Easy Chicken and Stuffing: A Comforting Dish

Okay, so, picture this: it’s Wednesday night, you’re *starving*, the kids are screaming about something ridiculous, and the thought of actually cooking anything makes you want to hide under the covers. Sound familiar? I’ve SO been there. That’s when my trusty Chicken and Stuffing recipe swoops in to save the day!

Seriously, this is the ultimate “I can’t even” dinner. The secret? Rotisserie chicken! It’s already cooked, seasoned, and just waiting to be shredded. It’s basically cheating, but in the best possible way. One time, my oven broke down *mid-dinner prep*, and this Chicken and Stuffing casserole was the only thing standing between me and a full-blown meltdown. It’s THAT easy. Trust me, this is comfort food magic right here.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Stuffing Recipe

Quick and Easy Dinner Solution

Seriously, you can throw this together faster than ordering takeout! We’re talking, like, 15 minutes of actual hands-on time. It’s perfect when you’re staring down an empty fridge and a rumbling tummy.

Comfort Food Classic

Is there anything better than warm, cozy comfort food? This Chicken and Stuffing is like a big hug in a casserole dish. It’s got all those classic flavors you crave, without all the fuss.

Perfect for Weeknights

Let’s be real, weeknights are chaotic. This recipe is a lifesaver! It’s simple enough that even the most exhausted cook (ahem, me!) can pull it off.

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Want to add some extra veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different kind of cheese? No problem! This Chicken and Stuffing is super versatile – make it your own!

Ingredients for Delicious Chicken and Stuffing

Chicken

Okay, so the star of the show is a rotisserie chicken. Grab one from the store – makes life SO much easier! You’ll want about 4 cups of shredded chicken. Don’t worry about making it perfect, just tear it off the bone. Pro tip: I usually get one a little bigger so I can snack while I’m shredding!

Stuffing Mix

Grab a 12-ounce package of your favorite stuffing mix. Honestly, the boxed stuff is totally fine here. No need to get fancy! I usually go for the savory herb kind, but do you!

Chicken Broth

You’ll need 1 cup of chicken broth. Low sodium is always a good idea, so you can control the saltiness. Plus, you can always add more if you need to!

Cream of Chicken Soup

One cup of cream of chicken soup – yep, the classic! It’s the glue that holds everything together and adds that creamy, comforting flavor. I always have a can or two in the pantry for emergencies.

Sour Cream

Don’t skip the sour cream! One cup gives it a nice tang and extra creaminess. Trust me, it makes a difference. If you are out, plain Greek Yogurt can sub in a pinch!

Mixed Vegetables

A cup of frozen mixed veggies adds some color and nutrients. I usually use the peas, carrots, and corn mix. No need to thaw them – just toss ’em in frozen!

Seasonings

Gotta have some flavor! You’ll need 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust to your taste, of course!

Cheddar Cheese

Okay, this is optional, but highly recommended! A cup of shredded cheddar cheese adds a cheesy, melty topping that’s just irresistible. I mean, who doesn’t love cheese?

How to Make Chicken and Stuffing: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Alright, first things first: crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. I usually use cooking spray, but butter works too! You don’t want your Chicken and Stuffing sticking to the pan, trust me.

Combine Stuffing and Broth

Now, in a big bowl, dump in that stuffing mix and pour in the chicken broth. Give it a good stir and then… here’s the important part… let it sit for about 5 minutes. This lets the broth soak into the stuffing and get all nice and moist. It’s like giving the stuffing a little spa day before the real action begins!

Mix Chicken and Other Ingredients

While the stuffing’s doing its thing, grab another bowl and toss in the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. This is where all those yummy flavors start to mingle. Mmm!

Combine Stuffing and Chicken Mixtures

Okay, time to bring it all together! Gently fold the moistened stuffing into the chicken mixture. If you’re using cheese, add about half of it now. Folding is key here – you don’t want to overmix it, just gently combine everything. We are building a Chicken and Stuffing masterpiece!

Bake the Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Pour that glorious mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbly, and the cheese is all melted and golden brown. Keep an eye on it – ovens can be tricky!

Cool and Serve Your Chicken and Stuffing

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. I know, it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. This also gives it a chance to set up a bit. Then, grab a spoon and dig in! Enjoy your amazing Chicken and Stuffing!

Tips for the Best Chicken and Stuffing

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Okay, so, this might sound obvious, but it really makes a difference! If you can, spring for a good quality rotisserie chicken – you can totally taste the difference! And using a broth you love will help bring this Chicken and Stuffing to the next level!

Don’t Overbake

This is HUGE! Overbaking is the enemy of moist and delicious Chicken and Stuffing. Start checking it around 30 minutes. You want it bubbly and hot, but not dried out. If the top starts to get too brown, just tent it with foil.

Let it Rest

I know, I know, you’re hungry! But seriously, letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven does wonders. It gives the Chicken and Stuffing a chance to set up a bit, so it’s not a soupy mess when you serve it. Plus, it’s less likely to burn your tongue!

Chicken and Stuffing Variations

Add Different Herbs

Okay, so the basic recipe is yummy, but sometimes you want to kick it up a notch, right? Try adding some fresh herbs! Thyme, rosemary, or sage would be AMAZING in this Chicken and Stuffing. Just sprinkle them in with the other seasonings. My favorite part is that they add such a fragrant kick!

Spice It Up

Feeling a little feisty? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a little bit of heat! Not too much, just a little zing to wake up your taste buds. It’s like a secret weapon for flavor!

Include Different Vegetables

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Broccoli, carrots, or peas would all be delicious in this Chicken and Stuffing. Just toss them in with the frozen mixed veggies. The more, the merrier, I say!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Stuffing

Serve with a Side Salad

Seriously, a simple green salad is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the Chicken and Stuffing. I usually just toss some lettuce with a vinaigrette. Keeps it light and fresh, ya know?

Pair with Crusty Bread

Oh man, you HAVE to have some crusty bread with this! It’s perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices. Plus, who doesn’t love a good piece of bread? I am thinking some sourdough!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Stuffing

Can I use a different type of stuffing mix?

Totally! The boxed stuffing mix is a blank canvas, really. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a cornbread stuffing mix for a sweeter flavor, or a wild rice stuffing for something a little more nutty. Just keep an eye on the seasonings – you might want to adjust the salt and pepper depending on the mix you use. But yeah, go wild!

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yep, you sure can! Rotisserie chicken is just my go-to for ease, but canned chicken works just fine. Just make sure you drain it really well before you toss it in. And since canned chicken can be a little bland, you might want to add a little extra garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of poultry seasoning to give it some oomph. No one will ever guess!

Can I make this Chicken and Stuffing ahead of time?

You bet! This is actually a great make-ahead dish. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you want to cook it. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold, so just keep an eye on it. So easy!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Chicken and Stuffing

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just scoop ’em into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Perfect for lunch the next day – if you can resist eating it all in one sitting!

Reheating Instructions

Reheating is a breeze! You can either zap it in the microwave for a few minutes (stirring occasionally, so it heats evenly) or, if you’re feeling fancy, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through. The oven will keep it from getting rubbery, but the microwave is super quick! Your call!

Nutritional Information for Chicken and Stuffing

Okay, so, just a heads-up: I’m not a nutritionist, so I can’t give you exact numbers on calories and stuff. It all depends on the brands you use and how big your servings are! Just sayin’!

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