Chicken Stuffing Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic, Reimagined
This Chicken Stuffing Casserole recipe takes a beloved holiday side dish and transforms it into a hearty, satisfying main course perfect for any night of the week. Forget dry, crumbly stuffing – this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful casserole bursting with tender chicken and savory herbs. It's easy to make, adaptable to your favorite ingredients, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What Makes This Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe Special?
This isn't your grandma's stuffing (though she might love it too!). We've focused on creating a recipe that is:
- Moist and flavorful: We use a combination of broth and cream of mushroom soup to keep the stuffing perfectly moist, while herbs and seasonings add depth of flavor.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or even cranberries for a festive twist.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you're ready – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-pleasing: This casserole is a guaranteed hit with everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- For the Stuffing:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best)
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken, cook it until fully cooked and then dice it. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add mushrooms (if using) and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Combine the Stuffing Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, cubed bread, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and milk (if using).
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the diced chicken to the stuffing mixture. Pour the sauce over the stuffing and chicken, stirring gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly moistened.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes if you prefer a softer top.
Tips and Variations:
- Add some crunch: Top the casserole with crushed crackers or bread crumbs before baking for added texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Cheese please!: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or Gruyère on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Veggie boost: Add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the stuffing mixture.
- Leftovers?: This casserole reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Chicken Stuffing Casserole as a comforting main course with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. It's equally delicious on its own!
This recipe is optimized for search engines using relevant keywords such as "chicken stuffing casserole," "stuffing casserole recipe," "easy chicken casserole," and "comfort food recipe." The use of headings, bold text, and a clear, step-by-step structure enhances readability and SEO. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family – let's spread the deliciousness!
