one dish recipes

Easy Stove Top Stuffing Chicken Casserole — 30 Minute Dinner is my answer to those nights when you walk in the door hungry and slightly annoyed that cooking still has to happen. You know the vibe, the sink has dishes, everybody is asking what is for dinner, and you are trying not to order takeout again. This casserole is cozy, simple, and it smells like you actually tried, even though it is truly easy. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken without thinking too hard. If you like dinners that feel comforting but do not take forever, you are in the right place.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This is one of those recipes where the ingredient list looks almost too simple, and then you taste it and think, okay yeah, this works. The stuffing mix does a lot of heavy lifting here. It brings buttery flavor, a little herby vibe, and that familiar holiday comfort without the holiday effort.

Here is what I use most often:

• Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken is perfect)
• Stove Top stuffing mix (any flavor you like)
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt if that is what you have)
• Chicken broth (or water, but broth tastes better)
• Frozen mixed veggies or just peas and carrots (optional but I like the color and balance)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional extras: shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of garlic powder, chopped parsley

If you are in a casserole mood lately, you might also like my cozy dinner rotation. I make this chicken cordon bleu casserole when I want something a little richer and cheesy, and it is still very doable on a weeknight.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

I promised quick, so here is how I make it happen in about 30 minutes. The trick is using pre cooked chicken and keeping the stuffing simple. You are basically layering comfort in a dish.

1) Get the oven and baking dish ready

Heat your oven to 400 F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish. If you are halving the recipe, an 8 x 8 works great.

2) Mix the creamy chicken layer

In a large bowl, stir together:

Cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a splash of broth. If you are adding veggies, toss them in now. Add a little salt and pepper, but go easy on salt since stuffing mix and soup already have some.

3) Make the stuffing topping

In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with hot broth. Let it sit for a minute so it softens. I like mine fluffy, not soupy. If it looks dry, add a tiny bit more broth.

4) Assemble and bake

Spread the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Spoon the stuffing over the top and gently spread it out. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbling around the edges. If you want a more golden top, bake 3 to 5 minutes longer.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. That short rest helps it set up so you are not scooping pure lava onto plates.

When I am craving another fast chicken dinner with a different flavor, I jump to this fajita chicken casserole. It is still weeknight friendly but gives you that smoky, zippy vibe.

Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole

I have made this enough times to know where it can go wrong, and how to make it come out great every single time. Nothing fancy, just a few practical moves.

Use warm broth for the stuffing. It softens quickly and evenly. Cold liquid makes it take longer and the texture gets weird.

Do not drown the chicken layer. You want it creamy, not runny. If your chicken is very moist, use less broth in the filling.

Shred the chicken while it is still a little warm. It is easier and you get nicer pieces. If you are using rotisserie chicken, pull it apart right when you get home, then stash it in the fridge for later.

Add veggies if your week needs it. No guilt here, but a handful of peas, carrots, or green beans makes the casserole feel more balanced.

Want a crispier topping? After baking, you can broil for 1 to 2 minutes, but watch it closely because stuffing can go from golden to burned fast.

“Made this on a Tuesday when I had zero energy. My kids asked for seconds and my husband said it tasted like comfort food from his childhood. This is going into our regular dinner list.”

Also, if you love comfort food casseroles like I do, you may want to bookmark easy million dollar chicken casserole. It is creamy in a totally different way, and it is another one that disappears fast.

Variations and Substitutions

This is where the recipe really earns its keep. You can tweak it based on what is in your fridge and nobody will complain.

Chicken options: Rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or even drained canned chicken in a pinch. Turkey works too, especially after holidays.

Soup swaps: Cream of mushroom is great if you like that earthy flavor. Cream of celery also works and makes it taste extra classic.

Dairy swaps: Greek yogurt instead of sour cream is totally fine. If you want it richer, add a handful of shredded cheese to the chicken layer.

Stuffing flavors: Classic, chicken, turkey, cornbread, they all work. Pick your favorite.

Add ins: A little sautéed onion, sliced mushrooms, or crispy bacon bits if you want to take it up a notch.

If you are building a little collection of weeknight comfort meals, I also recommend chicken and dressing casserole. It is similar in spirit and really hits the spot when you want that Sunday dinner feeling without the Sunday time commitment.

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Nutritional Information

I am not a strict numbers person, but I do think it helps to have a general idea, especially if you are planning meals for the week. The nutrition will vary depending on the stuffing brand, whether you add veggies, and how much sour cream or cheese you use.

As a rough estimate, one serving of Easy Stove Top Stuffing Chicken Casserole — 30 Minute Dinner (assuming the pan is cut into 6 servings) often lands around:

• Calories: 400 to 550
• Protein: 25 to 35 grams
• Carbs: 30 to 45 grams
• Fat: 18 to 28 grams
• Fiber: 2 to 5 grams (more if you add veggies)

If you want to lighten it up a bit, use Greek yogurt, add extra veggies, and serve it with a simple salad. If you want it heartier, add cheese and serve with green beans or roasted broccoli. No wrong answers, just different kinds of cozy.

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the chicken layer and keep it in the baking dish covered in the fridge. Make the stuffing topping right before baking so it does not get too soggy.

Can I use raw chicken?

I do not recommend it for a true 30 minute dinner. Raw chicken needs more time to cook safely. Stick with pre cooked chicken if you want it fast.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for quick lunches, or in the oven at 350 F until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Can I freeze it?

You can, but the stuffing topping can change texture a bit after freezing. If you freeze it, freeze the chicken layer and add fresh stuffing when you bake for the best result.

What should I serve with it?

A simple salad, steamed green beans, or roasted veggies. If you are feeding hungry people, add a fruit bowl or some rolls and call it a night.

One last cozy nudge to try it this week

If you need a dinner that feels like a warm blanket, Easy Stove Top Stuffing Chicken Casserole — 30 Minute Dinner is the kind of recipe you will keep coming back to. It is quick, flexible, and it feeds a family without drama. If you want to make your stuffing from scratch sometime, check out Stovetop Stuffing – Allrecipes, and if you like comparing casserole styles, Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with Stove Top is another helpful take. Now go grab that baking dish, and let dinner basically cook itself.