Grammy’s Chicken ‘n Stuffing Casserole: A Nostalgic Blend of Comfort and Flavor

Step into the warm embrace of nostalgia with Grammy’s Chicken ‘n Stuffing Casserole, a dish that transcends generations, bringing the comforting aromas of home-cooked goodness to your kitchen. This cherished recipe combines succulent chicken, herb-infused stuffing, and a velvety creaminess that captures the essence of heartwarming family meals. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind this time-honored casserole, inviting you to create not just a meal, but a tradition.

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Stuffing:

• 1 package (about 8 oz) herb-seasoned stuffing mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth

For the Casserole:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Stuffing:
   • In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped celery and onions, sautéing until softened.
   • Stir in the stuffing mix and chicken broth. Combine until the stuffing is well-coated.
4. Layer the Casserole:
   • Arrange seared chicken breasts on top of the stuffing in the skillet.
5. Create the Casserole Mix:
   • In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup and sour cream until well combined.
   • Pour the mixture over the chicken and stuffing in the skillet.
6. Add Vegetables and Cheese:
   • Sprinkle frozen peas evenly over the casserole.
   • Top with shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey, golden finish.
7. Bake to Perfection:
   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a burst of color and freshness.
   • Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cook Notes:

• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.

Variations:

Flavorful Additions to the Chicken:

1. Bacon Bliss: Elevate the richness with crispy bacon bits. Cook separately and stir them in before baking.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Sophistication: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of concentrated flavor.
3. Mushroom Magic: Include sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.

Cobbler Topping Upgrades:

1. Chive and Parmesan Elegance: Mix chopped fresh chives and grated Parmesan into the cobbler topping for a sophisticated touch.
2. Spiced Infusion: Elevate the cobbler topping by incorporating a pinch of your favorite herbs and spices.
3. Cheddar and Herb Blend: Fold shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped fresh herbs into the cobbler dough for a cheesy and aromatic topping.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation:

1. Fresh Greens: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
2. Individual Ramekins: For a charming presentation, divide the chicken filling into individual ramekins before topping with the cobbler dough. Bake as directed for personalized servings.
3. Gourmet Garnishes: Sprinkle the finished cobbler with microgreens, finely chopped chives, or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Keto Versions Continued:

1. Almond Flour and Cheese Topping: Combine almond flour with shredded mozzarella and cream cheese to create a keto-friendly cobbler topping. It will still deliver a delicious, golden-brown crust.
2. Vegetable Swaps: Replace high-carb vegetables like peas and corn with lower-carb options such as diced bell peppers or broccoli florets.
3. Cauliflower Crust Option: Experiment with a cauliflower-based cobbler topping for an extra dose of veggies and a keto-approved alternative.

Low-Carb Variations Continued:

1. Zucchini Ribbon Garnish: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of zucchini and layer them on top of the cobbler before baking for a visually appealing, low-carb twist.
2. Cauliflower and Cheese Blend: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour in the cobbler topping with cauliflower flour for a low-carb alternative. Incorporate shredded low-carb cheese for added richness.

In conclusion, Grammy’s Chicken ‘n Stuffing Casserole is a culinary masterpiece that transcends time, bringing the warmth of tradition to your modern-day kitchen. As you embark on this nostalgic journey, allow the aroma of this dish to transport you to the heart of cherished family gatherings. With variations to suit every palate, from classic renditions to keto and low-carb adaptations, this casserole invites you to create not just a meal but a legacy. So