Special Chicken Stuffing
A hearty, savory chicken stuffing casserole with tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and cheesy topping, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the stove top stuffing, bread slices, melted butter, and water and toss until moist.
- Put half of the stuffing mixture in the bottom of a greased 15 x 18-inch pan.
- Mix the chopped cooked chicken, chopped onion, chopped celery, mayonnaise, salt, and eggs, then set aside.
- Layer the chicken mixture over the stuffing in the pan, then top with the remaining stuffing mixture.
- Beat the eggs with 1 1/2 cups of milk and pour over the assembled mixture in the pan.
- Refrigerate the casserole overnight.
- Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before baking.
- Prepare the chicken or mushroom soup, diluted with one can of water or two cups of chicken broth, and pour over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, uncovered.
- Grate mild or sharp cheese over the top and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding herbs like thyme or sage to the stuffing mixture. If you don't have Stove Top stuffing, you can use homemade bread stuffing instead. To make this dish lighter, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Be sure to press down the layers to ensure even cooking, and you can also add cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the Make-Ahead Chicken Casserole for a hearty family dinner. For added crunch, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or biscuits, making it a perfect choice for potlucks or holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Special Chicken Stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes or until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Chicken Stuffing contains roughly 643 calories, with 10g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1875mg per serving (82% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to your dish. Just shred or chop the chicken and mix it in as directed. It helps to keep the casserole moist and delicious, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Can I freeze this casserole before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed for a fully frozen casserole.
What can I substitute for the canned soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk, seasoned to your taste. This will give you a similar creamy texture without the additives found in many canned soups. Just whisk the ingredients together until thickened and pour it over the casserole before baking.
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).