Delicious Chicken & Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Welcome to the world of easy, comforting meals! This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you need something hearty and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to make this delightful casserole!
Gathering Your Ingredients
To create this Chicken & Stuffing Casserole, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound cooked chicken (shredded)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp celery seed (or chopped celery)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of celery soup (or cream of chicken/mushroom)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 1 cup peas and carrots (or your favorite vegetables)
- 1 package (6 ounces) Stove Top stuffing mix
- 1 stick of butter (melted)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Preparing the Casserole
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to put everything together. Follow these steps to create your casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 8x8 inch baking dish, spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, celery seed, and thyme to taste.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of celery soup with milk, diced onion, and the peas and carrots. If you prefer, you can use any vegetables you like or omit them altogether.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the baking dish and spread it evenly.
Adding the Stuffing
The next step is to prepare the stuffing, which will give your casserole a wonderful texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- In a bowl, combine the package of Stove Top stuffing mix with the melted butter and chicken broth.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Once the stuffing is ready, spread it evenly over the chicken and soup mixture in the baking dish.
Baking the Casserole
Now that everything is assembled, it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with sides like butternut squash or cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair it with cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Substitute the chicken with turkey for a Thanksgiving-inspired dish.
- Add different vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Mix in some shredded cheese for a cheesy twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the casserole, assemble it without baking and wrap it tightly. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions. You may need to adjust the baking time if it’s still cool when it goes into the oven.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is not only easy to make but also a comforting dish that will please everyone at the table. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want to prepare something ahead of time. Enjoy this recipe and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
