This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender rotisserie chicken, creamy soup, and a golden buttery stuffing topping that evokes all the warm, cozy flavors of Thanksgiving—without the wait. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a satisfying family dinner. With its creamy filling and crispy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and even better the next day.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
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Two 10½-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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1 cup milk
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1 stick butter, melted
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One 8-ounce package (about 3¾ cups) dry stuffing mix
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1 cup canned fried onions
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, thyme, and milk. Mix well and spread evenly in the prepared dish.
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In a separate bowl, stir the melted butter into the dry stuffing mix until fully coated.
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Layer the buttered stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture. Top with canned fried onions.
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Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
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Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate, based on 6 servings)
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Calories: 400 kcal
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Carbohydrates: —
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Protein: —
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Fat: —
(Note: Full macro breakdown not provided, only calorie estimate available. For detailed nutrition info, consider using a tracking app with brand-specific ingredients.)
Let me know if you’d like to turn this into a printable meal card or get a variation with added veggies or cheese!
The Magic of Rotisserie Chicken
Using rotisserie chicken is one of the best kitchen shortcuts for busy cooks. It’s already perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful, making it ideal for casseroles where the focus is on texture and seasoning. Shredding a store-bought rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds an extra level of richness to the dish. The chicken soaks up the creamy soup base beautifully and blends seamlessly into the soft, savory layers of the casserole. Whether you pick up a hot bird on the way home or use leftovers from a previous meal, rotisserie chicken is what makes this dish so effortlessly delicious.
A Creamy, Savory Base That Brings It All Together
At the heart of this casserole is a creamy mixture of condensed soup and milk, seasoned with just a touch of thyme to elevate the flavor. This base adds richness without being heavy and ensures the chicken remains moist and flavorful throughout the baking process. The cream of chicken soup delivers that signature comfort food taste, while the milk gives it a smooth, velvety consistency. Together, they form a perfect backdrop for the other ingredients to shine, making every bite warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
Stuffing Mix for Instant Gratification
One of the standout features of this casserole is the golden, buttery stuffing topping. Using a packaged dry stuffing mix makes the process incredibly easy without sacrificing flavor. Once mixed with melted butter, the stuffing becomes rich and aromatic, toasting to a beautiful golden brown in the oven. It adds a contrasting crunch that balances the creaminess of the chicken layer beneath. The familiar taste of stuffing immediately evokes the feel of a holiday feast, making this dish feel nostalgic and indulgent—even on an ordinary Tuesday.
The Crispy Touch of Fried Onions
For an added layer of texture and flavor, the topping is finished with canned fried onions. These crispy bits bring a slight saltiness and a delightful crunch to the casserole, offering a contrast that keeps every bite interesting. It’s a clever addition that enhances both flavor and presentation. The fried onions toast perfectly in the oven, forming a crisp topping that’s hard to resist. This touch of indulgence makes the casserole feel even more comforting and restaurant-worthy while still being easy to throw together.
Ideal for Weeknights, Potlucks, or Meal Trains
This casserole is the definition of a crowd-pleaser. It serves a generous amount, making it perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck gathering. It’s also an excellent option for meal trains or care packages, as it travels well and reheats beautifully. If you’re making dinner for someone recovering from illness, celebrating a new baby, or simply needing a comforting dish during a busy time, Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a dependable and appreciated choice. Just pop it in a disposable foil tray with reheating instructions and you’ve delivered a warm hug in meal form.
Pairs Perfectly With Simple Sides
To round out your meal, this casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. Because it’s rich and filling on its own, a light side adds freshness and balance to the plate. A simple vinaigrette salad or a medley of roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts can add both color and contrast. If you’re craving something more indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered corn make classic, comforting companions that turn dinner into a feast.
Make-Ahead Friendly and Great for Leftovers
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it ideal for meal planning or prepping ahead for gatherings. It also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before baking. Leftovers store beautifully and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. A quick reheat in the oven or microwave brings it right back to life, making your second-day dinner just as comforting as the first.
Adaptable to Fit Your Preferences
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Want to add some green veggies? Stir in frozen peas, spinach, or chopped green beans before baking. Looking to boost the flavor even more? Sprinkle shredded cheese between the layers or mix in sautéed mushrooms. If you’re aiming to reduce sodium or lighten the dish, opt for low-sodium soup and a reduced-fat milk or plant-based alternative. For an extra herby kick, add rosemary or sage to the seasoning mix. It’s easy to tailor the casserole to suit your household’s taste or dietary preferences while keeping the base recipe intact.
Kid-Approved and Family-Tested
If you’re feeding picky eaters or children who prefer familiar foods, this casserole is a win. The creamy texture and comforting flavors appeal to young palates, and the recognizable ingredients make it approachable for even the fussiest eaters. Plus, because it’s served in one dish, there’s less cleanup—making it a practical favorite for parents. It’s also a great way to repurpose leftover chicken in a way that feels fresh and exciting rather than repetitive.
Conclusion
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole is the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and crowd-pleasing flavor. With just a few pantry staples and rotisserie chicken, you can create a warm and satisfying meal that brings the cozy flavors of Thanksgiving to your kitchen any time of year. It’s easy enough for weeknights, comforting enough for Sunday dinners, and dependable enough to bring to any gathering or potluck. From the creamy base to the buttery stuffing topping and crispy onion finish, every bite delivers that feel-good flavor that makes casserole classics so beloved. Try it once and you’ll see why this dish earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.