Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the hearty goodness of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce? Look no further than this irresistible Chicken Stuffing Casserole that promises to transform your ordinary weekend meal into an extraordinary culinary experience! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you simply want to indulge in a comforting, home-cooked meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped celery and onions over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. This will help release their aromatic flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, prepared stuffing mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sautéed celery and onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent the top from burning during initial baking.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, covered.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to become golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for even more flavor depth and to save preparation time.
- For a crispy top, ensure you remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve that golden-brown, slightly crunchy texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking, which helps the ingredients set and makes cutting and serving easier.
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for extra richness.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Prep ingredients in advance to make weeknight cooking a breeze - you can even assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
