If you’re craving hearty, homestyle comfort food with minimal effort, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug—tender chicken, savoury stuffing, creamy sauce, and a golden, crispy top. Whether you grew up with “chicken and dressing” in the South, roast chicken and stuffing in the UK, or Sunday chicken dinners in Canada, this casserole pulls all those nostalgic flavours into one easy bake.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what makes a great Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, how to make it step-by-step, tasty variations, and practical tips to get the best texture and flavour every time.
What Is Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?
At its core, a Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a layered or mixed bake that combines:
Cooked or raw chicken (usually breast or thigh)
Stuffing mix (boxed, homemade, or leftover)
A creamy sauce or soup base
Optional vegetables, herbs, and cheese
Everything goes into one baking dish and cooks together in the oven. The result is a rich, savoury casserole with a crispy stuffing top and juicy chicken underneath—a perfect weeknight dinner, potluck dish, or holiday-style meal without the fuss of a full roast.
You might also hear it called:
Chicken and dressing casserole
Chicken stuffing bake
Creamy chicken and stuffing bake
No matter the name, the idea is the same: maximum comfort, minimal stress.
Key Ingredients for the Best Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Chicken
You can use:
Chicken breast – lean, popular, and easy to dice or slice
Chicken thighs – more forgiving, juicier and flavourful
Leftover roast chicken – a great way to repurpose Sunday roast or rotisserie chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if it’s raw, or shred it if it’s already cooked.
Stuffing
The stuffing is what gives this casserole its signature texture and flavour. Options include:
Boxed stuffing mix (like herb or chicken flavour)
Fresh breadcrumbs seasoned with herbs, butter, and stock
Leftover stuffing from a holiday meal
For a classic chicken stuffing bake, a boxed mix works very well and saves time. In the UK, you can use dried stuffing mixes like sage and onion; in Canada and the US, herb-seasoned boxed stuffing is widely available.
Sauce or Binder
Most recipes use a creamy base to keep the casserole moist and cohesive. Common options:
Cream of chicken soup
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
A homemade white sauce (béchamel) made with butter, flour, and milk or stock
A mix of chicken stock and cream or evaporated milk
This creamy layer surrounds the chicken and helps the stuffing stay moist underneath while crisping on top.
Vegetables (Optional but Recommended)
To make your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole more balanced and colourful, add:
Frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
Sliced mushrooms
Chopped onion and celery
Broccoli florets
They can often be added straight from frozen, which makes this dish even more convenient.
How to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: Step-by-Step
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish (a 9×13 inch / approx. 23×33 cm dish is typical).
2. Prepare the Stuffing
If using boxed stuffing mix, follow the package directions but use slightly less liquid than called for, so the stuffing doesn’t become too soggy. You want it moist but still a bit crumbly.
If using leftover stuffing, fluff it with a fork and drizzle a little stock over the top if it feels very dry.
3. Arrange the Chicken
Place raw or cooked chicken pieces in an even layer in the bottom of the casserole dish.
Season lightly with:
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder and onion powder
A pinch of dried thyme, sage, or mixed herbs
If you’re using raw chicken, make sure the pieces are small and evenly sized so they cook through in the baking time.
4. Add Vegetables
Scatter your chosen vegetables over the chicken:
A layer of frozen mixed veg is ideal for a quick chicken stuffing bake.
If using onions or celery, you can sauté them briefly first for extra flavour, but it’s not mandatory.
5. Mix the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, combine:
1–2 cans of cream soup (chicken, mushroom, or celery)
A splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen it slightly
Optional: a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness
Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables. This forms the flavourful sauce for your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.
6. Top with Stuffing
Spoon the prepared stuffing over the top in an even layer.
Don’t pack it down too tightly—leaving it a bit loose allows for a crisp, golden crust.
7. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25–30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until:
The chicken is cooked through (if it started raw)
The casserole is bubbling around the edges
The stuffing is lightly browned and crisp on top
Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly and is easier to dish up.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is how adaptable it is. Here are some tasty twists:
Creamy Broccoli Chicken and Stuffing
Add blanched or frozen broccoli florets with the vegetables.
Use a mix of cream of chicken and cheese soup, or stir a handful of grated cheddar into the sauce.
Thanksgiving-Style Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Add cranberries and a bit of chopped apple to the stuffing.
Use sage-heavy seasoning to mimic classic holiday stuffing.
Serve with a drizzle of gravy on top for a full “mini-feast” experience.
Healthier Chicken Stuffing Bake
Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs and reduced-fat cream soup or a light homemade sauce.
Add extra vegetables—carrots, peas, green beans, and spinach all work well.
Use whole-wheat or multigrain stuffing mix if available.
Slow Cooker Version
While the classic is baked in the oven, you can also make a slow cooker chicken and stuffing casserole:
Layer chicken, vegetables, sauce, and stuffing in the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
The stuffing will be softer and less crispy, but still flavourful and comforting.
Practical Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
1. Don’t Over-Saturate the Stuffing
If you add too much liquid when preparing the stuffing mix, it can become mushy as it bakes. Start with less liquid than the package suggests and add more only if needed. You want the stuffing moist but not wet.
2. Use Evenly Sized Chicken Pieces
Cutting your chicken into similar-sized chunks ensures everything cooks at the same rate. This is especially important if you’re using raw chicken.
3. Adjust Seasoning for Local Tastes
In the United States, people often enjoy bold, savoury flavours—don’t be shy with garlic, onion, and herbs.
In the United Kingdom, sage and onion flavours are classic for stuffing, and a slightly milder, herby profile works well.
In Canada, you might lean into traditional roast chicken flavours, with thyme, parsley, and a bit of rosemary.
Taste the sauce or stuffing before assembling and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.
4. Add Cheese for Extra Comfort
For a richer twist, sprinkle grated cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend between the chicken and stuffing layers, or over the top in the last 10 minutes of baking. This turns your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole into an ultra-creamy, cheesy bake.
5. Make It Ahead
Chicken and stuffing bake is ideal for prepping in advance:
Assemble the casserole up to the topping stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then bake as directed (adding a bit of extra time if needed).
6. Store and Reheat
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, then crisp the top under a grill/broiler for a few minutes if you’d like.
Freezer: You can freeze the baked casserole in portions; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with:
Steamed green beans or peas
A crisp green salad
Roasted carrots or parsnips
Cranberry sauce on the side for a holiday-style vibe
It’s hearty enough to be a full meal on its own, especially on chilly evenings or busy weeknights.
Conclusion: A New Weeknight Favourite
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is everything comfort food should be—simple, satisfying, and full of flavour. With tender chicken, savoury stuffing, and a creamy base, it captures the essence of a traditional roast dinner in a single, easy-to-make dish.
Whether you’re in the US, UK, or Canada, this chicken stuffing bake can be tailored to the ingredients and flavours you love, from classic sage-and-onion to cheesy, veggie-packed versions. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or using up leftover chicken and stuffing after a holiday meal.