Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: A Cozy Classic for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Looking for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug? Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the kind of dish that checks every box. With tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, and savory stuffing baked to golden perfection, this casserole captures all the nostalgic flavors of a classic chicken dinner—without the work. It’s perfect for hectic weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you need a dish to bring to gatherings or potlucks. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to make it, variations to try, time-saving tips, what to serve it with, and more. Check out our creamy chicken recipes like Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice Casserole if you’re into satisfying one-pan wonders.

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The Ultimate Comfort Food Combo

What Makes Chicken and Stuffing Casserole So Popular?

Chicken and stuffing casserole has been a go-to for generations because it wraps up everything people love about a homestyle meal into one easy bake. With just seven simple ingredients, it delivers rich, savory flavor and filling portions that satisfy the whole family. It also cuts out the hassle of coordinating multiple side dishes—everything you want is already baked right in.

Beyond convenience, this dish wins hearts because it works in every season. In fall and winter, it’s cozy and hearty. In spring and summer, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover grilled or roasted chicken. And come holiday season? It’s a lifesaver for using up leftover turkey and stuffing.

Key Benefits of This One-Pan Dish

Here’s why this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

• Fast prep time – Just 15 minutes of hands-on time
• Minimal cleanup – One pan, fewer dishes
• Family-friendly – Picky eaters approved
• Budget-conscious – Makes the most of pantry staples
• Freezer-friendly – Make one now, save one for later

Plus, it’s a forgiving recipe. Mess up the stuffing? No problem. Only have mushroom soup instead of chicken? It’ll still be delicious.

When to Serve It: Family Dinners, Holidays & More

This dish is versatile enough for:

• Weeknight dinners – Quick, easy, and comforting
• Meal trains – Ideal for gifting to families with new babies or illness
• Holiday leftovers – Great use of Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing
• Potlucks and gatherings – Feeds a crowd and travels well

Looking for more potluck-ready recipes? Don’t miss our Meatball Casserole, it’s another easy favorite.

Ingredients Breakdown and Smart Substitutions

Core Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick list of what goes into the best chicken and stuffing casserole:

Ingredient	Notes
Chicken broth	Low sodium preferred
Unsalted butter	Balances the saltiness of other ingredients
Stuffing mix	6 oz. stove-top box works best
Cream of chicken soup	Two 10.75 oz. cans; don’t dilute
Sour cream	Adds creaminess and slight tang
Cooked shredded chicken	Rotisserie, leftover, or boiled
Frozen mixed vegetables	Carrots, peas, corn, green beans combo

Everything here is pantry or freezer friendly, making it easy to keep the ingredients on hand for a last-minute dinner fix.

Easy Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Needs

Trying to adjust for allergies or preferences? Here’s how to make it work:

• Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and dairy-free sour cream.
• Gluten-free? Opt for gluten-free stuffing mix and soup.
• Low-sodium? Go with no-salt-added broth and low-sodium soup.
• No sour cream? Swap with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

This casserole adapts easily without compromising flavor or texture.

Best Chicken Options: Rotisserie, Leftovers or Fresh?

Here’s a breakdown of your chicken choices:

• Rotisserie chicken – Saves time and adds depth of flavor
• Leftover roasted or grilled chicken – Great way to minimize waste
• Boiled or baked chicken breasts – Budget-friendly and simple
• Thanksgiving turkey – Perfect post-holiday casserole base

Looking for inspiration? Try our Chicken Cobbler—a creative twist on savory chicken baking that also uses leftovers creatively.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Preparing the Chicken and Stuffing Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

Next, heat 1½ cups of broth and ¼ cup unsalted butter in a saucepan until the butter melts. Remove from heat and stir in a 6 oz package of stuffing mix. Cover and let it absorb.

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cans of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of sour cream. Add 3 cups of shredded chicken and 1½ cups of frozen mixed veggies, mixing until everything is coated evenly.

Assembling Your Casserole the Right Way

Layer the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared dish. Then spoon the stuffing mixture on top, covering the entire surface. This top layer gets beautifully golden during baking, giving you that crave-worthy contrast of textures.

Baking Tips for a Golden, Crispy Top

Bake the casserole uncovered for 30–35 minutes. The edges will bubble slightly, and the stuffing top should crisp to a light golden brown.

Pro tip: For a crunchier topping, drizzle a little melted butter over the stuffing before baking.

Check out our Loaded Scalloped Potatoes if you love that creamy-meets-crispy combo in casseroles.

Make-Ahead Tips, Freezing & Storage

How to Prep Ahead for Busy Days

One of the top perks of Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is its flexibility. You can fully assemble it earlier in the day or even the night before. Simply cover the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and follow the normal cooking instructions.

This is especially useful for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Bringing a meal to a friend or neighbor
• Hosting holiday guests

Don’t miss our Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings for another meal-prep-friendly favorite.

Can You Freeze Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before or after baking.

To freeze before baking:

1. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish.
2. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

To freeze after baking:

1. Let the casserole cool completely.
2. Store in an airtight container or wrap individual servings.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

This makes it a fantastic option for new parents, recovering friends, or your own emergency dinner stash.

Best Ways to Reheat Without Drying Out

No one wants a dry casserole, right? Here’s how to keep it moist and tasty:

• Oven method: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes).
• Microwave method: Add a splash of broth or water, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 60-second intervals.

Discover great ideas like Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken—another make-ahead-friendly dish you’ll want on repeat.

Flavor Variations You’ll Want to Try

Cheesy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Craving something extra indulgent? Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the chicken mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the stuffing layer halfway through baking for a melted finish.

Pro tip: Sharp cheddar adds depth and cuts through the richness of the soup and sour cream.

Turkey Instead of Chicken? No Problem!

Swap the shredded chicken for leftover turkey to make a turkey and stuffing casserole. This variation is incredibly popular right after Thanksgiving and a great way to avoid food waste while keeping things delicious.

Bonus: Add a spoonful of leftover cranberry sauce on the side for a sweet and savory combo.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Roast Butternut Squash Soup as a starter for your leftover turkey casserole night.

Spice It Up with These Seasonings

This casserole is easy to customize for flavor. Try adding:

• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• A dash of smoked paprika for warmth
• Red pepper flakes for mild heat

These little additions can elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish.

What to Serve with Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Simple Side Dishes to Complete the Meal

While this dish is filling enough to stand alone, here are easy side options to stretch the meal:

• Green salad with vinaigrette for a fresh contrast
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Homemade biscuits or garlic bread

Check out our Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls for a sweet and savory bread pairing.

Pairing with Salads, Breads or Roasted Veggies

Want to balance out the rich, creamy casserole with some crunch or zest?

Try these combos:

Side Dish	Why It Works
Apple slaw	Adds crispness and tang
Roasted brussels sprouts	Earthy flavor pairs well with stuffing
Lemony arugula salad	Peppery greens brighten up the plate
Cornbread muffins	Sweet and savory play off the creamy base

These sides make the casserole feel like a full, rounded dinner without a ton of extra work.

Drinks and Desserts That Work Well

• Drink Pairing: Apple cider, iced tea, or a light white wine (like Chardonnay)
• Dessert Ideas:
  • Pumpkin pie dip
  • Chocolate chip cookies
  • Baked apple crisps

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Pie Dip—a festive dessert that complements a hearty fall casserole night perfectly.

FAQ: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Conclusion: Why This Casserole Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

In a world of complicated dinners and endless dishes, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole stands out as a weeknight hero. It’s cozy, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping ahead for the week, or using up leftovers, this dish delivers comfort and convenience every single time.

The creamy filling, golden stuffing crust, and mix of savory chicken and veggies make every bite feel like home. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable—from cheesy twists to make-ahead freezer batches. Add this to your dinner rotation, and you’ll always have a go-to when life gets busy.

Looking for more comfort food ideas? Don’t miss our Creamy White Chicken Chili—another cozy favorite you’ll want on repeat.

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