There is just nothing that says ‘home’ quite like a warm, bubbling casserole straight from the oven. When I think about the meals that truly bring everyone back to the table, it’s always something hearty and familiar, and that’s exactly what this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole delivers! It pulls together two of the best comfort foods—tender chicken and savory stuffing—into one incredibly easy bake. As a Family Cooking Specialist, I focus on recipes that honor tradition but still fit our busy modern lives, and this one is my absolute go-to. Forget complicated layering; this recipe lets you get dinner on the table fast while tasting like it simmered all afternoon.
Why This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a Family Favorite
When you’re looking for those perfect easy family dinner recipes that everyone actually cheers about, this casserole is the answer. It takes the best of holiday flavors and packs them into a simple Tuesday night meal. Trust me, once you pull this golden beauty out of the oven, you’ll keep coming back to it.
Here’s why this recipe instantly gets added to your ‘must-make-again’ list:
- It’s a true one-pan wonder! With minimal chopping and the sauce mixed right in, clean-up is a breeze—something I always prioritize for busy weeknights.
- The texture is just divine. You get perfectly tender chicken nestled underneath a creamy layer, all topped with that soft, savory, slightly crispy stuffing topping.
- It tastes exactly like coming home. That mix of sage and thyme combined with the breadcrumbs just screams comfort and nostalgia.
- It’s incredibly flexible. Need to feed a crowd or just your family of four? It scales up or down like a charm without losing its character.
If you’re hunting for dependable, delicious chicken casseroles for dinner that require barely any fuss, this is absolutely it. It’s the kind of dependable classic I love developing here at Sena Recipes.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
You know, the secret to any great casserole is making sure the base layers have all the right flavor before they even hit the oven. For this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, we’re layering up savory, tender, and creamy components. Don’t stress about finding weird things; these are mostly pantry staples, which makes it one of my favorite easy casserole dishes!
Gather everything up first, which is my main trick for keeping things from turning into a stressful mess. Here is what you’ll need for this hug-in-a-dish:
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing the aromatics)
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced small
- 1 rib celery, diced small
- 3 cooked sausage links, finely diced (Use up leftovers or snag some pre-cooked ones!)
- 2 lbs. boneless/skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, just to taste—be generous here!
- 2 1/2 cups frozen green beans, thawed and patted dry (Patting them dry is important so the sauce doesn’t get watery, trust me on this one.)
- 10.5 oz. can of cream of chicken soup (This is our creamy glue!)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (Adds a little tang and extra richness to that sauce.)
- 1/2 cup milk (Just enough liquid to thin the sauce perfectly.)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage (This spice really brings that classic stuffing flavor through!)
- 6 oz. package of dry stuffing mix (The basic breadcrumb kind is perfect.)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
That’s it! Once you have these items laid out, you’re halfway to having one of the best easy chicken breast dinner ideas ready to bake. We’ll talk about how these layers come together in the next step, but honestly, half the battle is just having all your players lined up on the counter!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Layers
Listen, getting the layering right in these easy chicken breast recipes is what separates a good casserole from a great one. The chicken is seasoned and placed on the bottom, but the real magic happens when you manage the moisture balance above it. My number one tip for creaminess? Make sure you thoroughly pat those thawed green beans dry before they go anywhere near the soup mixture! Excess water ruins the velvety texture we’re aiming for.
If you want to elevate this from a quick chicken casserole to something truly decadent, try adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese right over those green beans, just before you top it with the stuffing. It melts down beautifully and adds that fantastic richness associated with a Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, but without adding more work!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
When it comes to the stuffing, don’t overthink it! Any standard dry breadcrumb mix works perfectly—Stove Top is fantastic and what many folks default to. If you’re feeling adventurous with your veggies, you can absolutely swap those green beans for some frozen carrots, peas, or corn, but remember to pat them dry just the same.
Also, if you use a deeper baking pan, you might just need to cover it and go for an extra ten minutes of initial baking time. It’s all about knowing your oven, but these initial baking times get you 99% there!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Okay, this is where the magic happens! We’re taking all those prepped ingredients and layering them up into the ultimate comforting bake. Since this is one of my favorite quick chicken casserole recipes, the steps flow really smoothly. Just follow along, and I promise you’ll have dinner ready without any drama.
- First things first, get that oven hot! Preheat your oven to 375° F. You don’t want the casserole sitting around waiting for the oven to catch up.
- Grab a small skillet and melt those two tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Now, toss in the diced onions, celery, and your pre-cooked sausage links. Sauté them until everything looks soft—usually about 5 minutes. Once they’re fragrant and soft, scoop that flavor bomb out and set it aside for later.
