When weeknights get hectic, few meals bring the same cozy satisfaction as an Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. This comforting classic takes tender cooked chicken thighs, smooth creamy sauce, and a golden, buttery stuffing topping and transforms them into a one-pan dinner the whole family will love. It’s quick, hearty, and full of homey flavor, perfect for those evenings when cooking should feel simple and rewarding. In this article, you’ll discover the heartwarming story behind the dish, the ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, serving ideas, tasty variations, and handy FAQs that help make this favorite comfort meal beautifully effortless.
A Family Tradition of Comfort and Flavor
The first time I tasted chicken and stuffing casserole was on a frosty winter evening when my mom was searching for something quick yet fulfilling. She mixed together cooked chicken thighs, a creamy sauce, and her favorite Stove Top stuffing mix, then slid the dish into the oven. As it baked, the kitchen filled with an aroma so rich and inviting that we all drifted in from different rooms, drawn by that buttery, herb-filled scent.
When the timer dinged, the top was perfectly golden, and steam curled gently from the casserole dish. We gathered at the table—hands cold from the weather, hearts warm with the promise of something comforting. The first bite was all creamy chicken and savory flavor, followed by the crisp texture of baked stuffing. It instantly became a staple, a dish that spoke of togetherness, simplicity, and home.
Over the years, this Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole has become a small act of love I pass down to my own family. It’s not just about the food—it’s about that moment when comfort meets flavor and everyone finds a little quiet joy after a long day. In our kitchen, this Chicken Stuffing Casserole Bake Stove Top holds its place right beside other favorites, proving how Cooked Chicken Thigh Recipes can be both practical and deeply nostalgic. It’s one of those meals that connects generations—simple ingredients, a warm oven, and shared smiles around the table.
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Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This easy chicken and stuffing casserole combines tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and a golden stuffing topping for a comforting one-dish dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. preheat oven to 375°F
2. in a bowl combine cream of chicken soup sour cream and mixed vegetables
3. fold shredded chicken into creamy mixture
4. spread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish
5. prepare stuffing mix with melted butter and chicken broth according to package directions
6. spoon stuffing evenly over chicken layer
7. bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling
8. let rest for 5 minutes before serving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: easy chicken casserole, stuffing casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food, one dish meal, creamy chicken bake, easy casserole
Why It’s the Perfect Busy Weeknight Dinner
There’s something magical about dinners that come together with minimal effort but deliver maximum comfort. The Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole fits that description perfectly. Between work, errands, and family commitments, busy evenings call for meals that don’t demand complicated prep or endless dishes. This casserole answers that need with everyday pantry items and just one baking dish to clean.
Short on time? You’ll appreciate that it starts with cooked chicken thighs—whether leftover from last night or store-bought rotisserie—adding rich, flavorful protein without extra cooking steps. The creamy filling takes minutes to mix, and the stuffing topping adds a cozy, home-baked scent that instantly makes the house feel welcoming.
Unlike elaborate dinners that require multiple pans and precise timing, this Chicken Stuffing Casserole Bake Stove Top is wonderfully forgiving. You can mix, layer, and bake while unwinding from the day. The result is a balanced dish with a crisp top, creamy center, and hearty mouthfeel that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, this Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole works beautifully as a weeknight lifesaver. It’s comfort food made simple—a reliable go-to that feels nostalgic, tastes indulgent, and still fits into the busiest schedule.
Making the Best Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Ingredient List and Tools You’ll Need
Making a delicious Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake starts with gathering simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—each ingredient brings comfort, convenience, and that classic homestyle flavor that makes this dish shine. Here’s everything you’ll need to create your Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole at home.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken thighs (shredded) | 2–3 cups | Leftover or rotisserie chicken |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Low sodium preferred |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | Optional for creaminess |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 cup | Thawed |
| Boxed stuffing mix | 1 package (6 oz) | Stove Top or similar |
| Chicken broth | 1 ½ cups | For moist stuffing |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Melted |
Tools You’ll Need: A medium-sized mixing bowl for the creamy filling, one separate bowl for preparing the stuffing mix, a sturdy spatula, and a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Each ingredient plays a role in balancing textures—the juicy cooked chicken thighs add richness and protein, while the creamy sauce binds the casserole with comforting smoothness. The boxed stuffing provides that irresistible golden top we associate with homemade goodness. It’s a dish that doesn’t require exotic ingredients—just familiar flavors that come together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Directions for Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the creamy base. In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and thawed mixed vegetables until smooth.
