There’s something magical about a dish that wraps you in a warm, savory hug from the very first bite. Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is exactly that kind of comfort food—a layered masterpiece where tender chicken meets fluffy, seasoned stuffing and a rich, creamy sauce. I remember the first time I made this recipe: the kitchen filled with the scent of thyme and garlic, and I couldn’t help but sneak a taste of the cream mixture before it even hit the baking dish. As it bubbled away in the oven, I could almost hear the kids clamoring around the counter, anticipation building for a slice of that golden, crispy topping.
That moment of pulling the foil back and revealing the perfectly browned casserole is one of my favorite cooking memories. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures: the juicy, seared chicken breasts, the velvety sauce, and the slightly crunchy edge of stuffing kissed by melted butter. It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly evening or a cozy chat with an old friend. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a busy day or looking to treat yourself to an easy, soul-satisfying dinner, this casserole brings everyone together—one glorious forkful at a time.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN & STUFFING CASSEROLE
Before we dive into the kitchen, let’s meet the star players that come together in this Chicken & Stuffing Casserole to deliver maximum flavor and that all-important comfort factor.
- Chicken breasts
These boneless, skinless cuts are the heart of the dish. When seared until golden on the outside, they lock in juices and deliver tender, succulent bites beneath our creamy sauce.
- Salt
A simple seasoning that enhances every other flavor. By seasoning the chicken generously on both sides, you ensure each mouthful is perfectly balanced.
- Black pepper
Adds a gentle kick and complexity. Freshly ground pepper gives the casserole a lively edge that cuts through the richness.
- Olive oil
Used for that initial searing step. It helps create a beautiful crust on the chicken and prevents sticking in your skillet.
- Cream of chicken soup
Forms the base of the luscious sauce. It brings instant savory depth and a smooth, creamy texture.
- Sour cream
Enriches the sauce with tangy creaminess, adding both body and a subtle tart finish that brightens the dish.
- Milk
Thins out the soup-sour cream mixture so it pours evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated in velvety goodness.
- Garlic powder
Offers concentrated garlic flavor without the fuss of chopping. It pairs perfectly with onion powder for a well-rounded aromatic profile.
- Onion powder
Adds a mellow sweetness and depth, complementing the garlic and enhancing the overall savoriness.
- Dried thyme
Brings a hint of earthy, herbal warmth. Thyme’s subtle citrus undertones elevate the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Stuffing mix
Delivers the classic, savory crumb topping we all love. When prepared with broth, it soaks up flavor and crisps up marvelously.
- Chicken broth
Replaces water in the stuffing mix preparation, infusing the crumbs with extra richness and chickeny goodness.
- Butter
Melted and drizzled over the stuffing to ensure an irresistibly golden-brown top with rich, nutty notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For those who crave an even cheesier bite, this adds gooey, melty pockets of sharp flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional)
A pop of green that brightens the plate and adds a hint of freshness to each hearty serving.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN & STUFFING CASSEROLE
Ready to roll up your sleeves and create this cozy, flavor-packed dinner? Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a bubbling, golden-topped casserole that will become a new family favorite.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the perfect roasting temperature while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides, rubbing it in to make sure every bit is seasoned.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them until they’re a beautiful golden brown—about 3–4 minutes per side. They don’t need to cook through; you’re aiming for that flavorful crust. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Stir vigorously until you have a smooth, well-blended sauce.
5. Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions, substituting chicken broth for water to maximize savory flavor in every crumb.
6. Spread a thin layer of the soup mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking and to add extra creaminess beneath.
7. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of that first coating, spacing them evenly.
8. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken, using a spatula to ensure every breast is fully coated in that creamy blend.
9. Evenly sprinkle the prepared stuffing over the top of the casserole, creating that signature, crunchy layer.
10. Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing, taking care to coat as much surface area as possible. If you’re using cheese, now’s the time to scatter the shredded cheddar on top.
11. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to bubble gently around the chicken.
12. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the stuffing is crispy and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN & STUFFING CASSEROLE
When this casserole comes out of the oven with its golden-brown topping and bubbling sauce, it’s time to think about how you’ll plate it up for maximum impact. It’s not just about scooping it onto a dish—you want each serving to look and taste its best. I love how this dish works as a hearty centerpiece, so I usually plan complementary sides and garnishes to round out the meal. Think about color, texture, and balancing rich flavors with bright, fresh elements on the plate. Whether you’re putting it down family-style on the table or serving individual portions for a special dinner, these tips will make your casserole shine.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole’s richness.
- Offer a side of steamed vegetables—broccoli, carrots, or green beans—for an extra pop of color and nutrition that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Provide a small dish of cranberry relish or pepper jelly for a touch of sweetness and tang, creating a delightful contrast to the savory casserole.
- Serve family-style on a large wooden board so everyone can help themselves, adding a few slices of warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
HOW TO STORE CHICKEN & STUFFING CASSEROLE
Leftover casserole can be just as comforting as the fresh bake, provided you store it correctly. Whether you’re saving a portion for lunch the next day or freezing meals for easy weeknight dinners, a few smart storage strategies will keep your Chicken & Stuffing Casserole tasting like it just came out of the oven. Always allow the dish to cool completely before wrapping or transferring, as trapping heat can lead to sogginess and uneven cooling. Labeling and portioning in advance will make reheating a breeze.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the lid seals tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep the casserole from absorbing other fridge odors.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe, labeled containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to reduce the risk of freezer burn.
- To reheat refrigerated portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes. For frozen slices, let thaw overnight, then follow the same reheating instructions.
- If you want to preserve that signature crispy topping, remove any cling film or lids during the last 5 minutes of reheating so the stuffing can crisp back up under the oven’s heat.
CONCLUSION
Bringing our Chicken & Stuffing Casserole recipe full circle, we’ve covered everything from selecting the right ingredients to mastering each cooking step, and offering ideas for serving and storing. This dish truly embodies “Comfort Food at Its Best,” combining tender chicken, a creamy herb-infused sauce, and a golden, crispy stuffing crown. Even novice cooks will feel empowered by the beginner-friendly process: just a quick 20-minute prep, 45 minutes in the oven, a brief 5-minute rest, and voilà—a heartwarming dinner that hits around 450 calories per serving. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on a cozy weeknight or meal-prepping for the days ahead, this casserole checks every box for flavor, convenience, and nostalgia.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later so you always have a go-to recipe when comfort is calling. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you give this Chicken & Stuffing Casserole a try—or if you have tips, tweaks, or tales of your own in the kitchen—drop a comment, share your feedback, or ask away. I love hearing how this recipe fits into your home-cooking adventures, and I’m here to help make sure every bake turns out splendidly. Enjoy every cozy, delicious bite!
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Description
This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is the perfect blend of tender chicken and savory stuffing, baked until golden and crispy. It's a heartwarming dish full of flavor and nostalgia, ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Season the chicken breasts with the salt and black pepper on both sides.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. They do not need to be cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Stir until well combined.
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Prepare the stuffing mix according to package instructions, using the chicken broth instead of water.
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Spread a thin layer of the soup mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top.
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Pour the remaining soup mixture over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly to cover the chicken.
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Sprinkle the prepared stuffing over the top of the casserole.
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Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the stuffing. Add shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired.
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the stuffing is crispy and golden brown.
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Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Note
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- For a healthier twist, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Add vegetables like broccoli or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation time.
