Chicken Stuffing Casserole the Ultimate Comfort Food

Recipe Introduction: Chicken Stuffing Casserole Magic

Quick Hook

Fancy a chicken stuffing casserole , love? Honestly, who doesn't? This comfort food casserole hits all the right notes: savoury, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. It's the perfect blend of flavours, and seriously simple.

Brief Overview

This dish is basically Christmas dinner made easy! While its exact origins are murky, the chicken casserole with stuffing mix is proper American comfort food.

This easy chicken casserole recipe is rated medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes from start to finish, and serves 6-8 people.

Main Benefits

Think of it as a nutritional powerhouse! This creamy chicken casserole packs protein, and it is fantastic for a family get-together or a cosy night in.

What makes this recipe special? It's dead easy and incredibly comforting! This recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight casserole recipes.

Why You'll Love This Chicken and Stuffing Bake

This is where it gets personal. Making a chicken and stuffing bake reminds me of being a kid, when Mum would whip up something simple but filling.

This leftover chicken casserole recipe is ideal for using up Sunday roast leftovers, too. It's proper good, trust me! Let's get to the ingredients for this amazing stuffing casserole .

Right, let's dive into the heart of this chicken stuffing casserole : the ingredients and equipment! Honestly, getting this bit right can make or break your comfort food casserole experience.

Trust me, I've been there, done that, and learned from my mistakes! So, stick with me.

Getting Your Bits Together: Ingredients & Equipment for a Champion Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Main Ingredients Sorted

Okay, first things first, the stars of the show. For the chicken , you'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Cut them into bite sized pieces. Good quality chicken makes all the difference. Look for plump, pink chicken with no bruising.

For the flavor base, grab 1 medium onion and 2 celery stalks , all chopped nice and fine. Then, for that lovely herby touch, you'll need 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage .

Don’t forget the 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper . Finally, you'll need 1 cup (240ml) of chicken broth .

Now for the stuffing ! You want 6 cups (approx. 150g) of seasoned bread cubes, either shop bought or homemade. The key is that they are slightly toasted.

Then, grab 1/2 cup (120ml) of chicken broth to make it nice and moist, 1/4 cup (60g) of melted unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.

A sprinkle of sunshine in every bite.

Last, but not least, the creamy sauce needs 1 can (10.75 oz / 305g) of condensed cream of chicken soup.

Then, you'll need 1/2 cup (120ml) of sour cream and 1/4 cup (60ml) of milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.

You can choose to use crushed Ritz crackers for the topping and 2 tablespoons (30g) of melted butter. If you really want that extra comfort food casserole!

Essential Spice Combinations

Thyme and sage are a classic pairing. They are especially in stuffing . Honestly, they just scream autumn and Sunday roasts, don't they? A pinch of salt and pepper really brings out the flavour of the chicken.

If you want to boost the flavour, you could add a bay leaf to the chicken mixture. Just remember to take it out before serving!.

Kit You'll Actually Need

Right, kit time. You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up a creamy chicken casserole . A large skillet or Dutch oven for the chicken is a must.

And of course, a 9x13 inch baking dish . If you don't have one, any similar size will do. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.

A couple of mixing bowls for the stuffing and sauce. Honestly, a spoon will do.

Cooking Method: Casserole Magic

Right, let’s talk Chicken Stuffing Casserole . I can tell you now, this one is a winner! It's pure comfort food casserole heaven, proper easy chicken dinner recipe .

It's one of those dishes that just makes you feel good inside. Seriously, stick with me, and you'll be whipping up this creamy chicken casserole in no time.

Prep Steps: Sorted!

First, the mise en place . Translation? Get your act together before you start cooking! Chop your onion and celery. Get that chicken ready.

It saves a ton of time later, trust me. Time saving is the name of the game, especially on a weeknight casserole recipe .

