Chicken Casserole with Stove Top Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning)
- 2 cans of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz cans)
- 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (around 12-16 oz, any mix of peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 2 boxes of Stove Top chicken stuffing (6 oz each)
- 2 cups chicken broth (optional, for extra flavor in the stuffing mix)
- 1-2 tbsp butter (for the stuffing)
- Salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place them on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish.
- Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, set aside to cool slightly before cutting it into chunks or shredding.
3. Prepare the stuffing:
- While the chicken is cooking, make the stuffing according to the box instructions.
- Tip: For extra flavor, substitute chicken broth for the water the instructions call for, and add a little butter to make it richer.
- Set aside the prepared stuffing.
4. Prepare the casserole filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cans of cream of chicken soup and the bag of frozen vegetables (no need to thaw, they’ll cook in the oven).
- Once your chicken has cooled enough to handle, either chop it into bite-sized chunks or shred it using two forks.
- Add the chicken to the soup and vegetable mixture, and mix well.
5. Assemble the casserole:
- Grease a large casserole dish or baking dish (9×13 inches works well).
- Spread the chicken, soup, and veggie mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon the prepared stuffing on top of the chicken mixture, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake the casserole:
- Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top of the stuffing is crispy and golden brown.
- You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the stuffing is nice and crunchy.
7. Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley on top, or even a little bit of grated cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- Cream of Mushroom or Celery Soup: If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute one or both cans of cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
- Rotisserie Chicken: To make this even faster, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts yourself.
- Cheesy Topping: Add a layer of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) over the chicken mixture before adding the stuffing for a cheesy twist!
- Extra Seasoning: Feel free to add some extra herbs or spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or thyme, to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
This is such a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s easy enough that your 9-year-old could probably make it again with just a bit of help! Enjoy!