Warm, hearty, and effortlessly satisfying, chicken casserole recipes are the ultimate comfort food. They perfectly combine simplicity with incredible flavor, making them a favorite for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. This particular easy chicken casserole recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy chicken and savory stuffing, creating a dish everyone will adore. It’s a perfect example of a quick, beginner-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Casserole
This simple chicken casserole will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for any home cook.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples for this delightful dish.
- Quick Prep Time: Get this casserole ready for the oven in under 15 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Comforting Flavor: Enjoy a savory, creamy, and satisfying taste that truly feels like a hug in a dish.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt this flexible recipe with your family’s favorite additions or what you have on hand.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare it in advance or enjoy the delicious leftovers for convenient meals throughout the week.
Easy Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both cans of condensed soups and the milk until smooth, then stir in the cooked shredded chicken until evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- In another bowl, pour the melted butter over the dry stuffing mix and toss until all crumbs are coated.
- Evenly sprinkle the buttered stuffing crumbs over the chicken mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the stuffing topping is golden and crispy.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Ingredients
This easy chicken casserole recipe relies on simple ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand. Each component plays a key role in creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (a store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted
- 1 (8-ounce) package (about 3 3/4 cups) dry stuffing mix (e.g., Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing Mix)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional
Notes & Substitutions
- Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken for convenience. Ensure it’s shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Condensed Soups: Feel free to swap one of the cans for cream of celery soup or even another cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) works here. Just choose plain, unsweetened varieties.
- Butter: Margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute can be used in place of traditional butter.
- Stuffing Mix: Experiment with different stuffing mix flavors like cornbread or savory herb for unique chicken casserole recipes.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to whip up this easy chicken casserole. Basic kitchen items are all it takes.
- A 9×13-inch (3-quart) casserole dish or similar baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- A whisk
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Creating this comforting chicken casserole is a breeze, following these straightforward steps. Soon you’ll have a delightful, home-cooked meal ready for your family.
- Prepare Oven and Dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (3-quart) casserole dish with butter or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Set the prepared dish aside.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both cans of condensed soup and the milk until smooth and fully combined. Then, stir in the cooked, shredded chicken until it’s evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole Base: Carefully transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom. This forms the delicious base of your chicken casserole.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate medium bowl, pour the melted butter over the dry stuffing mix. Use a spoon or your hands to gently stir and toss until all the stuffing crumbs are thoroughly coated with butter. Do not add water to the stuffing mix.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttered stuffing crumbs over the entire surface of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish. Ensure a good, consistent layer for the best texture.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Brown and Finish: After 20 minutes, remove the foil from the dish. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the stuffing topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your wonderful homemade chicken casserole!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your easy chicken casserole turns out perfectly every time with these simple tips.
- Prep Ahead: Shred your chicken a day or two in advance. This makes assembling the casserole incredibly fast on cooking day.
- Dry Stuffing is Key: Do not add water or cook the dry stuffing mix before combining it with the butter. It bakes and crisps up beautifully on its own.
- Even Topping: Spread the buttered stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture. This helps create a consistent, crispy crust across the entire top.
- Prevent Soggy Stuffing: Removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes allows steam to escape and the topping to become golden and crisp, preventing a soggy texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake only until heated through and golden. Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the topping too hard.
- Internal Temperature: For food safety, ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The USDA recommends a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for casseroles containing meat and poultry.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile chicken casserole offers many possibilities for enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
- Green Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tart cranberry sauce provides a lovely contrast to the savory flavors.
- Bread Sides: Offer fluffy dinner rolls or a slice of warm cornbread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Once cooled completely, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely, but do not bake. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to account for the chill.
Variations for Other Chicken Casserole Recipes
- Add Vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables, corn, or peas to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and color.
- Turkey Swap: Substitute the cooked chicken with leftover cooked turkey for a delicious post-holiday meal.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses over the chicken mixture before adding the stuffing for extra richness.
- Seasoning Boost: Experiment with different herbs like dried thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of garlic powder mixed into the chicken filling.
- Cream of Celery: Replace one can of cream of mushroom or chicken soup with cream of celery for a subtle, fresh twist on this classic.
Nutrition Information
This hearty dish provides a substantial meal. The following estimated nutrition information is per serving for this chicken casserole recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 457 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Cholesterol | 119 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Sodium | 1038 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 0 g |
This information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQ
Got questions about making the perfect chicken casserole? We have answers.
Can I freeze leftover chicken casserole?
Yes, absolutely! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Cooked, shredded chicken works best. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, but you can also boil, bake, or pan-fry chicken breasts and then shred them.
How can I add more vegetables?
Simply stir in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, corn, or peas to the chicken and soup mixture before baking. There’s no need to thaw them first.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.
Why is my chicken casserole sometimes watery?
This can happen if you add too much milk or use very moist chicken. Ensure you measure liquids accurately and drain any excess moisture from your cooked chicken
Conclusion
Chicken casserole recipes truly are a lifesaver for busy home cooks, and this particular version is no exception. It perfectly balances incredible flavor with minimal effort, offering a satisfying meal that brings comfort to any table. We hope you enjoy making this simple, delicious, and easy chicken casserole as much as we do. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite ingredients and make it your own family’s go-to recipe.
