Description
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until
well combined.
Layer the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
Make the Stuffing Topping: In a separate bowl, combine stuffing mix, melted butter, and milk. Stir until the stuffing is moistened.
Assemble & Bake: Spread the stuffing mixture over the chicken layer. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or
until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 420 per serving Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect casserole every time. First, ensure your chicken is fully cooked, cooled, and shredded. You can use a rotisserie chicken for convenience. In your large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth first, whisking to create a smooth base. This prevents lumps. Then, fold in the shredded chicken and seasonings. When preparing the stuffing topping, let the butter and milk mixture sit for a minute before adding the dry stuffing mix; this allows the bread pieces to absorb the liquid evenly without becoming soggy. For assembly, press the chicken layer down firmly with a spatula before adding the topping to create a stable base. Spread the moistened stuffing gently to avoid mixing the layers.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. For a comforting dinner, a simple side of applesauce or cranberry sauce adds a sweet contrast. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave for a quick lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
In summary: mix chicken with a creamy soup base, spread in a dish, top with a butter-moistened stuffing mix, optionally add cheese, and bake at 375°F until golden and bubbly (25-30 mins).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom or celery soup. For a homemade version, mix 10.5 oz of a thick bechamel sauce with a teaspoon of chicken bouillon.
How do I prevent the stuffing topping from burning?
If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Can I use fresh bread instead of boxed stuffing mix?
Yes. Use about 3 cups of cubed stale bread. Toss it with the melted butter, milk, and a pinch of sage and thyme for flavor.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
It freezes best before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Dry Chicken: Ensure your shredded chicken is moist. Mixing it with the creamy sauce helps, but if using pre-cooked breast meat, consider adding an extra tablespoon of broth.
- Over-moistening the Stuffing: Adding too much liquid will make the topping soggy. The mix should be moist but not swimming in liquid.
- Skipping the Grease: Always grease your baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make serving clean slices easier.
- Overbaking: The casserole is done when the edges are bubbly and the top is golden. Overbaking can dry out the chicken layer.
Conclusion
This Chicken Stuffing Casserole is the epitome of easy, comforting home cooking. With its creamy, savory filling and crispy, buttery topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can create a perfect, satisfying meal any night of the week. Enjoy the delicious results!