Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

If comfort food had a personality, this casserole would be the friend who shows up at your door with a big hug and a plate of something warm and homemade. There’s just something about juicy chicken, creamy soups, and buttery stuffing all baked together until golden and bubbling that feels like pure coziness.

This Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll want to pull out on busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or any time you need a dish that says “home.” It’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor—but the best part is how ridiculously easy it is to put together. Just a few ingredients, one casserole dish, and a little oven magic, and you’ve got a meal that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Trust me, this recipe is a lifesaver for those nights when you want big flavor without the fuss.

Recipe Origin

Stuffing casserole is a dish that feels familiar in almost every American kitchen. While traditional stuffing is most often tied to Thanksgiving, this recipe turns that holiday side dish into a full-on dinner star. Think of it as a cozy twist on classic chicken and stuffing—it takes the flavors you love from holiday dinners (savory bread cubes, herbs, creamy goodness) and makes them easy enough for any night of the week.

This casserole version has been around in some form for decades, often scribbled on index cards, shared at church potlucks, or passed down from one generation to the next. And it’s no wonder it’s lasted—few recipes are this simple, budget-friendly, and satisfying all at once.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy here—just a few basics:

• A 9×13-inch casserole dish
• A large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk or spoon for stirring
• Knife and cutting board for prepping chicken
• Aluminum foil (optional, if you want to cover during baking)

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Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This dish isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about creating a warm, cozy meal that makes life feel a little simpler. Here’s why it’ll be a go-to in your kitchen:

Versatile

Perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a hot, homemade dinner. It’s also ideal for Sunday suppers or potlucks when you want to share comfort food with a crowd.

Budget-Friendly

It uses affordable, everyday ingredients that stretch to feed the whole family. Pantry staples like stuffing mix and cream soups keep costs down without sacrificing taste.

Quick and Easy

Minimal prep, simple steps, and everything bakes in one dish. Even beginner cooks will feel like pros pulling this golden casserole out of the oven.

Customizable

You can add veggies, swap soups, or tweak the seasonings to fit your taste. It’s one of those recipes that welcomes personal twists.

Crowd-Pleasing

From picky eaters to comfort food lovers, everyone’s happy when this casserole hits the table.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Season the Chicken: A little salt and pepper goes a long way in keeping your chicken flavorful.
• Don’t Overmix the Stuffing: You want fluffy, textured stuffing—mix gently so it doesn’t turn mushy.
• Use Chicken Broth for Extra Flavor: It deepens the flavor of the stuffing and keeps it moist.
• Cover if Needed: If the stuffing browns too quickly, tent the casserole with foil while finishing baking.
• Let it Rest: Give the casserole a few minutes out of the oven before serving—it helps everything set.

Ingredients in Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Here’s what makes this casserole so special:

Main Ingredients

Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, juicy, and the protein backbone of this dish. They bake up beautifully under that creamy sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that keep the chicken from being bland.

Creamy Sauce

Cream of Celery Soup: Adds a mild, herby depth that balances the richness.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The classic base for creamy casseroles—smooth, savory, and comforting.
Milk: Loosens the soups and creates a luscious, pourable sauce.

Stuffing Layer

Chicken Stuffing Mix: Savory, herby, buttery bread cubes that crisp up on top while staying soft underneath.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the stuffing with flavor and moisture so it bakes up perfectly.

Finishing Touch

Chopped Parsley: A fresh, bright garnish that makes the casserole look and taste just a little fancier.

Instructions

Here’s how to put it all together—step by step:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Season the Chicken

Lay the chicken tenderloins in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.

Prepare the Stuffing

In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with chicken broth. Stir until the bread cubes are moistened but still a little fluffy. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken and soup layers.

Cook to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown.

Finishing Touches

Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop big spoonfuls onto plates, breathe in that comforting aroma, and dig in.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~420 (approximate)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This dish is filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some delicious pairings:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
• Steamed Veggies: Green beans, broccoli, or carrots pair beautifully.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a tart-sweet pop reminiscent of Thanksgiving flavors.
• Dinner Rolls: Extra bread never hurts—especially for scooping up sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best results.

Variations to Try

• Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans to the casserole before baking.
• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before baking.
• Herb Upgrade: Add fresh sage or thyme to the stuffing for extra aroma.
• Turkey Swap: Use turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday twist.
• Lighter Option: Use reduced-fat soups and milk to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.

Additional Tips

• If your stuffing looks dry before baking, drizzle on a little extra broth.
• Want even more flavor? Sauté onions, celery, or mushrooms and mix them into the stuffing.
• Double the recipe and bake in two pans if feeding a big crowd—it disappears fast!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A1: Yes, just cut them into strips or smaller pieces for even cooking.

Q2: Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?
A2: Absolutely—cream of mushroom adds an earthy flavor.

Q3: Can I add vegetables directly to the casserole?
A3: Yes, frozen peas, corn, or green beans work well.

Q4: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A4: Yes—use a plant-based cream soup and milk alternative.

Q5: Can I make it ahead for a potluck?
A5: Definitely! Assemble, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Q6: What if my stuffing gets too brown?
A6: Cover loosely with foil for the last part of baking.

Q7: Can I freeze leftovers?
A7: Yes—portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q8: How do I reheat without drying it out?
A8: Add a splash of broth before reheating in the oven.

Q9: Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed?
A9: Definitely! Just prep it as usual and layer it on top.

Q10: Do I need to cook the chicken before baking?
A10: Nope—this recipe uses raw chicken, which cooks while the casserole bakes.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, budget-friendly, and oh-so comforting. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and that golden stuffing topping, it’s a dish that tastes like home in every bite.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Tuesday or bringing a warm dish to share with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Simple, hearty, and delicious—it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cared for.

So grab that stuffing mix, whisk up that creamy sauce, and get ready for the easiest comfort food victory ever.

See how to prepare this comforting Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: