Chicken Stuffing Casserole
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This Chicken Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, vegetables, and buttery stuffing are baked together in one easy casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or canned chicken, this recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
This is one of those dinners I keep coming back to because it’s easy, affordable, and everyone actually eats it. My teenager requests it regularly, and I love that I can make it with whatever cooked chicken I happen to have on hand. It’s simple comfort food at its best.
Why This Chicken Stuffing Casserole Works
There are plenty of chicken casserole recipes out there, but this one earns a regular spot on our dinner menu because it’s easy, flexible, and made with ingredients I almost always have on hand.
- Ready for the oven in 10 minutes. Most of the work is simply stirring everything together and spreading the stuffing on top.
- Works with almost any cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut, but leftover chicken and canned chicken work just as well.
- Simple pantry ingredients. A box of stuffing mix, a couple cans of soup, and some frozen vegetables do most of the heavy lifting.
- Comfort food without the fuss. It has all the cozy flavors of a homemade chicken dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Easy to customize. Swap the vegetables, use different cream soups, or even substitute leftover turkey after the holidays.
- Family approved. This is one of the few casseroles that consistently gets a thumbs up from my picky teenager, which automatically makes it a winner in my book.
If you’re looking for a dependable dinner recipe that feels homemade but doesn’t require a lot of time or effort, this chicken stuffing casserole is hard to beat.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This is one of those dinners I make when I don’t have a plan but still need something that feels homemade. The ingredient list is short, the prep is minimal, and somehow it always tastes like a recipe that took way more effort than it actually did.
What I love most is the contrast between the creamy chicken filling and the buttery stuffing on top. It’s cozy, filling, and one of the few casseroles that never seems to get complaints at my dinner table.
Tip from Jesseca:
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The filling thickens slightly as it cools, making it much easier to scoop and serve. If you dig in immediately, it’ll still taste great, but it will be much looser.
I also like to leave a few peaks and valleys in the stuffing instead of smoothing it into a perfectly flat layer. Those little ridges get extra golden and crispy in the oven.
Chicken Stuffing Casserole Ingredients
One of the reasons this recipe is on repeat in our house is that it relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Most of them are pantry and freezer staples, making this a great last-minute dinner option.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut, but leftover chicken, turkey, or canned chicken all work well. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked chicken.
- Cream Soup: Use cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or one can of each. Any combination creates a rich, creamy filling.
- Chicken Broth: Helps loosen the filling and adds extra savory flavor.
- Frozen Vegetables: Broccoli is my family’s favorite, but mixed vegetables, peas, carrots, green beans, or corn are all great options.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of thyme, onion powder, and black pepper adds flavor without overpowering the casserole. Be careful with additional salt since the soup and stuffing already contain plenty.
- Stuffing Mix: Boxed stuffing keeps this recipe quick and easy. Chicken, turkey, or herb-seasoned stuffing all work beautifully.
Chicken And Stuffing Bake Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt based on what you have in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry.
- Use turkey instead of chicken. This is one of my favorite ways to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. Simply swap the cooked chicken for an equal amount of turkey.
- Try a different cream soup. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of onion all work well and give the casserole a slightly different flavor.
- Switch up the vegetables. Broccoli, mixed vegetables, peas, carrots, green beans, or corn are all delicious options. Use whatever your family enjoys most.
- Add cheese. A handful of shredded cheddar sprinkled into the filling makes the casserole extra rich and comforting.
- Use canned chicken. When time is tight, canned chicken works surprisingly well in this recipe. Just drain it before adding it to the filling.
- Change the stuffing flavor. Chicken, turkey, savory herb, or cornbread stuffing mix all pair well with the creamy filling.
- Make it extra hearty. Stir in sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, or chopped celery for additional texture and flavor.
The beauty of this casserole is that it’s hard to mess up. Start with the basic recipe and adjust it to fit your family’s tastes and whatever ingredients you already have on hand.
Can I Use Canned Chicken?
One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it works with whatever type of cooked chicken you have available. I’ve made it with both rotisserie chicken and canned chicken, and while I personally prefer rotisserie, both options make a delicious casserole.
- Rotisserie Chicken: This is my first choice whenever I have it on hand. It adds great flavor, a slightly meatier texture, and makes the casserole taste a little more homemade. One rotisserie chicken typically provides more than enough meat for this recipe.
- Canned Chicken: Don’t underestimate this pantry staple. Canned chicken is convenient, budget-friendly, and perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table without a trip to the store. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the filling.
If you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead, rotisserie chicken is worth grabbing. But if you’re staring at your pantry wondering what’s for dinner, canned chicken can absolutely save the day. The creamy filling and buttery stuffing do a wonderful job bringing everything together, no matter which option you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Canned chicken works surprisingly well in this recipe and is a great pantry-friendly option. Be sure to drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients. You’ll need about 3 cups of chicken, which is roughly equivalent to two large cans.
Absolutely. This casserole is one of my favorite ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers. Simply substitute an equal amount of cooked turkey for the chicken.
Broccoli is our favorite, but mixed vegetables, peas, carrots, green beans, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms all work well. This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Dry stuffing is usually caused by not enough moisture or overbaking. Make sure to prepare the stuffing according to the package directions and avoid baking longer than necessary. The creamy filling underneath will help keep the bottom layer soft while the top becomes golden and crisp.
Yes. If you have leftover homemade stuffing or dressing, it can be used in place of boxed stuffing mix. Simply prepare it as directed and use it as the topping.
Since this casserole already includes protein, vegetables, and stuffing, I like to keep the sides simple. A green salad, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or dinner rolls all pair nicely.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This is one of those casseroles that tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or holiday planning.
- Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot in the center.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the chicken filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Prepare the stuffing separately and refrigerate it in its own container. When you’re ready to bake, spread the stuffing over the filling and bake as directed.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Meal Prep Tip: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred the entire chicken when you bring it home and freeze portions in 2 to 3 cup amounts. It makes recipes like this incredibly easy to throw together on busy nights.
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Easy Chicken Stuffing Casserole with Stove Top Stuffing
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken (chopped)
- 2 (10.5oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups frozen broccoli
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Stuffing Topping
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 (6oz) box stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and mist a 9×13, or three quart, baking dish with cooking spray.
- Combine the chicken, cream soups, broth, frozen vegetables, and seasonings in the baking dish. Mix to combine and spread into an even layer.
Topping
- Add 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/4 cup of butter into a small saucepan, the amounts called for on the stuffing box. Bring to a simmer and stir in the stuffing mix
- Remove from the heat and allow it to sit for five minutes or until it’s soaked up the liquid and is fluffy.
- Spread the stuffing over the top of the chicken mixture. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top of the stuffing is lightly golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
My family loved this recipe! I added some grated cheddar cheese between chicken layer and stuffing.
That sounds like a delicious addition! Cheddar cheese makes everything better. I’m so glad your family loved the recipe—thanks for sharing your twist on it!