If you’re looking for an easy, comforting weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. I discovered this casserole on a chilly evening when I wanted something simple but satisfying—and let me tell you, it quickly became a family favorite around here. Creamy, hearty, and with a perfectly golden stuffing topping, this dish has that cozy, homemade vibe that everyone craves. Keep reading—I promise you’ll want to make this again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and rotisserie chicken, so it comes together fast.
- Great Comfort Food: Creamy filling with a crispy, buttery stuffing topping—total crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats wonderfully and even freezes well for busy nights.
- Family Friendly: Mild seasoning and veggies tucked inside make kids and adults alike go crazy for it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with a classic stuffing topping. I always recommend using good quality rotisserie chicken—it saves so much time and adds delicious flavor. Frozen broccoli is my go-to veggie here because it cooks evenly and keeps the dish green and healthy.
- Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken is a game changer for speed and flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds that smooth, comforting creaminess without extra effort.
- Chicken broth: Helps thin the filling just enough so it’s silky and moist.
- Frozen broccoli: I love how it holds its texture without overcooking in the casserole.
- Dried thyme: Tiny seasoning detail that adds a subtle earthy touch.
- Onion powder: Boosts savory flavor without extra prep.
- Pepper: Freshly ground, if you can—it wakes up the whole dish.
- Water: For preparing the stuffing, exactly like the box suggests.
- Butter: Melts into the stuffing for that irresistible golden crust.
- Stuffing mix: Classic Stove Top or similar works perfectly for the crunchy topping.
Variations
I love switching this casserole up depending on what I have on hand or what my family’s craving. You’ll find it’s very flexible, so don’t be afraid to get creative or adjust to fit your taste.
- Add Cheese: I sometimes sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the chicken mixture before adding the stuffing—it adds a luscious melty layer that’s heavenly.
- Veggie Boost: Swap broccoli for green beans, peas, or even a mix of frozen vegetables to keep it fresh and colorful.
- Use Turkey Instead: Leftover turkey from the holidays? Just substitute it for chicken for a festive twist.
- Make it Dairy-Free: I’ve used dairy-free cream soup alternatives and vegan butter to make this friendly for lactose intolerant friends—it still turns out creamy and delicious.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. I like to use a 9×13 baking dish because it spreads the filling nicely, but a three-quart casserole works fine, too. Don’t skip spraying the dish with cooking spray—that little step keeps your casserole from sticking and makes clean-up so much easier.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
Grab your chopped rotisserie chicken and toss it right into the baking dish with the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, frozen broccoli, dried thyme, onion powder, and pepper. Give everything a really good stir until it’s combined and spread the mixture into an even layer. This makes sure every bite has a bit of that creamy goodness with chunks of tender chicken and crisp broccoli.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing Topping
Boil 1 1/2 cups of water with 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan. Once it’s simmering, stir in your stuffing mix, then remove from heat and let it sit for about five minutes. You’ll see it soak up all the liquid and become nice and fluffy—the perfect topping for your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the creamy chicken layer. Pop it into the oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden topping and bubbling filling underneath. That bubbling is the sign your casserole is heated through and ready to enjoy. Don’t forget to let it rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything settle and slice cleanly.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: I used to cook chicken from scratch each time, but using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves so much time without sacrificing flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Adding dried thyme and onion powder gives this dish a subtle depth—I learned that the hard way after my first bland attempt!
- Stick to the Stuffing Prep: Follow the stuffing package instructions exactly for the best texture—it makes a big difference for that crispy, fluffy crust you want.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool 5-10 minutes after baking so it sets up and slices beautifully without falling apart.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a fan of keeping it simple here—some freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan on top immediately before serving really brightens the dish. Sometimes, a few red pepper flakes add just enough heat and color if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables. For extra comfort, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls are perfect companions that soak up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins—perfect for easy serving and impressive presentation. You can also add a cheese crust on top or swirl in some roasted garlic butter for a gourmet touch that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay good for up to 3 days. This casserole reheats nicely in the microwave or oven, so it’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. If freezing before, just assemble but hold off on baking, wrap tightly, and bake from frozen by adding extra cooking time. After baking, cool completely, portion into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight and bake as usual. This keeps the topping crispy and the filling creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works well—just steam it lightly beforehand to make sure it cooks through during baking. This prevents it from staying too firm or drying out in the casserole.
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Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure your cream of chicken soup is labeled gluten-free. There are several great options on the market now to keep this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap out the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free version or make your own homemade sauce, and use vegan butter in place of regular butter for the stuffing. Many readers have reported great success with these substitutions!
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Can I add other proteins instead of chicken?
Definitely! Turkey is a popular substitute, especially with leftovers. You could also try cooked ground beef or turkey for a different twist, just adjust seasoning to taste.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe brings comfort and ease together in one dish. It’s one of those meals I return to over and over, especially when I want something that feels like a homemade classic without hours in the kitchen. When you make it for your family or friends, you’ll get the same glowing reactions I do—guaranteed. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy some seriously cozy, creamy goodness!
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 comforting Chicken and Stuffing Casserole combines tender rotisserie chicken, creamy soups, broccoli, and savory seasonings topped with fluffy, golden stuffing. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy one-dish meal ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 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) and lightly mist a 9×13 inch or three-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Filling: In the prepared baking dish, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soups, chicken broth, frozen broccoli, dried thyme, onion powder, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/4 cup of butter to a simmer according to the stuffing box instructions. Stir in the stuffing mix until combined.
- Let Stuffing Soak: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the stuffing sit for about five minutes, allowing it to absorb the liquid and become fluffy.
- Top and Bake: Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the stuffing is lightly golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen broccoli with fresh broccoli, just lightly steam it beforehand.
- For extra flavor, add some shredded cheese on top of the stuffing before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Use low-sodium soups and broth if you want to reduce the salt content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg