or similar in the output,

The Ultimate Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole That Takes Just 60 Minutes

Did you know that most of home cooks spend over 90 minutes preparing traditional chicken and stuffing dinners? What if I told you that this Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole delivers all those beloved comfort food flavors in just one hour, using a single dish? This game-changing recipe transforms your typical Sunday dinner into a weeknight-friendly masterpiece that feeds a family of six with minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients List

This chicken and stuffing casserole combines simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create maximum flavor impact:

Protein Base:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (substitute: chicken thighs for richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Stuffing Foundation:

• 6 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix (substitute: cornbread stuffing for Southern flair)
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, warmed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Creamy Binding Layer:

• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup (substitute: cream of chicken for milder taste)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet onion soup mix

Vegetable Medley:

• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

Finishing Touches:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

This easy chicken stuffing casserole saves you approximately 30 minutes compared to preparing traditional chicken and stuffing separately—that's a a significant portion of time reduction that busy families absolutely love!

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pro tip: Use cooking spray followed by a light butter coating for the ultimate non-stick surface that adds extra flavor to your casserole edges.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes until golden (don't worry about cooking through—it'll finish in the oven). This step locks in a significant portion of more moisture than unseared chicken.

Step 3: Create the Stuffing Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine stuffing mix with warm chicken broth and melted butter. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors fully. The mixture should feel moist but not soggy—think of perfectly dampened soil.

Step 4: Build Your Creamy Sauce

Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and onion soup mix until completely smooth. This creates the binding agent that transforms separate ingredients into cohesive comfort food magic.

Step 5: Layer Like a Pro

Spread half the prepared stuffing in your greased baking dish. Layer the seared chicken, diced onions, and mixed vegetables evenly. Pour the creamy sauce over everything, then top with remaining stuffing.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Crown

Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top layer. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for 10 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 32g (more than half of daily value)
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1,240mg
• Calcium: 285mg (nearly some of daily value)

This chicken stuffing casserole recipe provides complete protein while delivering essential vitamins from the mixed vegetables, making it nutritionally superior to many traditional comfort food options.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this easy chicken and stuffing casserole into a lighter version without sacrificing taste:

Reduce Calories by nearly some of :

• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream
• Use reduced-fat cheese
• Choose whole grain stuffing mix

Boost Nutrition:

• Add diced bell peppers and zucchini for extra vitamins
• Replace cream soup with homemade white sauce using almond milk
• Include fresh herbs like thyme and sage

Accommodate Dietary Restrictions:

• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free stuffing mix
• Dairy-free: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut cream
• Low-sodium: Make homemade stuffing with fresh herbs instead of packaged mix

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your chicken and stuffing bake with these perfectly paired accompaniments:

Classic Combinations:

• Cranberry sauce adds tartness that cuts through richness
• Steamed green beans provide fresh crunch contrast
• A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty flavors

Creative Presentations:

• Serve in individual ramekins for elegant dinner parties
• Top with fresh herbs and a dollop of cranberry chutney
• Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete autumn meal

Wine Pairings:

• Chardonnay complements the creamy elements
• Pinot Noir enhances the herb flavors beautifully

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Prevent these frequent pitfalls that affect more than half of first-time casserole makers:

Moisture Management:

• Never skip the foil covering—uncovered casseroles dry out a significant portion of faster
• Don't oversoak stuffing; it should be moist, not mushy

Temperature Control:

• Always use a meat thermometer; undercooked chicken poses health risks
• Let the casserole rest—cutting immediately releases all the binding juices

Ingredient Preparation:

• Thaw frozen vegetables completely to prevent watery results
• Cut chicken uniformly for even cooking

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Maximize your easy chicken stuffing casserole lifespan with proper storage:

Refrigeration:

• Store covered for up to 4 days at 40°F or below
• Reheat individual portions in microwave for 90 seconds
• Add a tablespoon of broth when reheating to restore moisture

Freezing:

• Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking
• Add 15 minutes to baking time if cooking from frozen

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prep ingredients 24 hours ahead and assemble before baking
• Partially bake for 20 minutes, cool completely, then freeze

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole proves that comfort food doesn't require hours of preparation or multiple dirty dishes. With its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and satisfying carbohydrates, it's destined to become your go-to weeknight dinner solution. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Grab your ingredients and experience the magic of one-dish cooking that brings families together around the table.

FAQs

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?
A: Absolutely! Use 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken and skip the searing step. Reduce baking time by 10 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.

Q: What's the best stuffing mix brand for this recipe?
A: Pepperidge Farm and Stove Top both work excellently. Herb-seasoned varieties provide the most authentic flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cheese during the last 30 minutes and avoid lifting the lid frequently.

Q: How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
A: The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the top should be golden brown with bubbling edges.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to customize this recipe?
A: Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli work wonderfully. Just ensure they're pre-cooked or diced small for even cooking.