Savor Every Bite: Homemade Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Chicken casseroles have long been a comfort food staple in many households.

This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of tender chicken with a creamy, golden stuffing mixture.

Cheese adds a luxurious depth and warmth to the entire culinary experience.

Home cooks appreciate the simplicity and satisfying nature of this hearty meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

The blend of savory ingredients creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen with anticipation.

Weeknight dinners become something special with this classic and crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Sides That Go With Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole with a zesty mixed green salad topped with vinaigrette dressing.
• Complement with Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with buttery notes that harmonize perfectly with the creamy chicken and savory stuffing flavors.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Add colorful roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers to balance the dish's hearty profile.
• Serve with Tangy Cranberry Sauce: Introduce a bright, slightly tart cranberry sauce on the side to cut through the casserole's richness and add a festive touch.

Switch-Ups For Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace stuffing mix with riced cauliflower and use almond flour for binding, creating a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy chicken essence.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable cream soup and plant-based butter to create a meat-free casserole with similar texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free stuffing mix or crushed gluten-free crackers, swap cream of chicken soup with homemade version, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add oregano, rosemary, and diced olives to the chicken mixture, sprinkle feta cheese on top instead of fried onions for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor transformation.

Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and follow the recipe as directed.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute regular stuffing mix with gluten-free stuffing or breadcrumbs to create a gluten-free version of the casserole.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Mix in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans into the chicken layer before baking to boost nutritional value.

• What type of milk works best in this recipe?

Whole milk provides the richest flavor, but 2% or skim milk can also be used without significantly affecting the recipe’s texture.

Why Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake Is Comforting

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: Effortless weeknight dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal in under 45 minutes.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Casserole: One-dish wonder packed with cheesy, savory goodness that satisfies both kids and adults with minimal cooking skills required.
• Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Economical recipe using affordable pantry staples like chicken, stuffing mix, and cream of chicken soup to stretch your grocery budget.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible dish allowing simple ingredient swaps like using turkey instead of chicken or adding extra vegetables for personalized nutrition.

What Goes In Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake

• Shredded Chicken: Tender meat that forms the hearty base of the casserole, best using rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and extra flavor.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Milk: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that keeps the chicken moist and adds depth to the dish, choose low-sodium soup for better control of salt content.

• Thyme: Classic herb that adds an earthy, subtle flavor to complement the chicken.

• Stuffing Mix, Butter: Provides a crispy, golden-brown crust with a classic bread-based texture, select a classic herb or chicken-flavored stuffing mix for best results.
• Fried Onions: Adds a crunchy, savory topping that brings extra flavor and textural contrast to the casserole.

Steps To Make Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Chicken Base

• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Dried thyme
• Whole milk

Stir the ingredients until they’re well blended and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing Topping

• Melted butter
• Dry stuffing mix

Gently toss until the stuffing is completely coated with butter.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread the buttery stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer.

Step 5: Add Crispy Onion Topping

Sprinkle crispy fried onions across the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 7: Create a Golden Crust

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and savor every delicious bite.

Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake Helpful Tips

• Enhance Chicken Moisture: Use rotisserie chicken or freshly poached chicken for extra tenderness and rich flavor.
• Customize Stuffing Mix: Swap traditional stuffing with gluten-free or herb-seasoned versions to suit dietary preferences and add unique taste profiles.
• Control Texture Perfectly: Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli directly into chicken mixture for extra nutrients and color.
• Prevent Dry Topping: Drizzle a little extra melted butter over fried onions before final baking to ensure crispy, golden-brown and not burnt topping.

How To Save Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Package cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat Oven: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the stuffing topping.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Comforting Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its golden, crispy topping and melted cheese layers. Family favorites combine in this hearty casserole that promises satisfaction in every satisfying, homestyle bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded

Starch and Seasoning:

• 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) dry stuffing mix (approximately 3 ¾ cups)

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cans (10.5 ounces / 298 grams each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 stick (½ cup / 113 grams) butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup canned fried onions

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a gentle 350°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine tender, shredded poultry with creamy condensed soup, aromatic thyme, and smooth milk in a spacious mixing bowl, blending the ingredients until harmoniously integrated.
3. Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer that will serve as the foundation of the casserole.
4. Melt butter and pour over the dried herb-seasoned bread cubes, gently tossing until each morsel is richly coated and glistening.
5. Carefully distribute the buttery stuffing mixture across the chicken layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. Scatter crispy, golden-brown fried onions atop the casserole, adding a delightful crunch and robust flavor profile.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate ingredients from direct heat.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat thoroughly.
9. Remove the foil and return to the oven, letting the surface transform into a beautifully bronzed, crispy landscape.
10. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top achieves a perfect golden-brown hue.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving this comforting, hearty meal to eager diners.

Notes

• Customize the stuffing by using homemade or store-bought mix for varied flavor profiles.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium cream of chicken soup and adding fresh herbs for depth.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by using gluten-free stuffing mix and checking soup ingredients.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1150mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg