Name: Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Ingredients: Cooked Chicken: The star of the show! You’ll need approximately 3 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced. This is incredibly versatile. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken (a fantastic time-saver!), or even quickly poach or bake chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. Dark meat or white meat, or a combination, works equally well depending on your preference. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender. If using leftover chicken, make sure it’s been properly stored and is still fresh.; Stuffing Mix: This is where convenience meets deliciousness. A 6-ounce package of stuffing mix forms the base of the casserole’s comforting texture. You can choose your favorite brand and flavor – classic herb, cornbread, or even savory onion stuffing all work wonderfully. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a stuffing mix with dried cranberries or nuts for added texture and sweetness. If you prefer to make your stuffing from scratch, feel free to substitute your homemade stuffing recipe, ensuring you have enough to create a substantial layer in the casserole.; Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy glue that binds everything together and adds a rich, savory depth to the casserole. One 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup is the standard, but you can also use cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even a combination for a slightly different flavor profile. For a richer, more homemade taste, you can substitute with a homemade creamy white sauce or béchamel sauce, seasoned with chicken broth and herbs. If you are watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium varieties of cream of chicken soup.; Milk or Chicken Broth: Liquid is essential to moisten the stuffing and create a cohesive casserole. You’ll need ¾ cup of milk or chicken broth. Milk will contribute to a richer, creamier texture, while chicken broth will enhance the savory chicken flavor and keep the dish lighter. Feel free to experiment with both to see which you prefer. You can also use a combination of both for a balanced result. Vegetable broth can also be used for a slightly different flavor dimension.; Butter: Butter adds richness, flavor, and helps to brown the topping beautifully. You’ll need 6 tablespoons of butter, melted. Unsalted or salted butter can be used, adjust seasoning accordingly if using salted butter. Melted butter is crucial for moistening the stuffing mix and creating a golden-brown crust during baking. For a slightly healthier option, you could substitute a portion of the butter with olive oil, but butter truly provides the best flavor and texture in this recipe.; Onion (Optional but Recommended): Adding diced onion elevates the flavor profile and provides a subtle savory sweetness. One small to medium onion, finely diced, is perfect. Yellow or white onions are generally preferred for casseroles due to their mild flavor that cooks down nicely. Sautéing the onion before adding it to the casserole will mellow its sharpness and bring out its sweetness, adding a depth of flavor to the final dish. If you are not a fan of onions, you can omit it, but it does contribute significantly to the overall taste.; Celery (Optional but Recommended): Similar to onion, diced celery adds a subtle savory note and a hint of freshness and texture. One stalk of celery, finely diced, is sufficient. Celery pairs wonderfully with chicken and stuffing, adding a subtle herbaceousness and a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft textures of the casserole. Sautéing the celery along with the onion will enhance its flavor and soften its texture. If you don’t have celery on hand, you can skip it, but it does contribute to the overall complexity of the flavor.; Dried Herbs (Optional but Highly Encouraged): Herbs are the secret weapon to transforming a good casserole into a great one. Dried herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning work exceptionally well. About 1 teaspoon of your chosen herb or herb blend will add a wonderful aromatic dimension. These herbs complement chicken and stuffing perfectly, adding warmth and depth of flavor. You can also use fresh herbs, finely chopped, but dried herbs tend to hold up better during baking. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.; Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to season each layer of the casserole, including the chicken and the stuffing mixture, to ensure well-balanced flavors throughout the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before baking.; Shredded Cheese (Optional but Delicious): For an extra layer of cheesy goodness and a golden-brown topping, consider adding shredded cheese. About 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses works beautifully. Cheese adds richness, flavor, and visual appeal to the casserole. Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the casserole during the last 15-20 minutes of baking for a perfectly melted and slightly browned topping. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella for a milder flavor or Gruyere for a nuttier taste.

Ingredients

Cooked Chicken: The star of the show! You’ll need approximately 3 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced. This is incredibly versatile. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken (a fantastic time-saver!), or even quickly poach or bake chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. Dark meat or white meat, or a combination, works equally well depending on your preference. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender. If using leftover chicken, make sure it’s been properly stored and is still fresh.

Stuffing Mix: This is where convenience meets deliciousness. A 6-ounce package of stuffing mix forms the base of the casserole’s comforting texture. You can choose your favorite brand and flavor – classic herb, cornbread, or even savory onion stuffing all work wonderfully. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a stuffing mix with dried cranberries or nuts for added texture and sweetness. If you prefer to make your stuffing from scratch, feel free to substitute your homemade stuffing recipe, ensuring you have enough to create a substantial layer in the casserole.

Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy glue that binds everything together and adds a rich, savory depth to the casserole. One 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup is the standard, but you can also use cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even a combination for a slightly different flavor profile. For a richer, more homemade taste, you can substitute with a homemade creamy white sauce or béchamel sauce, seasoned with chicken broth and herbs. If you are watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium varieties of cream of chicken soup.

