Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole – Thanksgiving Flavors Any Night of the Week

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of tender chicken and savory stuffing that instantly evokes memories of holiday gatherings and family dinners. This Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole captures all those warm, nostalgic flavors and transforms them into a simple weeknight meal that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum satisfaction.

What makes this casserole so special is how it takes the classic flavors we associate with Thanksgiving and makes them accessible any time of year. The dish layers seasoned chicken with vegetables and tops it all with fluffy, herb-seasoned stuffing that bakes to golden perfection. It’s like having a complete holiday meal in one convenient pan.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and forgiving nature. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken from the store, or cooking fresh chicken specifically for this dish, the results are consistently delicious. The stuffing mix does most of the heavy lifting in terms of seasoning, while the cream soup base ensures everything stays moist and flavorful during baking.

The Perfect Balance of Convenience and Comfort

This casserole represents the ideal marriage of convenience cooking and comfort food satisfaction. By using quality shortcuts like stuffing mix and cream soup, you can achieve complex, layered flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. The result tastes like you’ve been cooking all day, but it actually comes together in about 20 minutes of active prep time.

The technique of layering the ingredients allows each component to maintain its distinct character while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The chicken stays tender and juicy, the vegetables provide texture and nutrition, and the stuffing creates a satisfying, bread-like topping that’s both comforting and filling.

Nutritional Benefits and Smart Additions

While this is definitely comfort food, it provides a well-rounded meal with protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the stuffing, and vitamins from the vegetables. You can easily boost the nutritional content by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or green beans to the mixture.

For families trying to incorporate more vegetables into their meals, this casserole is an excellent vehicle. The creamy base and familiar flavors help mask vegetables that might otherwise be rejected by picky eaters, making it easier to ensure everyone gets their daily servings.

Seasonal Adaptations and Variations

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how easily it adapts to different seasons and occasions. In the fall, consider adding diced apples and dried cranberries for a harvest-inspired version. During winter, root vegetables like diced sweet potatoes or parsnips add warmth and substance.

Spring versions might include fresh asparagus and peas, while summer adaptations could incorporate zucchini and fresh herbs from the garden. The basic framework of chicken, stuffing, and cream sauce works beautifully with almost any vegetable combination you can imagine.

Make-Ahead Magic for Busy Families

This casserole is incredibly meal-prep friendly, making it perfect for busy families who want home-cooked meals without daily cooking marathons. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This actually improves the flavors as the ingredients have time to meld together.

The dish also freezes beautifully either before or after baking. Unbaked casseroles can be frozen for up to three months – just thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed. Leftover portions reheat wonderfully, making it perfect for lunch meal prep or quick dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (herb-seasoned)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, diced

• 2½ cups chicken broth (divided)
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the garlic powder.
3. Cook chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.
6. Add the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, frozen mixed vegetables, poultry seasoning, remaining garlic powder, sage, thyme, and paprika to the soup mixture. Stir until well combined.
7. Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
8. In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with melted butter and the remaining 1½ cups of chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is evenly moistened but not soggy.
9. Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface.
10. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
12. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the stuffing during the last 5 minutes of baking.
13. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.
14. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

Bring Thanksgiving flavors to your weeknight dinner table with this Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole. Tender seasoned chicken, mixed vegetables, and herb-seasoned stuffing combine in one comforting dish that’s perfect for busy families seeking restaurant-quality comfort food at home.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 445

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 box stuffing mix 6 oz, herb-seasoned
• 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2½ cups chicken broth divided
• ½ cup butter melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded, optional

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Separate bowl for stuffing
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the garlic powder.
3. Cook chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.
6. Add cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, frozen mixed vegetables, poultry seasoning, remaining garlic powder, sage, thyme, and paprika to the soup mixture. Stir until well combined.
7. Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
8. In a separate bowl, combine stuffing mix with melted butter and remaining 1½ cups chicken broth. Stir until stuffing is evenly moistened but not soggy.
9. Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface.
10. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until stuffing is golden brown and casserole is bubbling around the edges.
12. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the stuffing during the last 5 minutes of baking.
13. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Properly browning the chicken creates better flavor – don’t skip this step. Stuffing should be moist but not soggy when mixed. Can be assembled 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Any herb-seasoned stuffing mix works well.

Professional Tips for Perfect Results

The key to exceptional flavor in this casserole is properly browning the chicken before adding it to the mixture. This creates a foundation of flavor through caramelization that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip this step even if you’re using pre-cooked chicken – a quick sear will make a noticeable difference.

When preparing the stuffing topping, aim for a consistency that’s moist but not soggy. The stuffing should hold together when pressed but still look fluffy and light. If it seems too dry, add broth a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet, let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.

Stuffing Mix Selection and Customization

While any herb-seasoned stuffing mix will work in this recipe, different brands can yield slightly different results. Some are more heavily seasoned than others, so taste your chicken mixture before baking and adjust seasonings if needed. Cornbread stuffing mix creates a slightly different texture and flavor profile that’s equally delicious.

For a more homemade approach, you can substitute the stuffing mix with cubed day-old bread tossed with melted butter, sage, thyme, and chicken broth. This creates a more rustic, homestyle appearance while maintaining the same comforting flavors.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

This casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days when covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, though the oven method will keep the stuffing crispier.

For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if the mixture seems dry.

Serving Suggestions and Holiday Connections

This casserole pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like cranberry sauce, green bean almondine, or a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette. The familiar flavors make it an excellent choice for casual holiday entertaining when you want the taste of Thanksgiving without the extensive preparation.

For a complete comfort food experience, serve with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. The combination creates a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s perfect for cold weather or when you need something especially comforting.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

The rich, savory flavors of this casserole pair beautifully with medium-bodied white wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer red wine, choose something light to medium-bodied like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais that won’t overpower the delicate chicken and herb flavors.

For non-alcoholic options, apple cider, sparkling water with lemon, or even a crisp lager-style beer complement the comfort food nature of this dish perfectly.

This Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole proves that you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy the warming, satisfying flavors of a traditional holiday meal. With its simple preparation and guaranteed crowd-pleasing results, it’s destined to become a regular part of your dinner rotation, bringing comfort and joy to ordinary weeknight meals.