Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There are some dishes that just speak to your soul, and this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is undoubtedly one of them. It’s the epitome of comfort food – warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, designed to bring a cozy feeling to any dinner table. This recipe effortlessly combines tender, juicy chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and a delightfully crunchy, savory stuffing topping into one delicious, easy-to-make dish. It’s a true family favorite that simplifies weeknight meals without compromising on flavor or that beloved homemade touch.

This casserole is a standout for its simplicity and its ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine sinking your fork into succulent pieces of chicken, bathed in a savory, creamy sauce, all crowned with a golden-brown, crispy stuffing layer. It’s a beautiful medley of textures and tastes that come together in a single baking dish, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and guarantees a delicious outcome every time.

The beauty of this easy chicken casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients and simple process. You don’t need exotic spices or advanced cooking techniques to create a meal that feels special. This dish is perfect for those busy evenings when you need a quick yet fulfilling dinner, or when you’re craving something deeply comforting and familiar. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a thoughtful meal to share with friends and neighbors, always receiving rave reviews. Plus, with a few simple additions, you can transform it into a complete meal, adding your favorite vegetables right into the pan.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Casserole

To ensure you have everything on hand for this delightful dish, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements. Here’s a closer look at the key components:

• Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation and a lean protein source. However, for a richer flavor and even more tender results, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cubing the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and makes serving easier.
• Cream Soup: This is the secret to the casserole’s luscious, creamy base. While the recipe highlights cream of mushroom, feel free to use your favorite. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup also work wonderfully, each adding a slightly different nuance to the overall flavor profile. This condensed soup acts as a binder and a flavor enhancer, creating that classic comforting texture.
• Milk: Used to thin out the condensed cream soup, creating a smoother, pourable sauce that evenly coats the chicken. Any type of milk (whole, 2%, or even a non-dairy alternative) can be used, depending on your preference.
• Stovetop Stuffing Mix: This convenience ingredient is key to the “stuffing” part of the casserole. A classic boxed stuffing mix provides a perfectly seasoned, crunchy topping with minimal fuss. It’s designed to absorb moisture and crisp up beautifully in the oven, giving you that irresistible texture contrast.
• Chicken Broth: Essential for moistening the dry stuffing mix, allowing it to rehydrate and develop its full flavor and texture while baking. It also adds an extra layer of savory depth to the entire dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple yet vital seasonings. Don’t underestimate the power of properly seasoning your chicken before baking to elevate the overall taste of the casserole.

Crafting Your Delicious Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Creating this satisfying casserole is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you simply want a hassle-free meal. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting dish to life:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and lightly greasing a casserole dish with non-stick spray. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) and cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly. Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single, even layer at the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.
2. Whip Up the Creamy Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream soup (whether it’s cream of mushroom, chicken, or celery) with the milk. Whisk these two ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. This forms the rich base that will keep your chicken incredibly moist and flavorful. Once thoroughly mixed, pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the chicken pieces in the casserole dish, spreading it to cover all the chicken.
3. Add the Savory Stuffing Topping: Open your box of stovetop stuffing mix and sprinkle it evenly over the creamy chicken layer in the casserole dish. Try to distribute it so that it forms a consistent layer. Next, carefully drizzle the chicken broth over the entire stuffing layer. The goal here is to moisten the stuffing just enough so it can rehydrate and cook through, but not so much that it becomes soggy. The moisture from the broth, combined with the steam from the chicken and sauce, will create a perfectly cooked, flavorful topping.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the chicken and ensure it cooks through while keeping the stuffing moist in the initial baking phase. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil. Uncovering the casserole allows the stuffing to crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned, the casserole is bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165ºF or 74ºC).
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Serve immediately as a stand-alone meal or alongside your favorite side dishes.

Enhance Your Casserole: Tips & Creative Variations

While this chicken and stuffing casserole is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile and can be customized to your family’s preferences. Here are some ideas to make it even better:

• Boost with Vegetables: This casserole is a fantastic canvas for adding extra veggies and making it a complete, one-pan meal. I often like to mix chopped broccoli florets directly with the chicken before pouring over the sauce. Alternatively, a bag of frozen peas and carrots, corn, or even sliced mushrooms can be added to the chicken layer. For heartier vegetables like green beans or diced bell peppers, you might want to lightly sauté them beforehand to ensure they cook through evenly in the casserole.
• Cream Soup Alternatives: If you prefer to avoid store-bought condensed soups, you can easily use my Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup. This allows for more control over ingredients and provides an even fresher flavor profile. You could also experiment with a homemade cream of mushroom or celery soup for different taste variations.
• Speed It Up with Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker preparation, use pre-cooked chicken, such as shredded rotisserie chicken. Simply mix the shredded chicken with the cream soup and milk mixture, then spread it into the casserole dish. Top with the stuffing mix and drizzle with broth as directed. Since the chicken is already cooked, you can bake it uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly, heated through, and the stuffing is golden brown and crispy. This is a game-changer for super busy evenings!
• Add a Cheesy Layer: For a decadent twist, sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) over the creamy chicken layer before adding the stuffing. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding another layer of flavor and gooey goodness.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with additional seasonings. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of poultry seasoning can enhance the savory notes. A touch of dried thyme or sage can also complement the stuffing flavor beautifully.
• Crispier Topping: If you love an extra-crispy stuffing, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the dry stuffing mix before adding the chicken broth. This helps the stuffing bits achieve an even golden-brown crunch. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of melted butter directly into the dry stuffing mix before spreading it.
• Make Ahead Option: This casserole is excellent for meal prep! Assemble the entire dish (chicken, sauce, and dry stuffing with broth drizzled) in the casserole dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 30 minutes prior to baking, then follow the baking instructions as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time if needed.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal: Prepare the casserole as directed, up to the point of baking. Instead of baking, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, then an additional layer of plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, keep the foil, and bake at 375°F for about 60-75 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated through and golden.

What to Serve with Chicken Stuffing Casserole

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple side dishes to create a well-rounded dinner. Consider serving it alongside a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or glazed carrots are also excellent choices, adding color and nutrients to your plate. For a truly classic comfort food experience, a dollop of cranberry sauce (especially during the fall and winter months) or a side of mashed potatoes would be delightful.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Having leftovers of this delicious chicken and stuffing casserole is a wonderful thing! To store, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When ready to reheat, you have a couple of options:

• Microwave: For individual servings, microwave on high until warmed through, usually 1-2 minutes. Be aware that the stuffing topping may lose some of its crispiness when reheated this way.
• Oven: To better preserve the crispy topping, reheat larger portions in the oven. Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. For a slightly crispier topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating.

As mentioned in the variations, this casserole can also be frozen unbaked for later enjoyment. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen, though the texture of the stuffing may become softer upon thawing and reheating.

Why You’ll Adore This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a dish. Its ease of preparation makes it a lifesaver on busy days, while its comforting flavors make it a beloved classic that satisfies the whole family. The combination of succulent chicken, rich sauce, and crunchy stuffing creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s truly a versatile dish, adaptable to your pantry staples and dietary preferences, and guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation. Embrace the joy of simple, delicious home cooking with this incredible casserole!

Explore More Easy Chicken Dinners

If you’re looking for more convenient and delicious chicken-based meals, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes that promise flavor and ease:

• Chicken Cobbler
• Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Baked Chicken Bites
• Dorito Chicken Casserole