Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the kind of comforting dinner that is perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday meal. It has tender pieces of chicken, a creamy and flavorful sauce, and a golden layer of savory stuffing on top. It tastes like a holiday dinner without all the work or dirty dishes!
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps and uses ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. There is no need to cook the chicken before assembling the casserole. Simply cut it into bite-sized pieces, season it, and place it directly into the baking dish. The chicken cooks underneath the creamy sauce, which helps keep it tender and juicy.
The prepared stuffing creates a flavorful topping with crispy edges and a soft, savory center. It is an easy way to enjoy the flavors of chicken and dressing any night of the year.
Ingredients
1½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Onion powder, to taste
1 box (6 ounces) stuffing mix
1½ cups hot water
½ cup chicken stock
½ cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes. Spread the chicken evenly across the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Season the chicken with black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste. The stuffing mix and cream of chicken soup already contain salt, so additional salt may not be necessary.
Add the stuffing mix to a medium mixing bowl. Pour 1½ cups of hot water over the stuffing and stir until everything is evenly moistened. Let the stuffing sit for about 5 minutes so it can absorb the liquid.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the chicken stock, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Spread the creamy soup mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken. Make sure the chicken is completely covered so it stays moist while the casserole bakes.
Fluff the prepared stuffing gently with a fork. Spoon it evenly over the creamy chicken mixture, spreading it all the way to the edges of the baking dish.
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The stuffing should be lightly golden on top, the sauce should be hot and bubbly, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This gives the creamy sauce a chance to thicken slightly and makes the casserole easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple vegetable. Green beans, roasted broccoli, glazed carrots, or a fresh garden salad would all make wonderful side dishes. Cranberry sauce is also a fun addition if you want to give the meal even more of a holiday-inspired flavor.
Tips for the Best Casserole
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate. Smaller pieces will cook more quickly and are easier to serve.
Be sure to let the stuffing absorb the hot water before adding it to the casserole. This keeps it from drawing too much moisture out of the creamy sauce while baking.
If the stuffing begins to brown more than you would like, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes of baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in the oven until heated through.
This easy casserole is creamy, savory, and packed with comforting flavors. It is a simple, family-friendly recipe that makes dinner feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
