Chicken Stretch
Chicken Stretch is a comforting casserole combining tender cooked chicken, savory stuffing, creamy soup, and crunchy cracker topping, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare stuffing mix as directed and spread in a casserole dish. Place cooked, deboned chicken over the stuffing.
- Pour 1 cup of cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
- Melt the butter.
- Crush the crackers into small pieces.
- Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Spread the cracker and butter mixture over the soup layer.
- Bake at 350°F until the cracker topping is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the stuffing mix. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce or a different cream soup like mushroom for variety. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great in this dish. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken from American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Stretch with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with Oodles Fiesta Casserole for a comforting dinner. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for added flavor and color. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions but be cautious not to overcook the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Stretch contains roughly 404 calories, with 6g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Stove Top stuffing?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can use your own bread cubes seasoned with herbs and spices, or even use quinoa or rice for a gluten-free alternative. Just ensure the mixture is well-seasoned to match the flavors of the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can lighten this recipe by using low-fat cream of chicken soup and reducing the amount of butter used in the cracker topping. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables into the stuffing can boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
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).