- Take your cubed chicken breasts and make sure they are patted dry. Remember, dry chicken seasons better! Arrange the chicken pieces on the bottom of your lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper across the whole layer.
- In a separate bowl—a big one is best—we’re making our creamy base. Whisk together the can of cream of chicken soup, the sour cream, the milk, your dried thyme, and that ground sage until it’s completely combined and looks smooth.
- Pour this beautiful sauce mixture right over the chicken layer and use a spatula to spread it around evenly. You want every single piece of chicken kissed by that sauce!
- Next up are the green beans. Add the thawed and dried green beans on top of the sauce layer. Distribute them nicely so you get some bean goodness in every serving.
- Time for the stuffing topping! In the bowl you used for the sauce (I’m all about saving dishes!), combine the dry stuffing mix, the chicken broth, and all those sautéed onion, celery, and sausage crumbles you set aside earlier. Mix this until it’s just barely combined. Don’t overmix the stuffing!
- Carefully spoon this stuffing mixture over the green beans and spread it out gently. We want a nice, even blanket of stuffing on top of the casserole dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil—this is important! Bake it like this for 40 minutes. This step steams everything gently and cooks the chicken through without drying it out.
- Finally, remove that foil! Let the casserole bake uncovered for just 5 more minutes. This little burst of dry heat is what gives you that perfect, slightly golden, toasty stuffing crust on top.
Let it sit for about five minutes after it comes out before digging in. It lets the sauce settle up a bit, and stops everyone from burning their mouths on the molten lava center!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
I know how hectic things get, especially around the holidays or when you just have a stacked week ahead. The best part about this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is that it plays nicely with advanced prep! You can definitely assemble the entire thing up to a full day ahead of time, which truly saves your sanity when you need a quick dinner.
When you assemble it ahead, just cover the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it right into the refrigerator. That way, when dinnertime rolls around, you’ve just got one final step!
Now, here’s the crucial part about baking a chilled casserole so that it turns out perfectly: Don’t just throw it straight from the fridge into the hot oven! That temperature shock can sometimes dry out the edges before the center is warm. You need to let it sit out on the counter for about 30 minutes while the oven heats up to 375° F. This gentle warming step is key.
Because the casserole started cold, you’ll need to give it a little extra baking time under the foil. Plan on adding about an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time. So instead of 40 minutes covered, aim for 50 minutes covered, then uncover for those final 5 minutes to crisp that stuffing top. This small adjustment ensures you still get that comforting, tender result every time. It’s such a lifesaver when you’re planning make ahead breakfast casseroles or dinners!
Once baked and cooled, leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for about three to four days. I sometimes think it tastes even better the next day when all those savory flavors have had a chance to really marry together!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dinners
When you’re serving up a hearty classic like this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole—which is definitely heavy on the comfort factor—you want sides that balance it out beautifully. This dish is so rich with creamy soup, chicken, and savory breading; we need something bright and fresh to cut through all that goodness. I always aim for simplicity; we’ve already done the work layering the main dish, so the sides should be quick hits!
For the ultimate weeknight experience for your Chicken Casserole Dinners, try pairing it with something green. A simple toss salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette (maybe something with Dijon mustard!) works wonders to contrast the richness.
If you want something warm that still feels like comfort food, roasted or glazed vegetables are a fantastic choice. They add texture and a little sweet-and-savory pop. For example, my recipe for Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans offers that slight sweetness that complements the thyme and sage notes in the stuffing perfectly. Another easy win is simply steaming some broccoli and finishing it with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Remember, since the stuffing provides the carb component right in the casserole, you don’t necessarily need a heavy side like mashed potatoes unless you’re feeding a huge crowd for a holiday gathering. Keep it light on the sides, and let this star dish shine!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
I get so many great questions about adapting my classics! When you’re working with a fundamental comfort food like this, sometimes you need just a little tweak depending on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. These are the questions I hear most often when readers are making this for their own chicken casserole dinners.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken in this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?
Absolutely, that’s one of the best ways to repurpose holiday leftovers! Turkey is a fantastic stand-in for the chicken breasts. Because turkey can sometimes dry out a bit faster than chicken, I always recommend something simple: make sure you really submerge your turkey pieces into that creamy sauce base. Also, if you’re using very lean turkey breast, you might want to check the casserole 10 minutes earlier than the recipe states, just to be safe against over-baking.
How do I make this a Million Dollar Chicken Casserole variation?
