When you’re craving something hearty, homey, and effortlessly delicious, this Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole hits all the right notes. It’s the perfect mix of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce—all baked together into a golden, comforting dish. I tried this recipe on a chilly evening, and the smell alone was enough to make everyone come running to the kitchen. It’s cozy, simple, and so satisfying, making it a must-have for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is everything you want in a comforting meal—warm, rich, and full of flavor. It combines shredded chicken, creamy soup, and perfectly seasoned stuffing for a dish that feels like Thanksgiving in one bite. It’s quick to assemble, requires minimal prep, and bakes up beautifully golden on top. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy dinner that everyone will love, this casserole delivers every time. Best of all, it uses pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime without a grocery run.
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Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, savory chicken dish made with juicy pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Infused with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, this dish is irresistibly delicious — the kind of meal that might just make someone fall in love with you!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add butter and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Serve warm over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- Use thin-sliced chicken breasts or pound them evenly for quick, even cooking.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken works perfectly.
Boxed Stuffing Mix: Adds savory flavor and texture—choose your favorite brand or flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy base that ties everything together.
Sour Cream: Adds richness and tang to balance the savory flavors.
Chicken Broth: Moistens the stuffing and enhances the chicken flavor.
Butter: Used to sauté or drizzle over the top for golden crispness.
Onion and Celery (optional): Add flavor and texture if you want a classic homestyle twist.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate every bite.
Parsley (optional): For garnish and a fresh touch before serving.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Layer
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth. Spread this mixture over the chicken layer to create a creamy, flavorful base.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to package instructions, using the chicken broth for extra flavor instead of water. If you’re adding sautéed onions or celery, mix them in at this stage.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the creamy chicken mixture. Drizzle a bit of melted butter on top for added flavor and to help the stuffing crisp as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Perfect for serving 4–6 people as a hearty dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Vegetable Chicken Casserole: Add frozen peas, carrots, or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella between the chicken and stuffing layers for extra creaminess.
Turkey Version: Use leftover turkey instead of chicken—perfect for post-holiday meals.
Cranberry Twist: Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the chicken layer for a sweet-savory balance.
Mushroom Flavor: Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for an earthy twist.
Bacon Lovers’ Upgrade: Mix in crumbled bacon for smoky, savory flavor.
Garlic & Herb: Add minced garlic and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing for a gourmet touch.
Slow Cooker Version: Layer ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
Healthier Option: Use reduced-fat sour cream and soup, and swap some stuffing with cooked quinoa or brown rice.
Mini Casseroles: Make individual servings in ramekins for portion control or dinner parties.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
It’s best to use cooked chicken. Raw chicken won’t fully cook in the short bake time.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
3. Can I use homemade stuffing?
Absolutely! It adds even more flavor and texture.
4. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
5. What sides go well with this dish?
Green beans, salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
6. Can I make this without soup?
Yes, substitute with a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.
7. Can I add cheese to the recipe?
Definitely! Mix cheese into the chicken layer or sprinkle on top.
8. What kind of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked chicken works.
9. Can I use leftover stuffing?
Yes, it’s a great way to use up leftovers—just adjust the liquid slightly.
10. How do I keep the stuffing crispy on top?
Bake uncovered and drizzle with a bit of melted butter before baking.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, savory, and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a hearty meal that tastes like a cozy Sunday dinner any night of the week. It’s the perfect balance of textures: tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and golden, crispy stuffing. Whether you’re using leftovers or making it from scratch, this casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite you’ll make again and again.