There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, bubbly casserole fresh out of the oven. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a dish. This Easy Chicken Casserole with Stove Top Stuffing is exactly that—a simple, satisfying, and delicious dinner that brings everyone to the table. Using a few smart shortcuts, like a rotisserie chicken and a box of Stove Top, this recipe delivers a homemade taste without spending hours in the kitchen.
Forget complicated steps and a long list of fancy ingredients. We’re talking creamy chicken and veggies topped with that classic, savory, and slightly crunchy stuffing. It’s a fantastic one-pan meal perfect for a busy weeknight, yet it’s special enough to serve when you have company. If you’re a fan of creative Boxed Stuffing Recipes Ideas, you’re going to love how this one comes together.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This casserole is the definition of comfort food. It combines tender, shredded chicken with a rich and creamy sauce made from condensed soups and sour cream. The addition of sautéed onions, celery, and carrots gives it a wonderful flavor and texture that feels like it’s been simmering all day, even though it comes together so quickly.
The real star, of course, is the topping. That familiar Stove Top stuffing gets golden and crunchy in the oven, providing the perfect contrast to the creamy filling below. It’s one of those Stovetop Stuffing Recipes that goes beyond the holiday side dish. This is a full-fledged main course that’s both filling and flavorful. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything bakes in a single dish. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this amazing dish. The list is straightforward, relying on pantry staples and easy-to-find items that make preparation simple.
- 1 ½ cups water
- 4 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 1 (6oz) package of Stove Top Stuffing mix
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 large celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 (10.5oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ (10.5oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken, meat removed, and shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to assemble this delicious casserole? Let’s walk through it step by step. It’s all about simple layers that build up to an incredible final result.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Stuffing
First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F. While that’s heating up, let’s get the stuffing ready. In a small saucepan, bring the 1 ½ cups of water and 4 tablespoons of butter to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, turn off the heat completely and stir in the stuffing mix. Pop the lid on and just let it sit for a couple of minutes to absorb all that liquid. After a few minutes, give it a good fluff with a fork. This breaks it up and makes it much easier to sprinkle evenly over the casserole later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Now for the veggies. Heat the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots. A little tip here: try to chop all your veggies to roughly the same size. This helps them cook evenly and ensures you get a little bit of everything in each bite. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they start to soften up and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
While the vegetables are cooking, you can mix up the sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the undiluted cream of chicken soup, the cream of mushroom soup, and the sour cream. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. It’s really important that you do not add any extra water or liquid to this mixture. The condensed soups have just the right amount of moisture needed for the casserole to turn out perfectly creamy, not watery.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers
It’s assembly time! Grab a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. We’re going to build this Easy Chicken Casserole with Stove Top Stuffing in layers. Start with the shredded rotisserie chicken and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, add the layer of sautéed veggies, distributing them evenly over the chicken. The third layer is the creamy soup mixture; pour it over the veggies and spread it to cover everything. Finally, sprinkle the fluffed Stove Top stuffing mix all over the top. Try to cover the entire surface so you get that lovely crunchy topping in every serving.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully place the assembled casserole into your preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges and the stuffing on top is a beautiful golden brown and nice and crunchy. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Just allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature first. You can either cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can transfer individual portions into airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick warm-up. If you want to revive some of that crunchy stuffing topping, reheating it in the oven is a great option. Just place it in an oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Casserole with Stove Top Stuffing is more than just a recipe; it’s a go-to solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and homemade without the fuss. It’s a wonderful example of how simple Oven Stuffing Recipes can be transformed into a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of creamy chicken, tender vegetables, and that signature crunchy stuffing topping is a winner every time. We hope this dish becomes a beloved favorite in your home, just as it is in ours.
FAQ
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Casserole?
Absolutely! This is one of those great Stuffing Casserole Recipes that’s easy to customize. Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what you have on hand. Peas, green beans, corn, or even mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just be sure to cook any harder vegetables, like broccoli, until they are tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Prepare everything up to the point of baking, but leave the stuffing topping off. Cover the casserole dish and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle the stuffing on top and add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.
What Can I Serve with This Chicken Casserole?
This casserole is a pretty complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, some steamed green beans, or a side of cranberry sauce would all be excellent choices to round out the meal.