If you want to ramp up the richness and take this straight into the territory of a Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, easy swaps! First, go ahead and use that shredded cheddar cheese I mentioned earlier—a generous layer underneath the stuffing is non-negotiable for that ‘million dollar’ feel. Second, I highly recommend substituting some of the milk in the sauce with maybe two tablespoons of heavy cream, or even tossing in a few strips of crumbled, cooked bacon along with the sausage. It just adds that salty, smoky depth that makes any casserole feel extra luxurious!
How can I turn this into a healthier casserole recipe?
That’s a great question, because while comfort is key, sometimes we want something lighter. To make these Healthy Casserole Recipes, you have a couple of options! You can always swap the cream of chicken soup for a low-fat cream of mushroom soup or even plain Greek yogurt mixed with some chicken broth for bulk. Also, instead of using the sausage, leave it out entirely, or swap in crumbled browned mushrooms instead. I also like to boost the veggies by adding an extra cup of frozen mixed vegetables right into the sauce layer. It bulkens up the meal with fewer calories while still keeping that tender texture you expect. Check out more of my tips for healthy recipes here!
What should I do if the stuffing topping starts looking too brown before the chicken is done?
Oh, that happens all the time, especially if your chicken pieces are thicker! When you see that stuffing top turning a lovely golden brown but you know the center still needs time, just do exactly what the instructions say for the first bake: grab a sheet of foil and tent it right over the dish. The foil shields the top from direct heat, letting the internal temperature climb without scorching the bread. Just remember to take it off for those final 5 minutes so you still get that lovely crisp crust!
Nutritional Estimates for This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Now, I always tell folks that when you’re making a creamy, hearty comfort dish featuring chicken breasts and stuffing, you shouldn’t expect kale salad numbers, but this recipe strikes a wonderful balance! Since we’re using lean chicken and measuring out the sauce components, it’s surprisingly reasonable for a full dinner portion. We’re talking about real food that fills you up and tastes incredible.
Here are the estimated nutritional details based on the ingredients list for one serving, as calculated by our system. Remember, these are good estimates, but if you use extra cheese or a different type of soup, the numbers will shift a little. Baking is as much art as science, after all!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 461
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 1262mg (A bit high, try using low-sodium soup if that worries you!)
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 40g
It’s great to see that solid 40 grams of protein in there, which comes mostly from the chicken breasts. That’s why this is such a satisfying meal—it truly sticks with you! It’s hearty enough for a weekend gathering but simple enough for those weeknights.
Share Your Experience Making This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Honestly, cooking is all about sharing, and this Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the kind of recipe meant to be shared around a happy table. I really hope you give this one a try soon for your own family dinner rotation! Whether you’re making it for a cozy Sunday night or serving it for a last-minute potluck, I want to know what you think.
Did your kids devour it? Did you sprinkle that extra cheddar cheese on top like I suggested? When you have a chance, please take a moment to leave a rating right below the recipe card. A simple five stars or a quick comment about how much your family loved this comforting bake tells me that these traditions are still alive and well in your kitchen!
If you snapped a picture of your golden-topped, bubbling masterpiece, I’d absolutely love to see it! You can share it on social media and tag me—seeing your bakes is genuinely the best part of my day. For more tried-and-true family dishes straight from my kitchen to yours, you can always check out more of my developing philosophy on approachable meals over on my author page here. Happy cooking, friends, and enjoy every last comforting bite of that stuffing!
Print
Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, comforting oven-baked casserole combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory stuffing for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 3 cooked sausage links, finely diced
- 2 lbs. boneless/skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, pepper, to taste
- 2 1/2 cups frozen green beans, thawed and patted dry
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
- 6 oz. dry stuffing mix
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375° F.
- Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions, celery, and sausage and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove the mixture and set it aside.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat it dry.
- Arrange the chicken on the bottom of a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, thyme, and ground sage in a bowl.
- Add this sauce mixture on top of the chicken and spread it evenly to coat.
- Top the sauce layer with the thawed green beans.
- Combine the stuffing mix, chicken broth, the sautéed onion, celery, and sausage mixture.
- Add this stuffing mixture on top of the casserole dish.
- Cover the dish and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for 5 more minutes.
Notes
- For softer green beans, submerge them into the sauce a bit before baking.
- You can add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the green beans and underneath the stuffing for extra richness.
- Any variety of dry breadcrumb stuffing works; Stove Top is often used.
- Other vegetable options include frozen carrots, peas, and corn.
- This recipe can be assembled up to 1 day ahead. Cover it and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit out for 30 minutes at room temperature prior to baking, and add an additional 10 minutes of covered baking time.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 461
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 1262
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 31
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 130
Keywords: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole,Easy Casserole,Chicken Breast Dinner,Comfort Food,Stuffing Bake,Quick Chicken Casserole