This Chicken Stuffing Casserole recipe requires minimal prep time, which is perfect for busy weeknights or an easy weeknight dinner that uses up your weekend roast leftovers! Its origins are humble and rooted in the tradition of ‘waste not, want not,’ making the most of what’s left in your fridge or freezer from holiday meals by transforming simple ingredients like leftover chicken or leftover turkey, and day-old bread or store-bought stuffing mix into a hearty and delicious meal that everyone will love. Although in full disclosure, this has become such a favorite around here that we most often make it with a rotisserie chicken and a couple boxes of Stovetop stuffing mix so we can enjoy it any time of year, not just when we have holiday leftovers. For more easy chicken casserole recipes, check out my Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole, One-Pan Chicken, Green Bean, & Potato Dinner, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, Creamy White Chicken Lasagna, and Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Why We Love This Recipe
This is an easy way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. It’s an easy casserole that requires minimal prep time, and it’s enough for the whole family in one dish! The recipe uses simple ingredients to make an easy meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Chicken Broth – Gives the stuffing a rich and savory flavor. Salted Butter – Adds richness and depth to both the stuffing and the filling. Stuffing Mix – Provides a flavorful and satisfying texture. You can use homemade stuffing or leftover stuffing if you have it. Chicken – Use leftover chicken (or turkey) that you can shred, or cook and shred chicken fresh to make this casserole hearty and filling. Onion & Celery – These aromatic vegetables add a subtle depth of savory flavor to the filling. Mushrooms – Adds nutrients and a subtle, earthy flavor. Frozen Mixed Vegetables – They help to bulk the casserole out and add a bit of good nutrition with a splash of color. Garlic & Black Pepper – Use garlic powder for a more potent flavor and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste of the dish. Chicken Soup – Cream of chicken soup is the base of the creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together. Sour Cream – The tangy richness helps balance the flavors of the sauce while adding to the creaminess of the filling. Worcestershire Sauce – Adds the unique, sweet, and tangy umami flavor that we love this sauce for. Cheese – I’ve used slices of cheese here but you can use shredded if you prefer. Cheddar or Provolone Cheese will melt well into the casserole, adding a gooey, cheesy layer under the stuffing.
How to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Tips for Success
To ensure a consistent texture and flavor, spread the chicken mixture and stuffing evenly when layering and assembling the casserole. The stuffing mix should be moist when layered onto the casserole, as it will continue to cook in the oven, so be careful not to overcook it when preparing it in the saucepan. Use the recommended 9×13-inch baking dish for the best results, as a dish too large or too small can affect the cooking time and texture of the casserole. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking, as this allows it to set, which makes it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or thyme for extra flavor and color.
Substitutions and Variations
Rather than using a store-bought stuffing mix, you can make your own homemade stuffing if you prefer. This recipe is also a great way to reuse your leftover stuffing from holiday dinners! Instead of buying raw chicken (like skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs) to cook up and shred for this recipe, use a rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken or leftover turkey. You can cater to different dietary or flavor preferences by swapping the cans of soup you use. Try substituting cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or cream of broccoli soup. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like carrots, peas, or even green beans, to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor. Use whatever is in season or whatever you have leftover in the fridge!
More Hearty Casserole Recipes
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Pepperoni Casserole (Pizza Bake Recipe) Traditional Shepherd’s Pie Baked Ziti Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole
If possible, opt for a good-quality rotisserie chicken and use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor. If you use frozen vegetables, ensure they are properly thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Simple Tater Tot Casserole (Hotdish)
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