Here’s a detailed and enhanced version of your Chicken Casserole recipe, perfect for creating the ultimate comforting dinner. This guide includes tips and tricks to make your favorite dish even more flavorful and foolproof.
Chicken Casserole with Stovetop Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chicken breasts are the star of this casserole. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. - 2 cans of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz each)
These provide a rich, creamy base for the casserole. If you’d like a more homemade touch, you can make your own condensed cream of chicken soup with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. - 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (about 12-16 oz)
Frozen veggies are a quick and easy addition to this casserole. Popular options include peas, carrots, corn, and green beans. You can also use fresh veggies if preferred. - 2 boxes of chicken-flavored Stovetop stuffing mix
This adds a savory, herby crunch to the top of the casserole. Follow the box instructions for perfect stuffing every time. - Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Italian seasoning (optional, for seasoning the chicken)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (optional).
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into chunks or shredding it with two forks.
- Prepare the Stovetop Stuffing:
- Follow the instructions on the Stovetop stuffing mix boxes to prepare the stuffing. Typically, this involves boiling water and butter, then stirring in the stuffing mix and letting it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid. Set it aside once ready.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, the bag of frozen vegetables, and the cooked chicken chunks or shredded chicken.
- Stir until all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the chicken, vegetable, and soup mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the prepared stuffing over the top, spreading it out to cover the filling completely.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crunchy on top.
- Check at the 45-minute mark to ensure the top isn’t browning too quickly. If it is, loosely cover the casserole with foil for the remaining baking time.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!