Hearty Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Welcome to your new favorite family dinner: the Chicken Vegetable Stuffing Casserole. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a comforting, hearty, and incredibly flavorful dish designed to bring everyone to the table. Imagine tender, succulent chunks of chicken, a medley of colorful, wholesome vegetables, all swimming in a rich, homemade cream sauce, and crowned with a golden, savory stuffing. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience that satisfies even the most discerning palates and promises to be devoured with enthusiasm.

This easy chicken casserole is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. The harmonious blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory stuffing, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy gravy, makes it an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, this recipe uses readily available, simple ingredients, making it a wonderfully budget-friendly option perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Forget complicated steps or exotic components; this dish is about wholesome goodness and maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Say goodbye to bland dinners and hello to a casserole that delivers on both taste and ease. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this chicken vegetable stuffing casserole provides a straightforward path to a truly satisfying meal. It’s a robust dish that nourishes the body and comforts the soul, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be daunting.

Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffing Casserole

Effortlessly Delicious: This is a surprisingly easy recipe to put together, yet it yields a hearty and satisfying meal that your entire family will enjoy. The steps are simple and straightforward, perfect for a busy schedule.
Kid-Approved Flavors: Packed with universally loved ingredients like tender chicken, mild vegetables, and savory stuffing, this casserole is a guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters. It’s a clever way to encourage children to eat their veggies without a fuss.
Perfect for Gatherings: Planning a family get-together or hosting friends? This chicken casserole is an ideal recipe to double or even triple. Its generous servings and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a fantastic choice for larger groups, ensuring everyone leaves feeling happy and full.
Boosts Vegetable Intake: If you struggle to get your kids (or even some adults!) to eat their greens, this casserole makes it easy. The vegetables are blended seamlessly into the creamy sauce, adding essential nutrients and color without being overwhelming.
Wholesome and Healthy: Unlike many traditional casseroles, this recipe proudly skips canned cream of chicken soup or any other canned soups. Instead, it relies on a homemade, flavorful cream sauce, ensuring a fresh and healthier meal free from artificial flavors and excessive sodium.
Ultimate Comfort Food: This chicken vegetable stuffing casserole truly embodies the essence of comfort food. Each bite is a delightful combination of tender chicken, soft vegetables, and crunchy stuffing, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for any season.

📝 Essential Ingredients for Your Casserole

Crafting this delightful casserole begins with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. While the full measurements are detailed in the printable recipe card below, here’s an overview of what you’ll need to create this comforting dish.

📋 Ingredient Notes for Best Results

Butter: Essential for both greasing your casserole dish to prevent sticking and as the foundation for our creamy roux. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Onion: Freshly diced onion adds a sweet and savory depth of flavor to the casserole. Sautéing it until translucent mellows its pungency and brings out its natural sweetness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with an aromatic, robust flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables.
Chicken Breast: We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes, for tender and easy-to-eat pieces. This lean protein cooks quickly and absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: This is a crucial thickening agent, forming a classic roux with the butter to create a wonderfully smooth and rich white sauce, eliminating the need for canned cream soups.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that are fundamental for enhancing and balancing all the flavors in the casserole. Adjust to your personal preference.
Oregano: A touch of dried oregano adds a classic, warm, and earthy herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with chicken and complements the overall savory profile.
Milk: For the creamiest and most flavorful sauce, whole milk is highly recommended. Its fat content contributes to a luscious texture and rich taste. You can use 2% milk for a slightly lighter version, but whole milk truly makes a difference.
Chicken Broth: Provides a rich chicken flavor base for the cream sauce and ensures the right consistency. Using low-sodium broth allows for better control over the salt content.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A convenient and vibrant addition. Feel free to use your favorite blend – peas, carrots, corn, green beans, or a combination – to add color, texture, and essential vitamins. No need to thaw them before adding.
Sour Cream: This secret ingredient is whisked in at the end to lend an extra layer of creamy texture and a subtle tang to the sauce, making it even more irresistible.
Stuffing Mix: I typically use Stove Top stuffing mix for its convenience and consistent flavor, but any brand you prefer will work perfectly. It forms the savory, golden topping.
Hot Water: Needed to properly moisten and prepare the stuffing mix, ensuring it bakes into a delightful, crispy-on-top, soft-inside crust.

🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Casserole

Making this chicken vegetable stuffing casserole is a breeze, and the detailed instructions below will guide you through each step. For a quick overview, refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to a comforting 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch (33×23 cm) casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Moisten the Stuffing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the stuffing mix with hot water. Stir gently until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened. Set this aside for about 5 minutes to allow the stuffing to fully absorb the liquid and soften.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and tender, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as this can make it bitter.
Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken pieces turn white and are no longer pink, ensuring they are cooked through.
Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated and cooked to remove any raw flour taste. This step is crucial for thickening your sauce.
Build the Sauce Base: Gradually pour in the milk and 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
Season and Thicken: Season the sauce with oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to visibly thicken to a creamy consistency.
Add Vegetables and Broth: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and the remaining ½ cup of chicken broth. Mix everything well to combine. The residual heat will start to warm the frozen veggies.
Whisk in Sour Cream: Gently whisk in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated into the sauce, making it extra smooth and creamy. This adds a lovely richness and subtle tang.
Assemble the Casserole Base: Pour the luscious chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into your prepared 13×9 inch casserole dish, spreading it out to form the base layer.
Top with Stuffing: Carefully spread the moistened stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetable filling, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

🥣 Recommended Equipment

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few essential pieces of equipment for making this chicken vegetable stuffing casserole:

Large Skillet: A sturdy, large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel) is ideal for sautéing the chicken and vegetables and preparing the creamy sauce.
13×9 Casserole Dish: The standard size for most casseroles, this dish is perfect for baking a family-sized portion of this delicious meal.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one medium mixing bowl for preparing the stuffing mix. Having a few different sizes on hand is always useful in the kitchen.
Whisk: Essential for smoothly incorporating the flour into the butter to create a lump-free roux and for whisking in the milk and broth for a perfectly creamy sauce.
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For safely dicing your chicken, onion, and mincing garlic.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for successful baking and cooking.

Don’t forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite kitchen products and tools that I use regularly!

💡 Expert Tips for a Perfect Casserole

Follow these tips to ensure your chicken vegetable stuffing casserole turns out perfectly every time:

Golden Brown Perfection: Bake the casserole until the stuffing topping is beautifully golden brown and the creamy filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. This indicates that the casserole is heated through and the flavors have melded.
Prevent Overflow: To avoid any messy spills in your oven, especially if your casserole dish is very full, I highly recommend placing the baking dish on a larger baking sheet before putting it in the oven. This catches any potential bubbling-over.
Flavor Development (Resting Time): For the best taste and to allow the sauce to set slightly, let the chicken stuffing casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the flavors to fully meld and prevents the casserole from falling apart when scooped.
Even Chicken Cooking: Ensure your chicken pieces are cut into uniform cubes so they cook evenly and at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
Don’t Rush the Roux: When cooking the flour with the butter, stir for at least a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a smooth, flavorful sauce base without a pasty texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before adding the sour cream and before pouring it into the casserole dish. Adjust salt, pepper, and oregano as needed to suit your preference.

🧺 Storage & Reheating Instructions

This chicken vegetable stuffing casserole is not only delicious freshly baked but also makes fantastic leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy it for days or even months!

Refrigerate: Allow any leftover chicken vegetable stuffing casserole to cool completely before storing. Once cool, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze: If you’re planning to freeze your casserole for a future meal, ensure it has cooled entirely first. Wrap individual portions or the whole casserole tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat from the refrigerator, simply place a portion in the microwave and heat until warmed through, or cover with foil and warm in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to let it thaw in your refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it using the same methods as refrigerated leftovers. For a crispy topping, you can uncover it for the last few minutes of oven reheating.

An easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights.

🍽️ What to Serve With Your Casserole

This hearty chicken vegetable stuffing casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent choices:

Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp tossed salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Boost your veggie intake with additional sides like perfectly steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or broccoli florets. These add freshness and a different texture.
Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm loaf of crusty bread, garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
Healthy Cranberry Sauce: During the holidays or any time you want a touch of festive sweetness, serve this casserole with a homemade Healthy Cranberry Sauce for a beautiful flavor combination.
Rice Pilaf: For an even more substantial meal, a side of fluffy rice pilaf can be a wonderful addition, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully.

