Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Oh, you’re going to love this Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe—I honestly make it whenever I want something comforting that’s also super easy to throw together. The combination of that tender rotisserie chicken, creamy soup base, and fluffy stuffing on top just hits a cozy, nostalgic spot every time. It’s like all your favorite comfort foods decided to throw a party in your oven!
This casserole is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings when you want something satisfying without fussing over a dozen dishes. Plus, it’s packed with familiar ingredients you can find at any store, so it’s a win if you need a meal that feels like home but saves time. Trust me, once you make this Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe, it’ll be on your repeat list too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together like a dream because they balance creamy, savory, and a little herby freshness perfectly. When you shop, I recommend grabbing a good-quality rotisserie chicken to save time, and if you’re picky about salt, go for low-sodium soups and broth—it makes a big difference!
- Rotisserie chicken: I always buy a pre-cooked one to keep this recipe quick and easy—leftover chicken works great here too.
- Cream of chicken soup: This adds that creamy richness that makes the casserole so comforting—low sodium is a smart choice.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the soup’s flavor and keeps the mixture juicy.
- Frozen broccoli: Super convenient and easy to toss in; if using fresh, just steam it a bit first so it cooks evenly.
- Dried thyme: Offers subtle earthy notes that elevate the dish without overpowering it.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and a mild savory kick without the fuss of chopping fresh onions.
- Pepper: Just enough for a little warming spice; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Water: For preparing the stuffing mix as per its package instructions.
- Butter: Key to making that stuffing golden and flavorful.
- Stuffing mix (like Stove Top): The star topping! Pick your favorite flavor for a customized touch.
Variations
I love personalizing this Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or what mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to play with veggies or add extras for a flavor boost—there’s lots of room for creativity here!
- Add shredded cheese on top: I often sprinkle sharp cheddar before baking for that ooey-gooey, golden finish—trust me, it’s a total game-changer.
- Swap broccoli for green beans or mixed veggies: I find that fresh green beans keep a nice snap if you steam them slightly beforehand.
- Use turkey instead of chicken: Perfect after holidays when you have leftover turkey—it makes the dish feel brand new.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika: I like this twist on colder nights when I want a little warmth in every bite.
- Make it gluten-free: Look for gluten-free stuffing mix and soup options, and double-check broth labels—it’s easier than you might think!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the casserole base
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C), and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure nothing sticks when you bake. Then toss your chopped rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soups, chicken broth, frozen broccoli, thyme, onion powder, and pepper right into the dish. Mix everything until it’s evenly combined—the broccoli doesn’t need thawing first, which saves a step!
Step 2: Make the fluffy stuffing topping
Bring 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 cup butter to a gentle simmer on the stove. When it’s hot, stir in your stuffing mix quickly until combined. Then, remove from heat and let it sit for about five minutes to soak up all those buttery flavors and get nice and fluffy—this is the magic behind that perfect crunchy top!
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Spread that fluffy stuffing evenly right over your creamy chicken mixture in the baking dish. Pop it into the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for the stuffing to turn a lovely golden brown and the filling bubbling hot around the edges—that’s your cue it’s ready to dive in!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top once it’s out of the oven. It adds a fresh pop of color and brightness against all that creamy comfort, plus a tiny herbaceous lift that balances out the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is so hearty that I usually keep the sides simple—think a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted root veggies to round out the meal. I’ve also served it alongside cranberry sauce during holidays for a fun sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve scooped this into individual ramekins and topped each with a little extra stuffing and cheese—makes it feel fancy but keeps things cozy. It’s a hit at dinner parties because everyone gets their own perfectly baked little casserole!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After it’s cooled, I pop leftovers into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, which is perfect for quick lunches or a second dinner that feels just as comforting.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing this casserole if I want to batch cook. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze before baking—or freeze leftovers after baking—and it reheats well without losing that creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it up in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). This keeps the stuffing from drying out, and if you want a crispier top, I remove the foil for the last 5 minutes—easy and foolproof!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in the Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh chicken, cook and shred it beforehand—either poached or baked works well. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole so everything bakes evenly.
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Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free stuffing mixes and cream of chicken soups specifically labeled gluten-free. Also, double-check your chicken broth to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten. With those swaps, this casserole works just as well!
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Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
You can definitely prep the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s cold from the fridge.
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What can I substitute for broccoli if I don’t have any on hand?
Green beans, peas, or even chopped spinach all make great substitutes. Just make sure to steam fresh veggies lightly or use frozen versions so they cook evenly in the casserole.
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How do I make sure the stuffing topping stays crispy?
Make sure the stuffing mix is prepared with hot liquid and given a few minutes to absorb and fluff up before spreading on top. Also, baking uncovered allows it to crisp up beautifully—you can even remove any foil towards the end of baking for extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it never fails to bring warmth and comfort after a long day. It’s the kind of dish where every spoonful feels like a hug, and honestly, seeing everyone dig in with smiles is what cooking is all about for me. You’ll love how easy it is—not just to make but to adapt and make your own. So go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner or crowd-pleaser!
Print
Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken stuffing casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. It combines tender rotisserie chicken, creamy soups, and nutritious broccoli topped with a fluffy stuffing crust baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and full of warming flavors, this casserole is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 2 (10.5 oz) 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 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly mist a 9×13 inch or three-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Combine Chicken and Soup Mixture: In the prepared baking dish, mix together chopped rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soups, chicken broth, frozen broccoli, dried thyme, onion powder, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly combine all ingredients, then spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/4 cup of butter to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, stir in the stuffing mix and combine well as per box instructions.
- Let Stuffing Sit: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the stuffing sit for about five minutes. This resting time allows the stuffing to absorb the liquid and fluff up properly.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the prepared, fluffy stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is lightly golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen broccoli with fresh broccoli; just lightly steam it beforehand to maintain texture.
- For extra flavor and a cheesy crust, sprinkle shredded cheese over the stuffing before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- To reduce sodium intake, use low-sodium cream of chicken soups and chicken broth.
Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, stuffing casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, rotisserie chicken recipe, broccoli casserole, stuffing topping