Milk or Chicken Broth: Liquid is essential to moisten the stuffing and create a cohesive casserole. You’ll need ¾ cup of milk or chicken broth. Milk will contribute to a richer, creamier texture, while chicken broth will enhance the savory chicken flavor and keep the dish lighter. Feel free to experiment with both to see which you prefer. You can also use a combination of both for a balanced result. Vegetable broth can also be used for a slightly different flavor dimension.

Butter: Butter adds richness, flavor, and helps to brown the topping beautifully. You’ll need 6 tablespoons of butter, melted. Unsalted or salted butter can be used, adjust seasoning accordingly if using salted butter. Melted butter is crucial for moistening the stuffing mix and creating a golden-brown crust during baking. For a slightly healthier option, you could substitute a portion of the butter with olive oil, but butter truly provides the best flavor and texture in this recipe.

Onion (Optional but Recommended): Adding diced onion elevates the flavor profile and provides a subtle savory sweetness. One small to medium onion, finely diced, is perfect. Yellow or white onions are generally preferred for casseroles due to their mild flavor that cooks down nicely. Sautéing the onion before adding it to the casserole will mellow its sharpness and bring out its sweetness, adding a depth of flavor to the final dish. If you are not a fan of onions, you can omit it, but it does contribute significantly to the overall taste.

Celery (Optional but Recommended): Similar to onion, diced celery adds a subtle savory note and a hint of freshness and texture. One stalk of celery, finely diced, is sufficient. Celery pairs wonderfully with chicken and stuffing, adding a subtle herbaceousness and a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft textures of the casserole. Sautéing the celery along with the onion will enhance its flavor and soften its texture. If you don’t have celery on hand, you can skip it, but it does contribute to the overall complexity of the flavor.

Dried Herbs (Optional but Highly Encouraged): Herbs are the secret weapon to transforming a good casserole into a great one. Dried herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning work exceptionally well. About 1 teaspoon of your chosen herb or herb blend will add a wonderful aromatic dimension. These herbs complement chicken and stuffing perfectly, adding warmth and depth of flavor. You can also use fresh herbs, finely chopped, but dried herbs tend to hold up better during baking. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to season each layer of the casserole, including the chicken and the stuffing mixture, to ensure well-balanced flavors throughout the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before baking.

Shredded Cheese (Optional but Delicious): For an extra layer of cheesy goodness and a golden-brown topping, consider adding shredded cheese. About 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses works beautifully. Cheese adds richness, flavor, and visual appeal to the casserole. Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the casserole during the last 15-20 minutes of baking for a perfectly melted and slightly browned topping. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella for a milder flavor or Gruyere for a nuttier taste.

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature from the start, allowing the casserole to cook evenly. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Greasing the dish prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving and cleaning up much easier. You can use cooking spray, butter, or oil to grease the dish.

Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended for Deeper Flavor): If you’re using onion and celery (and we highly recommend it!), heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant. Sautéing these vegetables before adding them to the casserole releases their flavors and creates a more complex and aromatic base for the dish. Don’t let them brown too much, you just want them to become tender.

Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, melted butter, milk or chicken broth, and dried herbs (if using). Stir everything together until the stuffing mix is moistened. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the stuffing to absorb the liquid and soften slightly. This step is crucial for ensuring that the stuffing is moist and tender in the final casserole, not dry or crumbly. Ensure all the stuffing mix is evenly moistened.

Combine Chicken and Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, gently combine the cooked, shredded or diced chicken and the can of cream of chicken soup. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the soup. This creates a creamy and flavorful chicken layer that will complement the stuffing beautifully. If you sautéed onions and celery, you can also add them to this chicken mixture for even distribution of flavor.

Layer the Casserole: Now it’s time to assemble your casserole. Spread the chicken and cream of chicken soup mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the base layer of the casserole. Next, spoon the moistened stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Gently spread it out to cover the chicken completely. Avoid pressing down too firmly on the stuffing layer, as you want it to remain somewhat light and fluffy.

Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the stuffing is golden brown on top. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the depth of your baking dish. The casserole is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the stuffing is nicely browned and slightly crispy on top.

Add Cheese (Optional but Highly Recommended) for the Last Few Minutes: If you are using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Return the casserole to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.

Rest Before Serving: Once the casserole is baked to golden perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny. It also allows the flavors to meld together even further.

Serve and Enjoy Your Comforting Chicken Stuffing Casserole: Serve hot and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your homemade Chicken Stuffing Casserole! It’s delicious on its own or paired with your favorite side dishes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 350-450
Fat: 15-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
Fiber: 2-4 grams
Protein: 25-35 grams