Ultimate Homemade Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: A Hearty One-Pan Family Dinner

Experience the epitome of comfort food with this exquisite Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, crafted from simple, everyday ingredients. Featuring a flavorful homemade stuffing, tender chicken thighs, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to perfection in one pan for an effortlessly delicious and deeply satisfying meal!

When the craving for true comfort food strikes, a dish that doesn’t demand exotic ingredients or complex techniques, this homemade Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is your answer. This recipe elevates a classic family favorite by making it entirely from scratch, transforming a handful of simple ingredients into a meal that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia.

This particular rendition holds a special place, as it’s a refined version of the hearty meals I cherished growing up. While my mom often reached for convenient store-bought stuffing mixes, taking a little extra time to craft your own stuffing from scratch makes all the difference in taste and texture. Similarly, I’ve opted for a homemade cream of chicken soup, though I understand that time is often of the essence, so a quality canned alternative is also a perfectly acceptable option. Unlike many similar recipes that rely on slow cookers, our chicken and stuffing casserole is a stovetop-to-oven creation, meaning no special equipment is required beyond a trusty skillet and a baking dish.

Packed with robust flavors, incredibly comforting, and remarkably easy to prepare as a one-pan wonder, this casserole is ideal for cozy family dinners throughout the autumn and winter months. The moment you try this straightforward and utterly delicious recipe, it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

There are countless reasons why this easy chicken and stuffing casserole will become an instant favorite in your home. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

• Super Filling and Cozy: This casserole is designed to warm you from the inside out. The combination of hearty stuffing, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce creates a substantial meal that leaves everyone feeling fully satisfied and wonderfully cozy, especially on a chilly evening.
• Made with Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for obscure items at specialty stores. This recipe utilizes everyday pantry staples and fresh ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it incredibly accessible and budget-friendly.
• Easy Cleanup: Who doesn’t love a meal that minimizes dish duty? Prepared largely in one skillet and then baked in a single casserole dish, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This dish has universal appeal. It’s a classic combination of flavors that kids and adults alike adore, making it a stress-free option for family dinners where everyone can agree.
• Classic, Nostalgic Meal: For many, the flavors of chicken and stuffing evoke fond memories of holiday gatherings and home-cooked comfort. This casserole delivers that nostalgic taste, bringing a sense of tradition and warmth to your table.

Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Crafting this delicious casserole relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special.

• ITALIAN OR FRENCH BREAD: The foundation of your homemade stuffing! Both Italian and French bread varieties work beautifully. Look for a day-old loaf, or simply dry out fresh bread cubes in the oven. The goal is to get a slightly stale texture, which will absorb the broth and seasonings without becoming soggy.
• CHICKEN THIGHS: My top choice for this casserole. Chicken thighs are incredibly flavorful and tend to stay wonderfully juicy during baking, thanks to their higher fat content. They’re also typically a more economical cut of poultry. While you *could* technically use chicken breast, it’s prone to drying out more easily in the oven, so for the best results and maximum succulence, stick with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
• ONION, GARLIC, & CELERY: This aromatic trio is non-negotiable for a truly flavorful stuffing. Often referred to as a mirepoix in French cuisine or a soffritto in Italian, these vegetables are sautéed to create a deeply savory and sweet base that permeates the entire dish. Don’t rush this step – allowing them to soften and slightly caramelize builds immense flavor.
• SEASONINGS: A simple yet effective blend of poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper is all you need. Poultry seasoning typically contains a mix of sage, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs, lending that classic, comforting stuffing flavor. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste preference.
• CHICKEN BROTH: Essential for moistening the bread and infusing the stuffing with even more chicken flavor. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth or stock to better control the overall saltiness of your dish.
• CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP: This is the creamy binder that brings the casserole together. I highly recommend trying this homemade cream of chicken soup for an unparalleled depth of flavor. However, if time is tight, your favorite store-bought condensed cream of chicken soup will also work perfectly and offers fantastic convenience.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Hearty Stuffing and Chicken Casserole

Creating this chicken and stuffing casserole is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time. For exact measurements and a printable recipe card, please refer to the recipe box below.

• PREPARE THE STUFFING BASE: Begin by preparing your bread cubes. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Cut your Italian or French bread into small, roughly 1-inch cubes. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, until they are thoroughly dry and lightly toasted. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy stuffing.
• SEASON & SEAR THE CHICKEN: While the bread is drying, generously season both sides of your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here) over medium-high heat, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy, typically about 5-7 minutes. This browning step adds immense flavor and helps render some of the fat. Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside.
• SAUTÉ THE AROMATICS: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped celery, onion, and minced garlic to the same pan (add a splash of oil if needed). Sauté these aromatics, stirring frequently, until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This creates the foundational flavor for your stuffing.
• ASSEMBLE THE STUFFING: Return the dried bread cubes to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Add the poultry seasoning, a bit more salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the bread cubes are evenly coated and moistened but not saturated.
• FINISH & BAKE: Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the prepared stuffing mixture in the skillet. Evenly spread the cream of chicken soup over the chicken and stuffing. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees F when tested with a meat thermometer. The stuffing should be golden and bubbly around the edges. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy this incredibly delicious meal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your chicken and stuffing casserole experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Top Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Achieve casserole perfection with these expert tips, designed to enhance the flavor, texture, and overall success of your homemade chicken and stuffing.

• Efficiently Dry Your Bread Cubes: While oven-drying is effective, if you own an air fryer, it’s an excellent tool for quickly and thoroughly drying out the bread cubes. This removes excess moisture, ensuring your stuffing has a superior, crisp-tender texture rather than becoming mushy. Alternatively, for a no-fuss method, you can leave your bread cubes out on a baking sheet overnight to air dry.
• Master the Chicken Browning: Don’t skip or rush the step of thoroughly browning your chicken thighs. Proper searing not only adds incredible depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction but also contributes to a delicious crispiness on the chicken skin in the final dish. Aim for a deep golden-brown crust.
• Caramelize Your Aromatics: For stuffing with an even richer, more complex flavor, take a little extra time to sauté the garlic, onion, and celery until they are not just softened, but begin to show slight caramelization. This sweetness and depth will elevate your entire casserole.
• Adjust Creaminess to Your Liking: The amount of cream of chicken soup can be customized. If you prefer a richer, creamier casserole, feel free to add a little extra. If you prefer a more bread-forward, less saucy stuffing, use slightly less. This allows you to tailor the dish to your personal preference.
• Monitor for Optimal Doneness: Keep a close eye on your chicken and stuffing casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. You want the chicken to be cooked through to a safe internal temperature (165-170°F for thighs), and the stuffing to be golden and bubbling. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken and a tough stuffing, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Consider Adding Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor and indulgence, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses over the top of the casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking. It will melt into a gooey, delicious crust.

More Comfort Food Recipes to Indulge In

If you’re a fan of this heartwarming casserole, you’ll surely love these other comforting and delicious recipes that bring warmth and joy to any table.

• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping
• Chicken Tamale Pie
• Homemade Hamburger Helper

Thank you so much for exploring this recipe! I genuinely hope you enjoy creating and savoring this easy, homemade chicken and stuffing casserole. It’s truly a dish that brings smiles and satisfaction.

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