- Fold in the chicken. Add your shredded cooked chicken thighs into the creamy mixture. The tenderness of the chicken ensures every bite is hearty and rich.
- Spread the mixture into your baking dish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch dish, pour in the mixture, and spread evenly.
- Prepare the stuffing topping. Combine the boxed stuffing mix with melted butter and chicken broth until evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Layer the stuffing. Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture without pressing it down too firmly.
- Bake to perfection. Place in the oven for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.
- Let it rest before serving. Remove the casserole and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Notes:
- For an extra crispy top, uncover during the last 5 minutes or drizzle with a little more melted butter.
- Prefer a creamier finish? Add extra sour cream or a splash of milk to the chicken layer.
- More vegetables like chopped broccoli or mushrooms add wonderful variety.
This Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole captures everything you crave in a cozy dinner: buttery crunch, creamy layers, and that homestyle flavor of baked comfort food at its best. Using cooked chicken thighs gives it depth, while the stuffing locks in the aroma you associate with classic family meals.
Serving, Variations & Storage of Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Bake Stove Top
How to Serve and Pair This Cozy Casserole
Once your Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole comes out of the oven, bubbling and golden, it’s time for the best part—serving and savoring. The first spoonful reveals the contrast between crispy stuffing topping and creamy, savory chicken filling. This texture duo makes the Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Bake Stove Top a complete, comforting meal all on its own, but a few sides make it shine.
For something fresh, pair your casserole with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli. Their brightness balances the richness of the dish beautifully. A light garden salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and vinaigrette offers refreshing crunch, while a side of tangy cranberry sauce brings sweet-tart flavor that cuts through the savory charm.
For busy weeknights, scoop generous portions straight from the baking dish. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and fragrance. Leftovers are delightful—the flavors deepen overnight. The casserole reheats beautifully for quick lunches or meal prep portions ready to go the next day.
Delicious Variations and Make-Ahead Tips
- Add a Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for gooey richness, or sprinkle Parmesan on the stuffing before baking.
- Try Different Vegetables: Use broccoli, peas, carrots, or seasonal vegetables for fresh takes throughout the year.
- Swap the Protein: Replace chicken with turkey or pulled pork for a delicious twist on tradition.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble in advance, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake cold with 5–10 extra minutes.
- Freezer Option: Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap in plastic and foil, freeze up to 2 months, thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheat Properly: Oven reheating at 350°F restores texture best; microwave covered for quick individual servings.
- Reinvent Leftovers: Use leftovers in wraps, sandwiches, or fill small ramekins with puff pastry tops for mini pot pies.
The Easy Chicken & Stuffing Bake stores wonderfully, keeping flavor-rich even after reheating. Flexible and family-friendly, the Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Bake Stove Top remains a weeknight favorite—easy, comforting, and endlessly customizable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make chicken and stuffing casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble a day ahead, cover with foil, refrigerate, and bake as directed, adding extra time if chilled.
2. Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken?
Absolutely. It adds an earthy depth that complements the casserole beautifully.
3. How can I make it without canned soup?
Whisk chicken broth, flour, and milk until thickened, season with butter, salt, and pepper for a homemade sauce.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil for moisture, then uncover to regain crispness. Microwave for quick portions with a damp paper towel cover.
5. Can I substitute turkey or pork for chicken thighs?
Yes, both are excellent alternatives that complement the creamy sauce and buttery stuffing perfectly.
Comfort in Every Bite – Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, I’m reminded of that first cozy evening when the comforting aroma filled my childhood kitchen. It’s a dish that sparks warmth and connection, reminding us that comfort food is about more than ingredients—it’s about memory and togetherness.
The creamy layers and crispy top tell a story of home and tradition. Whether it’s for an ordinary weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this meal always delivers smiles and full plates.
Next time you crave a meal that feels like an embrace, reach for your casserole dish and prepare this Creamy Chicken Stuffing Casserole Bake Stove Top. Share it, save it, and make it your tradition. Each golden serving brings back the joy of simple cooking and the timeless comfort of home.
