Casseroles

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Get ready to fall head over heels for the ultimate comfort food mashup!

This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole takes everything you love about a traditional holiday dinner and transforms it into one spectacular, bubbling dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds before they’ve even finished their first helping.

Picture layers of savory stuffing creating the perfect bookends for a rich, creamy chicken filling that’s loaded with tender rotisserie chicken and colorful mixed vegetables.

The magic happens when those cream soups meld together with sour cream and milk, creating a velvety sauce that soaks into every nook and cranny of that fluffy stuffing.

What makes this casserole absolutely irresistible is how it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

You’re getting all the cozy, soul-warming vibes of a Sunday dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

The top layer of stuffing gets gorgeously golden and slightly crispy while the bottom layer stays tender and absorbs all those incredible flavors from the creamy chicken mixture.

Each forkful gives you the perfect balance of textures – from that satisfying stuffing crunch to the silky smoothness of the cream base, all punctuated by chunks of juicy chicken and bursts of colorful vegetables.

It’s like getting a warm hug from the inside out, and honestly, who couldn’t use more of that in their life?

Ingredients

For the Stuffing Base

1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 /4 cup butter
1 (6-ounce) package stuffing mix, such as Stove Top

For the Creamy Chicken Filling

1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 /2 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 /2 cup sour cream
1 /3 cup milk
1 /2 teaspoon salt
1 /4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preparation

1 Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup later. Using a quality glass or ceramic baking dish will help distribute heat evenly and give you those perfectly golden edges.
2 In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 1/4 cup butter, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. The butter should be completely melted and incorporated. Once boiling, immediately stir in the 6-ounce package of stuffing mix using a silicone spatula to ensure even distribution, then remove from heat completely.
3 Allow the stuffing mixture to sit undisturbed for exactly 5 minutes. During this crucial resting period, the stuffing will absorb the seasoned broth and become perfectly plump and flavorful. You’ll notice it expanding and becoming more cohesive – this is exactly what you want for the perfect casserole texture.

Creating the Creamy Base

4 In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Using a whisk or immersion blender, blend these ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
5 Gently fold in the 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken and 1 cup of thawed mixed vegetables using a large spoon or spatula. Make sure every piece of chicken and vegetable is well-coated with the creamy mixture. The vegetables should be completely thawed and drained of excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.

Assembly and Baking

6 Spread exactly half of the prepared stuffing mixture evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish, creating a uniform layer that reaches all corners. Use the back of a spoon to gently press it down, creating a stable foundation for your casserole.
7 Pour the entire chicken and vegetable mixture over the stuffing base, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent distribution. The creamy mixture should cover the stuffing completely without any dry spots showing through.
8 Top with the remaining stuffing mixture, spreading it carefully to cover the chicken layer completely. Don’t press down too hard – you want to maintain some texture and allow steam to circulate during baking.

Final Baking

9 Place the assembled casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling vigorously. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
10 Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the rich, creamy dish.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results):

9×13-inch baking dish – A quality glass or ceramic dish distributes heat evenly and allows you to monitor browning. Pyrex or similar brands work beautifully for this casserole and make cleanup easier.
Medium saucepan – Essential for properly preparing the stuffing base. A heavy-bottomed pan prevents scorching and ensures even heat distribution when melting butter and heating broth.
Large mixing bowl – You’ll need ample space to thoroughly combine all the creamy ingredients and fold in the chicken and vegetables without making a mess.
Whisk or immersion blender – Critical for achieving that perfectly smooth, lump-free cream base that makes this casserole so luxurious.

Helpful Upgrades:

Digital kitchen scale – For more precise measurements, especially if you’re doubling the recipe or making substitutions
Silicone spatula set – Makes folding ingredients together effortless and ensures you get every bit of that delicious mixture into your baking dish
Instant-read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of determining doneness and ensures food safety

Nice-to-Have Options:

Glass measuring cups – Make it easier to see liquid levels and pour cleanly
Bench scraper – Helpful for transferring chopped ingredients and keeping your workspace tidy during prep

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

Replace regular stuffing mix with gluten-free stuffing mix (brands like Pepperidge Farm offer excellent options)
Verify that your cream soups are gluten-free certified – most major brands now offer gluten-free versions
The texture remains virtually identical, though some gluten-free stuffing mixes may absorb liquid slightly differently

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Substitute dairy-free butter (like Earth Balance) for regular butter
Replace sour cream with cashew cream or dairy-free sour cream in equal amounts
Use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk instead of regular milk
Choose dairy-free cream soups or make your own using dairy-free milk and flour

Flavor Variations:

Herb-Enhanced Version: Add 1 teaspoon each of dried sage, thyme, and rosemary to the stuffing preparation
Cheesy Upgrade: Fold 1 cup shredded cheddar into the chicken mixture before assembly
Vegetable Boost: Replace frozen mixed vegetables with 2 cups of fresh diced celery, carrots, and onions sautéed until tender
Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the cream mixture

Protein Alternatives:

Substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover turkey, cooked ground turkey, or diced ham
For vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This hearty casserole provides approximately 320 calories per serving when divided into 8 portions. Each serving delivers a substantial 25 grams of protein from the rotisserie chicken, making it an excellent choice for muscle maintenance and satiety. The dish provides 18 grams of carbohydrates primarily from the stuffing mix and vegetables, along with 16 grams of fat from the butter, sour cream, and cream soups. You’ll also get 3 grams of fiber from the mixed vegetables and stuffing components.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
The rotisserie chicken serves as an excellent source of complete protein, providing all essential amino acids your body needs for tissue repair and immune function. The mixed vegetables contribute important vitamins A and C, along with potassium and folate. Chicken broth provides collagen and electrolytes, which support joint health and hydration. The cream soups, while indulgent, do provide calcium and vitamin D when fortified. The herbs in the stuffing mix, particularly sage and thyme, offer antioxidants and have traditionally been valued for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe contains gluten (from stuffing mix), dairy (butter, sour cream, milk), and soy (often found in cream soups). It’s naturally nut-free and egg-free. Each serving provides about 15% of your daily protein needs and fits well into a balanced diet when paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Rotisserie chicken → 3 cups cooked chicken breast, leftover turkey, or 2 pounds raw chicken thighs (cook first)
Frozen mixed vegetables → fresh diced carrots, celery, and peas (sauté for 5 minutes first)
Cream of mushroom soup → additional cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup
Sour cream → Greek yogurt (use 3/4 the amount as it’s tangier)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Rotisserie chicken → chicken thighs cooked in slow cooker (4 hours on high with seasoning)
Name-brand stuffing mix → store-brand stuffing mix (works identically)
Organic chicken broth → bouillon cubes dissolved in 1 1/2 cups hot water

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Chicken broth → vegetable broth plus 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Butter → olive oil (use 3 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup)
Milk → additional chicken broth or water for dairy-free option
Fresh parsley → dried parsley (use 1 tablespoon instead of fresh)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using fresh vegetables instead of frozen, reduce oven time by 5 minutes as they release more moisture
If substituting different cream soups, stick to similar consistency – avoid chunky varieties that might affect texture

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace regular stuffing mix with cauliflower stuffing (found in frozen section) to reduce carbs by approximately 60%
Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content by 25%
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to add protein while reducing carbs
Choose reduced-sodium cream soups or make homemade versions with almond flour as thickener

Portion & Blood Sugar Management:

Stick to 1/8 of the pan per serving (approximately 1 cup) for better portion control
Estimated 18 grams of carbs per standard serving with traditional stuffing
12 grams of carbs per serving when using cauliflower stuffing substitute
Pair with 2 cups of non-starchy vegetables like green beans or broccoli to balance the meal

Enhanced Nutrition Modifications:

Add 1 cup chopped spinach to the chicken mixture for extra fiber and nutrients
Include 1/2 cup diced bell peppers for additional vitamin C and fiber
Use low-fat versions of cream soups to reduce calories by 15%

Total Carb Reduction: Up to 35% fewer carbs when using cauliflower stuffing and Greek yogurt substitutions

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts beautifully through the rich, creamy texture while complementing the herb flavors in the stuffing. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager provides refreshing contrast without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavors. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling apple cider with a cinnamon stick, iced green tea with lemon, or sparkling water with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme that echo the stuffing seasonings.

Side Dish Recommendations:
Balance this rich casserole with honey-glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon for complementary flavors and contrasting textures. A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with cranberries and pecans adds freshness and cuts through the creamy richness. Garlic green beans or roasted asparagus provide vibrant color and nutritional balance. For bread lovers, dinner rolls or cornbread complete the comfort food experience.

Complete Meal Ideas:
Start with a butternut squash soup or simple garden salad, serve the casserole as your main course, and finish with apple crisp or pumpkin pie for a complete comfort food feast. For entertaining, add cranberry sauce and dinner rolls to create a Thanksgiving-style meal any time of year.

Occasion Suggestions:
Perfect for potluck dinners, family reunions, Sunday dinners, and meal prep for busy weeknights. This casserole shines during fall and winter months and makes an excellent make-ahead dish for holiday entertaining when oven space is at a premium.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Success Secrets:
Always let your stuffing rest the full 5 minutes after adding the broth – this crucial step ensures proper texture and prevents mushy results. When combining the cream mixture, whisk thoroughly to eliminate any lumps that could create uneven texture in the final dish. For extra flavor depth, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in the butter before adding the broth. This simple addition elevates the entire dish with aromatic complexity.

Common Mistake Prevention:
Don’t skip thawing and draining the frozen vegetables – excess moisture will make your casserole watery and prevent proper browning. Avoid overmixing the final assembly, which can break down the stuffing texture. If your casserole looks too dry before baking, add 2-4 tablespoons of additional chicken broth to the cream mixture.

Storage and Reheating:
This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 4 days covered tightly. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. For make-ahead convenience, assemble completely up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate – just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Scaling and Presentation:
Double the recipe easily using a disposable aluminum pan for large gatherings. For elegant presentation, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and paprika for color contrast. The casserole cuts cleanest after resting 10 minutes post-baking.

This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole represents everything we love about comfort food – it’s hearty, satisfying, and brings people together around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a cozy gathering, this dish delivers that perfect combination of convenience and homemade goodness that makes everyone feel truly cared for.