If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, it’s this Chicken & Stuffing Casserole. Between school pickups, soccer practice, and the never-ending “What’s for dinner?” chorus, I’ve learned that easy comfort food is a mom’s secret weapon.
This casserole is everything I love in a weeknight meal — hearty, budget-friendly, and baked to golden perfection with that nostalgic aroma that fills the kitchen. My kids call it “chicken pie without the crust,” and honestly, they’re not wrong. It’s creamy, savory, and perfectly cozy — like Thanksgiving dinner, only simpler.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
- Quick prep: Ready for the oven in about 15 minutes (just enough time to wrangle homework).
- Crowd-pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
- Freezer-friendly: Make it ahead and bake later when life gets hectic.
- Comfort in every bite: Creamy chicken meets crispy, buttery stuffing — pure magic.
What Does Chicken & Stuffing Casserole Taste Like?
Imagine the best parts of a holiday meal — juicy chicken, herby stuffing, creamy sauce — all baked together in one comforting dish. The stuffing turns golden and crisp on top while the inside stays soft and flavorful. Each bite has that cozy, homey goodness that reminds you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Before we even preheat that oven, let’s talk ingredients — because this Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is all about layering simple, comforting flavors that taste like home. You won’t need anything fancy, just a few pantry staples that somehow come together like magic in one dish.
Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped):
This is the heart of our casserole — tender, juicy chicken that soaks up every bit of that creamy sauce. I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken to make it extra flavorful and easy. If you’re cooking from scratch, just poach or bake your chicken breasts until tender. - 1 box (6 oz) dry herb stuffing mix:
Think of this as the crunchy, herby topping that gives this Chicken & Stuffing Casserole its signature texture. The herbs in the stuffing mix blend beautifully with the creamy chicken filling. I love using a savory herb blend because it gives that Thanksgiving vibe — without all the holiday hustle. - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup:
This adds that luscious, comforting base we all crave in a casserole. It’s creamy, rich, and ties everything together. For a lighter touch, you can swap in a low-sodium or “healthy request” version. - 1 cup sour cream:
This gives your casserole that creamy tang and silky texture that balances the savory stuffing. If you prefer a little protein boost, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt — it works beautifully. - ½ cup chicken broth:
The secret to keeping the stuffing from drying out! A splash of broth ensures every bite of your Chicken & Stuffing Casserole stays moist and flavorful. Homemade broth adds extra depth, but store-bought works just fine. - ½ cup chopped celery & ½ cup chopped onion:
These two are the aromatic dream team — they bring crunch, flavor, and that classic casserole aroma that fills your kitchen. If you want to shortcut the prep, grab a frozen mirepoix mix. - 1 tsp dried parsley (optional):
Adds a pop of color and a mild herbal note that brightens up the whole dish. - ½ tsp garlic powder:
Because a little garlic makes everything better, right? It deepens the flavor without overpowering it. - Salt and pepper to taste:
Start light and adjust once you’ve mixed everything — remember, the stuffing mix and soup already carry salt. - 2 tbsp butter, melted:
Melted butter drizzled on top helps the stuffing crisp up beautifully while baking. It’s the secret to that golden, buttery crust everyone fights over. - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional):
It’s not just for looks — it adds a fresh contrast to the creamy base and crunchy top.
If you love cozy, classic chicken dinners like this, you might also enjoy my Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe — another comfort food favorite that practically makes itself.
How to Make Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Here’s where the magic happens — the part where simple pantry ingredients transform into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece. Don’t worry, friend — this Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is as easy as it gets. Just follow these steps, and in less than an hour, you’ll have dinner that smells like comfort and tastes like home.
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Your Dish
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter. This keeps the casserole from sticking — and makes cleanup blissfully easy later (because who wants to scrub after dinner, right?).
✨ Jessica’s Tip: If you’re using glass bakeware, make sure it’s room temperature before it hits the oven. Sudden temperature changes can cause it to crack — and trust me, you don’t want your cozy dinner turning into a kitchen mess!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until smooth and creamy — this is the comforting sauce that ties your Chicken & Stuffing Casserole together.
Now, fold in the cooked chicken, chopped celery, onion, and dried parsley. Mix well until every bite of chicken is coated in that rich, savory sauce. The aroma at this stage? Pure heaven — it already smells like Sunday dinner.
✨ Jessica’s Story:
When my kids were little, this was the first “real” casserole they helped me mix. They’d take turns stirring the bowl, sneaking little pieces of chicken when they thought I wasn’t looking. To this day, it’s still the recipe that brings everyone running to the table.
Step 3: Layer the Stuffing and Chicken Mixture
Spread the dry herb stuffing mix evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This forms the flavorful, slightly crunchy base that gives the casserole its comforting texture.
Next, pour your creamy chicken mixture right over the stuffing layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so every inch gets that cozy mix of chicken, celery, and herbs.
If you love dishes like this one, check out my Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe — it has that same “Sunday supper” flavor but with a rich, Southern-style twist.
Step 4: Add Butter and Bake
Now for the golden touch — drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. This step is the secret behind that crispy, buttery topping we all love.
Slide your Chicken & Stuffing Casserole into the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
✨ Kitchen Tip: If you like your stuffing extra crispy, broil it for the last 2 minutes — but watch closely! It goes from golden to “oops” pretty quickly.
Step 5: Cool, Garnish & Serve
Once baked, remove your Chicken & Stuffing Casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes. This gives the sauce time to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color (and just a touch of fancy). Serve it warm, right from the dish, with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies.
✨ Bonus Tip: Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day — sometimes even better! Store them in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for a quick “heat-and-eat” dinner later.
What You’ll Love About This Step-by-Step Method
- Foolproof and family-friendly: Even beginner cooks will nail it.
- Minimal cleanup: Just one bowl, one dish — and done.
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble it in the morning and bake it right before dinner.
- Versatile: Works with turkey, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a veggie twist.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
- Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here — flavorful and saves time.
- Want it creamier? Add a splash more chicken broth before baking.
- You can mix the stuffing with melted butter and spread it on top instead of layering it underneath for a different texture.
- Don’t have sour cream? Plain Greek yogurt works beautifully.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months — perfect for “I forgot to plan dinner” nights.
(Psst — if you love cozy casseroles, you’ll adore my Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. It’s comfort food made even easier!)
Storage for Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
- Fridge: Store leftovers in a covered dish for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it when ready to serve.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes — it’s a fantastic way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers!
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Frozen mixed veggies or chopped broccoli add color and nutrition.
Conclusion
There’s just something soul-soothing about a bubbling Chicken & Stuffing Casserole fresh from the oven. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table — no coaxing needed. Whether you’re chasing fall flavors or craving a taste of home, this casserole delivers creamy comfort in every bite.
So go ahead — preheat that oven, grab your casserole dish, and make tonight deliciously simple.
💛 And if you try this recipe, tag me on Instagram — I love seeing your cozy kitchen creations!
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Chicken & Stuffing Casserole: The Best Easy Family Dinner Ever
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a cozy, no-fuss dinner made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a golden, buttery stuffing topping. It’s quick to prep, bakes in under 40 minutes, and is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 box (6 oz) dry herb stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the cooked chicken, celery, onion, and dried parsley (if using) to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. Spread the dry stuffing mix evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour the chicken mixture over the stuffing and spread it out evenly.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbling and the stuffing is golden brown.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Try using rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
For added veggies, stir in peas or frozen mixed vegetables.
Use low-sodium soup and broth if you’re watching salt intake.
Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set up for cleaner slices.
