Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

I am so excited to share this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe with you because it quickly became one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes. With tender shredded chicken, creamy and flavorful sauce, and that irresistible crispy stuffing topping, this casserole feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make yet feels special enough to serve for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Every bite reminds me why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

When I first tried this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe, I was blown away by how perfectly the flavors meld together. The savory cream of chicken soup combined with garlic, onion, and thyme creates a creamy, comforting base that feels familiar but with a little extra warmth. The shredded chicken adds heartiness, and the mixed vegetables bring just the right pop of color and sweetness. But what really sets this dish apart for me is that crispy, buttery stuffing topping—it adds a contrasting texture that makes every bite exciting and satisfying.

I also love this recipe because it is such a breeze to prepare. Despite feeling like a special dish, it mostly involves combining ingredients in a bowl and layering in a pan. No fuss, no complicated techniques, and minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekend meals, or even potlucks when I want something homemade but not stressful. The versatility and comforting flavors make this casserole truly stand out from other chicken dishes I’ve tried.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and small dishes arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two large bowls filled with shredded light beige chicken, one at the top left and one at the bottom left. In the center, there are five small dishes: one contains dried green herbs, another light brown powder, another darker brown powder, one with a pale yellow powder, and a small bowl of smooth white mayonnaise or sauce. A small white bowl at the bottom center holds golden brown toasted breadcrumbs or croutons. On the right side, a white divided dish holds mixed colorful vegetables including green peas, yellow corn, and orange carrots. Near the top right are a glass cup with light yellow broth and a metal pot filled with the same broth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but each plays an important role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy base to the crunchy topping, you’ll see how every element contributes to the final deliciousness.

4 cups shredded cooked chicken: I recommend using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and ease.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This creates the rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the creamy mixture without overpowering the dish.
1 cup sour cream: For a silky tang that brightens the flavors and enhances creaminess.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a warm, savory undertone without being overwhelming.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, fragrant herb note that complements the chicken perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For gentle spicing that balances the richness.
1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix: The star of the topping—it crisps up beautifully to add texture.
1/2 cup melted butter: Coats the stuffing mix to help it brown and adds extra richness.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn): Offers color, sweetness, and a bit of freshness in every bite.
Nonstick spray or butter: For greasing the baking dish and preventing sticking.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking and help with cleanup.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended—this creamy base will keep the casserole moist and flavorful.

Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, add the dry stuffing mix. Pour the melted butter over the stuffing and toss it well to ensure every piece is lightly coated and moistened—that buttery coating is what makes the topping so deliciously crisp.

Step 4: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Creating a smooth, even layer helps the casserole bake uniformly.

Step 5: Scatter the frozen mixed vegetables evenly over the chicken layer. Make sure to distribute them so they cover the entire surface for balanced flavor and color in every bite.

Step 6: Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix evenly over the top of the vegetables. Make sure to spread it edge to edge, so every forkful has that wonderful crispy topping.

Step 7: Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the stuffing topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and crisp.

Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set slightly and cool to a comfortable temperature, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe generously serves 6 people, making it a perfect option for families or small gatherings. The active prep time is roughly 10 to 15 minutes since you mainly need to combine ingredients and layer the casserole. The baking time is about 30 to 35 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the stuffing topping to crisp up beautifully. Don’t forget to add about 5 to 10 minutes of resting time after baking before serving. Overall, you’re looking at just about 50 minutes from start to finish—great for dinner without a long wait!

How to Serve This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

The dish shows a close-up of three layers on a white plate: the bottom layer is shredded light beige chicken, above it is a thick layer of golden-brown bread stuffing with a rough and crumbly texture, and the top layer is creamy light brown gravy draped unevenly over the stuffing and chicken. Small green herb sprigs are scattered on top, adding a touch of color. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled surface beneath the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this casserole hot or warm, right out of the oven, while the stuffing topping still has that irresistible crisp. For sides, I often choose something fresh and light to balance the richness—simple mixed green salads with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans are my favorites. Sometimes, I roast some Brussels sprouts or asparagus to add a roasted, caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly.

To brighten up the plate and add a pop of freshness, I sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top right before serving. This little touch of green not only looks beautiful but also adds an herbal aroma that complements the thyme already in the casserole. For portioning, I usually serve about a hearty scoop per person alongside a salad or vegetable, but it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser that people will want seconds of!

When it comes to beverages, this casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay to cut through the richness. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced tea feels refreshing. This dish shines during family dinners, holiday meals, or casual weekend gatherings—wherever you want to share a cozy, satisfying meal with loved ones.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy about this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want to switch things up, you can swap the mixed vegetables for any favorites—broccoli florets, green beans, or mushrooms all work beautifully. For a bit more zing, adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the creamy chicken mixture gives it an extra kick I love.

If you’re looking for dietary modifications, it’s pretty simple to adapt. To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well—which many brands now offer. For a lighter or dairy-free version, substituting the sour cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative works nicely, though the flavor will shift slightly. For a vegetarian take, you can replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or a plant-based chicken substitute and use mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

Another way I sometimes prepare this casserole is using a slow cooker. Layering the ingredients similarly and cooking on low for 4 hours results in a wonderfully tender dish, though you’ll want to add the buttery stuffing topping towards the end under the broiler to get that crisp texture. These variations make the recipe flexible for many occasions and preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, I recommend transferring any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerating them promptly. The casserole will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days. Using shallow containers helps it cool quickly and makes for easy reheating later. Make sure to cover the leftovers tightly to prevent drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully, which makes it a convenient meal prep option. Before baking, you can assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if needed. Alternatively, you can freeze leftover baked portions in individual containers for up to 2 months for quick future meals.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers and keep the stuffing crispy, I prefer reheating in the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, and cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes will help crisp up the stuffing again. Microwaving can work for faster reheating but often softens the topping, so it’s best to use the oven when you want to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like chopped carrots, peas, and corn can replace the frozen mix. Just be sure to lightly steam or blanch them beforehand to ensure they cook fully during the baking time, as fresh veggies may take longer to soften.

What type of chicken works best for this casserole?

I find shredded cooked chicken from a rotisserie or roasted chicken the most flavorful and convenient. However, you can also poach chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and use that. The key is to have tender, fully cooked chicken ready to go.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes meal planning easier and helps the flavors meld together. Just add baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use a gluten-free stuffing mix and confirm that your cream of chicken soup and broth are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free labeled products, so check the packaging. This modification makes the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.

Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?

Definitely! You can use low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for fewer calories while maintaining creaminess. Choose a reduced-fat butter or olive oil for the stuffing coating and increase the vegetable portion to add more fiber and nutrients. These tweaks keep it light but still comforting.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe a try because it has become such a beloved dish in my kitchen. It feels like a nostalgic comfort food that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to share. From the creamy, herb-infused filling to that crispy, golden stuffing topping, every bite brings warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy every delicious forkful!