👩‍🍳 Delicious Casserole Variations

One of the best things about this chicken vegetable stuffing casserole is its versatility! Feel free to customize it with these delightful variations:

Change the Chicken: Instead of chicken breasts, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent flavor and juicier texture. Chicken tenders also work well for quicker cooking.
Use Pre-Cooked Meat: Short on time? Skip the step of cooking the chicken by using shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or even leftover turkey. This makes it an even faster and easier weeknight meal.
Alternate Vegetables: Swap out the bag of frozen mixed vegetables for a single type you love, such as all peas, all corn, or a bag of frozen California blend (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots).
Add Extra Veggies: For more green goodness, stir in thawed out chopped broccoli florets or spinach into the chicken mixture before baking. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess water from spinach.
Spice Up the Stuffing: Enhance the stuffing by adding dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, diced celery for extra crunch, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or sage.
Cheese Please: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses over the chicken mixture before adding the stuffing layer. It will melt into gooey perfection.
Cream Cheese Richness: Whisk in 2-3 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the sour cream for an even richer, tangier, and more luxurious sauce.
Different Stuffing Flavors: Experiment with different flavored stuffing mixes, such as cornbread stuffing, savory herb, or chicken-flavored varieties, to change the entire profile of the dish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making this chicken vegetable stuffing casserole:

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn, you might want to blanch them briefly before adding them to the sauce, or simply sauté them with the onions and chicken for a few extra minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
What kind of chicken is best for this casserole?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used for a lean option. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a juicier and more flavorful result due to their higher fat content. You can also use pre-cooked chicken or turkey to save time.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole (chicken and vegetable mixture with stuffing on top) and cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux and a gluten-free stuffing mix. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
Why is my sauce too thin/thick?
If your sauce is too thin, you can return it to the skillet (before adding sour cream) and simmer gently for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

📣 More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved this comforting casserole, you might enjoy these other fantastic recipes from Amira’s Pantry:

Big Juicy Burger: Get the grill ready! This burger is made with fresh beef patties and a simple seasoning blend that will elevate any burger from plain to absolutely wow-worthy!
Crescent Roll Taco Bake: No need to wait until Taco Tuesday to enjoy this amazing taco bake. An easy 30-minute dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Sweet Bread Rolls: If you love soft, airy, and slightly sweet bread, you’ll adore these Sweet Bread Rolls. Also known as Shoreek, this is a signature pastry in Egypt.

More Chicken Casseroles You’ll Adore

For more easy and delightful chicken casserole ideas, explore these options:

Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole: A hearty and wholesome meal that the whole family will love. Ready in less than an hour, it’s the perfect weeknight solution.
Easy Skinny Chicken Mushroom Casserole: An easy 30-minute mushroom chicken recipe for those weeknights when you need something quick, healthy, and incredibly creamy and delicious without the extra calories.

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A white casserole dish with creamy chicken stuffing in it.

Chicken Vegetable Stuffing Casserole

Tender chicken bites with vibrant vegetables in a rich, homemade creamy sauce, topped with a savory, golden stuffing mix. This incredibly easy chicken casserole offers all the comforting flavors reminiscent of your favorite chicken pot pie, making it a perfect, wholesome weeknight dinner that will become a family favorite.

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Calories: 133 kcal per serving
Author: Amira

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
½ medium onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1 ½ cup milk
1 ½ cup chicken broth, divided
10 oz frozen mixed vegetables
½ cup sour cream
1 box (6oz ) stuffing mix
1 ½ cups hot water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (33×23 cm) casserole dish to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with hot water. Stir gently until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened. Set this aside for about 5 minutes to allow the stuffing to fully absorb the liquid and soften.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and tender, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as this can make it bitter.
Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken pieces turn white and are no longer pink, ensuring they are cooked through.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated and cooked to remove any raw flour taste. This step is crucial for thickening your sauce.
Gradually pour in the milk and 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
Season the sauce with oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it begins to visibly thicken to a creamy consistency.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and the remaining ½ cup of chicken broth. Mix everything well to combine. The residual heat will start to warm the frozen veggies.
Gently whisk in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated into the sauce, making it extra smooth and creamy. This adds a lovely richness and subtle tang.
Pour the luscious chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into your prepared 13×9 inch casserole dish, spreading it out to form the base layer.
Carefully spread the moistened stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetable filling, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, then shredding the meat once cooked and discarding the bones and skin.
Adjust salt and pepper to your personal taste.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) if you’re using raw chicken.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 133 kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 42mg
Sodium: 377mg
Potassium: 267mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 1412 IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 62mg
Iron: 1mg

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Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy for more information regarding nutritional values.