Also, chicken is safe to eat as of 165° F ( 74° C) , take not for safe preparation.

step-by-step: Easy Peasy

1. Sauté chopped onion and celery in olive oil until soft.
2. Add chicken pieces, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned.
3. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
4. Mix bread cubes with melted butter, parsley, and chicken broth.
5. Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk for the sauce.
6. Layer chicken, then stuffing, then sauce in a baking dish.
7. Top with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter.
8. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes , until golden.

Pro Tips: Casserole Boss

Want to avoid that soggy bottom? No problem! Don’t over soak the bread. Moisture is key. Add chicken broth to the bread until moist.

For a crispy stuffing casserole topping, broil for the last few minutes, but watch it like a hawk ! Burnt crackers are not the vibe.

You can even use leftover chicken casserole recipe . It's versatile, you know?

Remember, this chicken casserole with stuffing mix is all about comfort, so don’t stress if it’s not perfect. It's gonna be delicious. Give this chicken and stuffing bake a try!

Right then, let's talk recipe notes for our chicken stuffing casserole . These tips will make this dish truly shine. I've learned a few tricks making this over the years, honestly.

Recipe Notes: Making the Best Comfort Food Casserole

This chicken stuffing casserole is pure comfort food. I think you'll absolutely love it. Here's how to make it even better.

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Ideas

First, presentation matters! A scoop of this creamy chicken casserole looks fab with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Green beans are a classic pairing, you know? Cranberry sauce adds a festive touch.

Don’t forget a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Refrigerate the stuffing casserole in an airtight container. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. You can even freeze it! Wrap it tightly in foil, then plastic.

When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Variations: Swapping and Adapting

Fancy a change? Use sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken for a veggie option. For a seasonal twist, try adding roasted butternut squash! Making this dish adaptable is a major win.

For a spicier version, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth. If you're looking for a leftover chicken casserole recipe this works great.

Nutrition Basics: Simplified Info

Okay, let's keep it real. This chicken and stuffing bake is proper comfort food. It's not exactly a salad, right? But it’s got protein and some veggies.

Just enjoy it in moderation, yeah? Consider that each serving has about 450-550 calories, 35-40g protein, 20-25g fat and 30-35g of carbs.

Honestly, this easy chicken dinner recipes is a winner. Don’t be scared to make it your own! I've had this at many family gatherings, and it is always a hit.

This comfort food casserole is a real crowd pleaser, and you'll find yourself coming back to this chicken casserole recipe easy .

Embrace the joy of cooking and enjoy every mouthful! Making a weeknight casserole recipes doesn't have to be hard. The next chicken stuffing casserole you make will be even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Chicken Stuffing Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (except for the optional cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then add the topping and bake as directed.

Think of it as your own personal "ready meal" but way better!

How do I store leftover Chicken Stuffing Casserole?

Leftover Chicken Stuffing Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Adding a splash of chicken broth while reheating helps keep it moist and stops it from drying out. It might not be as crispy as the first time, but the flavor will still be banging!

Is there a way to make this Chicken Stuffing Casserole healthier?

You bet! Use whole wheat bread cubes for the stuffing. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for a low-sodium version or make your own using a roux and chicken broth. Another swap can be swapping sour cream for greek yogurt. Using leaner chicken, like chicken tenderloins, will reduce the fat content.

Get creative with it!

My stuffing always turns out soggy. What am I doing wrong?

Soggy stuffing is a common issue! First, make sure your bread cubes are slightly dry before you begin. Day-old bread works wonders or lightly toast them in the oven. Add chicken broth to the stuffing mixture gradually, until it's moist but not swimming. If you're using fresh bread, you'll need significantly less broth.

The aim is moist, not mushy, so err on the side of caution!

Can I use different types of meat in this Chicken Stuffing Casserole, or is it strictly chicken?

While this recipe is for chicken, you can definitely experiment! Turkey works beautifully, especially if you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey. You could also use cooked ham, diced into small pieces.

Just ensure that whatever meat you use is already cooked before adding it to the casserole, as it's primarily being reheated in the oven. Just remember to adjust the seasonings to compliment whatever meat you have selected.