Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great in this recipe. For even cooking, either pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch or cut them into tenderloin-sized pieces. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly - just make sure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

Why is my stuffing too soggy/too dry?

The perfect stuffing texture depends on the right ratio of liquid to dry mix. If your stuffing turned out soggy, you may have added too much broth or your particular brand of stuffing may need less liquid. For too-dry stuffing, next time add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of broth. Remember that the stuffing will also absorb some moisture from the soup mixture during baking.

Can I make this casserole with leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, this is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken! Simply shred or dice about 3-4 cups of cooked chicken, spread it in the baking dish, and proceed with the recipe. Since the chicken is already cooked, you can reduce the initial covered baking time to 15-20 minutes - just enough to heat everything through.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?

The convenience ingredients in this recipe do contain quite a bit of sodium. To reduce this, look for low-sodium versions of the cream soups and chicken broth. You can also make your own cream soup substitute using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. Using the lower-sodium version of stuffing mix or making your own from dried bread cubes will also help significantly.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

This homestyle Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is comfort food at its finest – tender chicken pieces nestled under a blanket of savory stuffing, all brought together with a creamy sauce that’s incredibly satisfying. Ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time, this casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and delicious without the fuss. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that makes the whole house smell amazing and brings everyone to the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family Friendly: This casserole consistently wins over even the pickiest eaters. The familiar flavors appeal to kids while still satisfying adult palates.
Time-Saver: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have this casserole in the oven in about 10 minutes – perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Comfort Food Champion: There’s something about the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and seasoned stuffing that just warms you from the inside out.
Great for Leftovers: This casserole actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for lunch or a quick reheat dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken tenderloins: The star protein that cooks up tender and juicy. They’re perfect because they cook quickly and evenly.
Kosher salt and black pepper: The classic seasoning duo that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
Cream of celery soup: Provides a savory base for the sauce with subtle aromatics that complement the chicken beautifully.
Cream of chicken soup: Doubles down on the chicken flavor while adding rich creaminess to the sauce.
Milk: Helps thin the soup mixture to the perfect consistency while adding a touch of richness.
Stove Top chicken stuffing mix: This convenience ingredient brings fantastic flavor and the perfect topping texture. The seasoning packet inside is essential for flavor!
Chicken broth: Hydrates the stuffing while infusing it with savory flavor. The amount is crucial for the right stuffing texture – not too dry, not too soggy.
Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this casserole? Here are some delicious options:

Veggie Boost: Add a layer of frozen mixed vegetables, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms between the chicken and stuffing.
Cheese Please: Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese over the chicken before adding the stuffing layer.
Turkey Twist: Substitute turkey tenderloins or leftover holiday turkey for the chicken.
Soup Swap: Try cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile that works beautifully with the other ingredients.

How to Make Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken tenderloins in a single layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Season them evenly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken, making sure to cover all pieces.

Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with chicken broth, stirring gently until just moistened. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Step 5: Add the Stuffing Layer

Spoon the moistened stuffing mixture evenly over the soup layer, covering the entire casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the stuffing is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (reaching 165°F internal temperature).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if desired and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Check Chicken Thickness: If your chicken tenderloins are particularly thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally for more even cooking.
Stuffing Texture: The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. If it seems too dry after mixing with broth, add an additional tablespoon of broth at a time until just moistened.
Perfect Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check that chicken has reached 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare everything but hold off on adding the broth to the stuffing until just before baking to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
Enhanced Flavor: For deeper flavor, sauté a small diced onion and celery stalk before mixing with the soup and milk.

How to Serve

This hearty casserole is practically a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings to round out your dinner:

Side Dishes:

A simple green salad with light vinaigrette balances the richness
Steamed green beans or asparagus add color and nutrition
Cranberry sauce offers a sweet-tart contrast that works surprisingly well

Bread Options:

Warm dinner rolls for sopping up the delicious sauce
Buttermilk biscuits for true comfort food indulgence

For Special Occasions:

Add a side of homemade mashed potatoes and gravy for an extra-special Sunday dinner feel

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare everything as directed, but don’t add the chicken broth to the stuffing until just before baking. Cover and refrigerate the assembled casserole, then add the broth to the stuffing and bake when ready.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this a great meal prep option.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully both before or after baking. For unbaked casseroles, assemble without adding broth to the stuffing, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add broth to stuffing, and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

For baked leftovers, portion into individual servings, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a tablespoon of broth or milk if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great in this recipe. For even cooking, either pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch or cut them into tenderloin-sized pieces. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly – just make sure they reach 165°F internal temperature.
Why is my stuffing too soggy/too dry?

The perfect stuffing texture depends on the right ratio of liquid to dry mix. If your stuffing turned out soggy, you may have added too much broth or your particular brand of stuffing may need less liquid. For too-dry stuffing, next time add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of broth. Remember that the stuffing will also absorb some moisture from the soup mixture during baking.
Can I make this casserole with leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, this is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken! Simply shred or dice about 3-4 cups of cooked chicken, spread it in the baking dish, and proceed with the recipe. Since the chicken is already cooked, you can reduce the initial covered baking time to 15-20 minutes – just enough to heat everything through.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?

The convenience ingredients in this recipe do contain quite a bit of sodium. To reduce this, look for low-sodium versions of the cream soups and chicken broth. You can also make your own cream soup substitute using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. Using the lower-sodium version of stuffing mix or making your own from dried bread cubes will also help significantly.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the definition of homestyle comfort food that never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned stuffing topping, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a dish that’ll provide delicious leftovers, this casserole delivers every time. Give it a try – I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!