Are you looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Chicken & Stuffing Casserole! This timeless dish combines tender rotisserie chicken, creamy chicken soup, savory stuffing, and crispy fried onions into one mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Join us as we explore how to make this delicious Chicken & Stuffing Casserole, along with variations to suit different dietary needs.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Two 10 ½-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup milk
- 1 stick butter, melted
- One 8-ounce package (~ 3 ¾ cups) dry stuffing mix
- 1 cup canned fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, dried thyme, and milk. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In another bowl, mix together the melted butter and dry stuffing mix until well combined. Sprinkle the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the canned fried onions evenly over the top of the stuffing layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and enjoy!
Cook Notes:
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken adds flavor and convenience to this dish, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: If you prefer to make your own cream of chicken soup from scratch, feel free to do so. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- Stuffing Mix: Choose your favorite brand of dry stuffing mix for this recipe. You can also add extra herbs or spices to the stuffing mixture for additional flavor.
- Canned Fried Onions: Canned fried onions add a crunchy texture and savory flavor to the casserole. If you don’t have them on hand, you can omit them or use breadcrumbs instead.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free stuffing mix or breadcrumbs and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
Keto Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of Chicken & Stuffing Casserole, you can use cauliflower rice instead of stuffing mix. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade keto-friendly cream sauce made from heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Additionally, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make Chicken & Stuffing Casserole ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking the casserole directly from the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken & Stuffing Casserole? A: Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I add vegetables to Chicken & Stuffing Casserole? A: Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please the whole family. With its creamy chicken filling, savory stuffing layer, and crispy fried onion topping, this casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or holiday feast, this timeless dish is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of home with this irresistible Chicken & Stuffing Casserole!
