Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Description
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a classic baked dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and seasoned stuffing. It’s a hearty, one-pan meal that’s especially popular for weeknight dinners and holiday leftovers. The contrast between the creamy base and crispy stuffing topping makes it deeply satisfying.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 box stuffing mix (about 170–200g)
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (300g) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional: peas, carrots, corn)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare stuffing:
- Mix stuffing mix with hot chicken broth and melted butter.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb liquid.
- Make creamy base:
- In a bowl, mix chicken, soup, sour cream, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Assemble casserole:
- Spread chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese (if using).
- Top with prepared stuffing.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup works as substitutes.
- Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overmix stuffing—keep it fluffy for a better texture.
- If casserole seems dry, add ¼ cup extra broth.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Use leftover Thanksgiving stuffing for a richer taste.
Servings
- Serves: 6 people
- Portion size: About 1 generous cup per serving
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 350–420 kcal
- Protein: 20–25 g
- Carbohydrates: 25–30 g
- Fat: 18–22 g
- Fiber: 2–4 g
- Sodium: 700–900 mg
(Varies based on ingredients used)
Benefits
- ✔ High in protein from chicken
- ✔ Balanced meal (protein + carbs + fats)
- ✔ Budget-friendly and uses leftovers
- ✔ Easy one-dish cleanup
- ✔ Customizable with vegetables for added nutrition
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Q: What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute.
Q: How do I make it healthier?
- Use low-fat soup and yogurt
- Add more vegetables
- Reduce cheese or skip it
Q: Can I make it without canned soup?
Yes—use a homemade white sauce (butter, flour, milk, broth).