted butter across the top to help it brown beautifully. - Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the stuffing is golden and crisp. - Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: It saves time and adds extra flavor from the seasoning.
- Slightly Undercook the Stuffing Mix: Too much water leads to a mushy top—keep it on the drier side for that perfect texture.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley, thyme, or rosemary adds freshness and depth.
- Bake Uncovered: Always bake without foil to keep the stuffing crisp and golden.
- Try a Creamy Shortcut: Mix in a little cream cheese for an even richer base.
These healthy cooking tips and easy kitchen hacks ensure your casserole turns out perfect every single time.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
One of the best things about this easy chicken and stuffing casserole is how versatile it is! Try these creative swaps to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the stuffing mix with cauliflower rice and a sprinkle of almond flour for a low-carb dinner idea.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use cooked mushrooms or chickpeas with cream of mushroom soup.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and check that your soup is certified gluten-free.
- Add Cheese: For extra indulgence, stir shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken mixture before baking.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
With these healthy recipe alternatives and budget-friendly substitutions, you can customize this dish to fit any diet or flavor preference.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and stuffing casserole is filling enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with these sides:
- Green Beans or Broccoli: Adds color and freshness to your plate.
- Garden Salad or Caesar Salad: A crisp contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes or Rice: For the ultimate comfort food dinner experience.
- Dinner Rolls or Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
If you’re serving guests, pair it with cranberry sauce or gravy for a nostalgic, holiday-inspired dinner.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- To Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- To Freeze: Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- To Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
These meal prep ideas make it easy to enjoy this dish all week long or store it for a quick dinner when life gets busy.
Cultural and Historical Notes
This dish draws its roots from traditional American comfort food—a fusion of classic chicken casseroles and holiday stuffing traditions. It’s a modern take on the kind of home-cooked meals that define family gatherings and Sunday dinners.
Like a shortcut to Thanksgiving flavor, it combines creamy chicken filling with buttery stuffing, creating a nostalgic taste that feels both familiar and new. It’s the perfect representation of traditional family meals made easy for today’s busy home cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready for an easy, no-stress dinner.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both work great. Breasts are leaner, while thighs add a bit more richness.
3. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes. Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-sodium soup, and add veggies for extra nutrition. It’s an easy way to enjoy healthy weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.
4. How do I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?
Use slightly less water in your stuffing mix and always bake uncovered.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients
- 2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or baked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix traditional or cornbread
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the stuffing mix according to package directions, using slightly less water to keep it from becoming too soft.
- Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture and drizzle the melted butter over the top for a golden crust.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
