Chicken Stuffing Veggie Casserole

This comforting chicken and stuffing casserole brings together everything you love about a classic holiday meal in one easy weeknight dinner This recipe is loaded with hearty chicken tender vegetables and a savory herbed stuffing top making it a crowd pleaser that is filling and easy for busy families

I put this recipe together on a cold November night when we were craving Thanksgiving flavors It became my go to anytime we want something cozy and satisfying with very little effort

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken: chicken thighs or breasts give a juicy base look for fresh not frozen for the best texture
• Carrots: bring natural sweetness and color choose firm bright carrots without blemishes
• Celery: adds crunch and a classic savory base pick crisp stalks
• Peas: little pops of sweetness and color use frozen for convenience or fresh if you have them
• Onion: the foundation of flavor go for yellow onion for mild sweetness
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: creates the creamy sauce check the label for quality ingredients as some brands are saltier
• Low sodium chicken broth: keeps things moist and lets flavors shine choose low sodium to control salt levels
• Sour cream: gives a tangy richness go with full fat for a creamy texture
• Dried thyme: brings a woodsy aroma select a jar with bright color and strong scent
• Black pepper: just enough spice grind it fresh if possible
• Salt: optional but helps the vegetables sing use as needed
• Prepared herbed stuffing mix: the crumbly crunchy topping pick a mix with simple seasonings or make your own
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and brings out the herby flavors look for fresh quality butter
• Chicken broth for stuffing: adds moisture and flavor use homemade if possible

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish:

Preheat oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish This step prevents sticking and ensures even baking

Mix Chicken and Vegetables:

In a large bowl combine diced chicken carrots celery peas and onion Stir so everything is spread out and the vegetables can season the chicken

Make the Creamy Sauce:

In a separate bowl whisk together the cream of chicken soup three quarters cup chicken broth sour cream thyme black pepper and salt Make sure it is fully smooth to avoid clumps later

Combine and Layer:

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables Toss until everything is evenly coated so every bite will have flavor and creaminess

Spread in Baking Dish:

Transfer the coated chicken and vegetable mixture to your greased baking dish Use a spatula to spread it in an even layer for uniform cooking

Prep the Stuffing:

In another bowl mix the stuffing with melted butter and one cup chicken broth Toss well so the stuffing is evenly moistened but not dripping wet

Top the Casserole:

Spoon the stuffing mixture over the chicken Press down gently so the stuffing holds together and browns nicely on top

Bake Covered:

Cover the dish loosely with foil Bake for thirty minutes to trap steam and cook everything through without over browning the top

Finish Uncovered:

Remove the foil and bake for ten more minutes This step crisps up the stuffing and gives you that irresistible golden crust

Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving This helps set the layers so slicing is clean and easy

Save

My favorite part is the way the stuffing gets extra crispy on the edges but stays soft underneath Many family dinners have ended around this casserole with everyone scavenging for those crispy bits

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days To reheat cover with foil and warm in a three hundred fifty degree oven or microwave portions with a damp paper towel so the stuffing does not dry out If you want to prep ahead assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered one day before baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey works great in place of chicken especially if you have holiday leftovers For a dairy free twist swap in a plant based sour cream or thick coconut yogurt and use a dairy free butter Gluten free stuffing mixes are available but double check soup ingredients if you need to avoid wheat

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal on its own but I love serving it with cranberry sauce and a bright green salad for balance Steamed green beans or roasted squash round out the plate and a drizzle of leftover gravy makes it even more luxurious

Cultural Context

Chicken and stuffing casseroles like this grew from classic American comfort food traditions combining the flavors of Sunday suppers and Thanksgiving in an easy weeknight format It is a popular potluck choice in the Midwest and Southern United States and often finds its way into family recipe boxes for its blend of nostalgia and practicality

Seasonal Adaptations

Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition in the fall Swap peas for corn or green beans to match the season Sprinkle in fresh seasonal herbs like sage or parsley just before baking for a fresh bright finish

Success Stories

My neighbors always ask for the recipe after our fall block parties and kids of all ages have cleaned their plates without persuasion Once during a power outage we even baked it on a covered grill and everyone agreed it tasted even better outdoors

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble the unbaked casserole tightly wrapped and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge then bake as directed adding about ten minutes covered if needed You can also freeze individual portions for grab and go lunches

Save

Enjoy this casserole warm out of the oven and do not forget to save a corner piece with extra crispy topping It is sure to become a comfort food favorite in your home

Kitchen Q&A

→ Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey works well as a substitute for chicken, adding a classic holiday flavor to the dish.

→ How do I make the stuffing extra flavorful?

Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or rosemary for a boost of aroma and freshness.

→ Is cheese a good addition?

Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese between the chicken mixture and stuffing creates a rich, cheesy layer.

→ Can I prepare in advance?

You can assemble ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few minutes to the cook time if chilled.

→ What sides pair well?

Cranberry sauce and a fresh green salad complement the flavors and textures for a complete meal.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

Use gluten-free stuffing mix and soup to cater to dietary needs while maintaining delicious taste.