Broccoli-Chicken-Stuffing Hot Dish
A hearty and comforting casserole combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and flavorful stuffing, all baked in creamy soups. Perfect for family dinners, it offers warm, savory flavors with a crispy topping. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy classic, satisfying comfort food with a savory twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken breasts in margarine and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the broccoli, sliced celery, and chopped onion in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Microwave the vegetables covered for about 8 minutes, turning once and stirring.
- Sprinkle about half of the stuffing mix over the cooked vegetables.
- Mix the cream of broccoli soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk together and pour three-quarters of this mixture over the stuffing.
- Add the cooked chicken breasts on top.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture over the chicken.
- Bake the casserole at 375°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of browning raw breasts, which can also enhance flavor. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli florets. Adjust the cream soups for lower-fat versions or consider homemade versions using Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Experiment with seasonings like garlic powder or thyme for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition. For a heartier option, serve with mashed potatoes or rice. This comforting casserole is a great way to enjoy leftovers from your favorite chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Chicken-Stuffing Hot Dish contains roughly 650 calories, with 12g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2015mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this hot dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even corn for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to keep the cooking time consistent to ensure everything is tender and cooked through.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make a gluten-free version, substitute the sage and onion stuffing mix with a gluten-free stuffing mix. Additionally, check the labels on the cream soups and milk to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. This makes it perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).