🥘 Chicken Stuffing Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite satisfies like a warm, bubbling casserole straight from the oven. Chicken Stuffing Casserole is the epitome of simple, hearty, and family-friendly cooking. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, makes the house smell amazing, and earns you seconds (and maybe thirds).

This cozy meal is especially beloved in cooler months, but its easy prep makes it just as welcome on busy weeknights or during holiday potlucks. Using pantry staples like boxed stuffing, cream of chicken soup, and frozen mixed vegetables, this casserole comes together in under an hour—and tastes like a hug in a pan.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffing Casserole

• Quick & Easy: Just 10 minutes of prep and into the oven it goes!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or freezer meals.
• Comfort in a Dish: Creamy, savory, and soul-warming.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Family Approved: Kids and adults alike love the classic, homestyle flavor.

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🧺 Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this simple casserole:

🧂 Stuffing:

• 6 oz boxed stuffing mix
  Classic brands like Stove Top work great, but you can also use 3–4 cups of homemade stuffing if you have leftovers or prefer from-scratch.
• 1 ¼ cup hot water
  This activates and softens the stuffing mix—make sure it’s hot enough to fluff up the bread cubes.

🍗 Chicken & Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  Use rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even shredded poached chicken for convenience.
• ⅓ cup sour cream
  Adds richness and creaminess to the filling without being too heavy.
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
  The backbone of many classic casseroles—use regular or reduced sodium based on preference.
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (defrosted)
  Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans add nutrition and texture. Make sure to defrost before mixing in to avoid excess moisture.

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2️⃣ Prepare the Stuffing

In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix and hot water. Stir well and let it sit for 5 minutes so it can absorb the liquid and fluff up.

Tip: Want more flavor? Substitute the water with hot chicken broth and add a tablespoon of butter.

3️⃣ Mix the Creamy Chicken Base

In the prepared baking dish, add:

• Diced or shredded chicken
• Defrosted vegetables
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream

Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined and smooth.

Optional Add-ins: chopped onions, garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, or herbs like thyme or sage.

4️⃣ Add the Stuffing Topping

Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the creamy chicken base. Spread it gently to form a topping rather than mix it in.

If you like crispy stuffing edges, don’t press it down too much—leave it fluffy!

5️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving—this helps it set for easier scooping.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your Chicken Stuffing Casserole with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
• A side of cranberry sauce (especially during the holidays)
• Dinner rolls or cornbread for soaking up the creamy filling

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🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This dish is excellent for prepping ahead and storing for later:

Storage	Method
Make-Ahead	Assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate, unbaked, up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes extra bake time if cold.
Fridge	Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer	Freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat in oven at 350°F until hot.

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🔁 Recipe Variations

Want to personalize your casserole? Try one of these crowd-pleasing variations:

• Turkey Stuffing Casserole: Swap the chicken for cooked turkey—perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers!
• Cheesy Twist: Mix 1 cup shredded cheese into the filling for gooey goodness.
• Crunchy Topping: Add French-fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers on top before baking.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and soup alternatives.

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❓ FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! Drain and shred well before mixing. It’s a convenient option in a pinch.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use two 9×13 pans or one deep lasagna-style dish. Adjust baking time as needed.

What if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or even mayonnaise can be used in place of sour cream.

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