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To make Cozy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 package (6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a comforting dish that warms the heart. For extra flavor and appeal, try these garnishes and sides: - Chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary - A light side salad for freshness - Warm bread rolls to balance the meal These additions can enhance your dining experience. If you need to make changes, here are some easy swaps: - Use cooked turkey instead of chicken for a holiday twist. - Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor. - Frozen vegetables can be replaced with fresh veggies if you prefer. These substitutions keep the dish flexible and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your casserole bake evenly. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. Add 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, like carrots, peas, and corn. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all the ingredients blend well. This base mixture is the heart of your casserole. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with a bit of olive oil. This step prevents sticking. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. In another bowl, prepare the seasoned stuffing mix as per the package instructions. Usually, you will add hot water or broth and let it soak. Once it's fluffy, spoon the stuffing over your chicken mixture. Spread it out evenly. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top for extra flavor and moisture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam inside. Place the covered casserole in your preheated oven. Bake it for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Continue baking for another 20 minutes. This allows the stuffing to get crispy and golden brown. When the casserole is bubbling and the top looks nice, it’s ready. Take it out and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set. Right before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color. Enjoy your cozy meal! To get a great texture, use cooked chicken that is shredded. This helps mix well. If the chicken is too large, it will not blend right. Next, prepare the stuffing just as the package says. Soaking it in hot broth or water makes it fluffy. When you spoon it over the chicken, spread it evenly. This ensures every bite has a nice balance. For a tasty casserole, season well. Use garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. These spices bring out the best in the chicken and veggies. Taste the mixture before you bake it. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add herbs like rosemary or sage for a twist. One common mistake is not greasing the pan enough. This can cause sticking. Also, do not skip covering your dish with foil when baking. This keeps moisture in, making the casserole tender. Lastly, avoid overbaking it. Watch for that golden crust and bubbling edges. Let it cool slightly before serving for better slicing. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a time-saving shortcut, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds excellent flavor and reduces prep time significantly. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites, such as green beans or bell peppers, to personalize the dish to your taste. Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, making it a convenient option for busy nights. Check for Doneness: Ensure the casserole is heated through and the stuffing is golden by using a food thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this casserole. Instead of chicken, try turkey. You can use leftover turkey after holidays. For a heartier dish, shredded beef works well too. If you like seafood, cooked shrimp or crab can add a nice twist. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture, making your casserole unique. Just ensure the protein is cooked through before adding it to the mix. For a vegetarian take, skip the chicken and use hearty vegetables. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. A mix of beans can add protein and fiber. You can also use veggie broth instead of chicken broth. To keep it creamy, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a vegan version. This way, everyone can enjoy a cozy dish that fits their diet. Changing the spices can create new flavors. Add smoked paprika for a smoky taste. If you love heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can spice things up. Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can replace dried thyme for a fresh touch. You can also experiment with different soups. Cream of celery soup or a cheese soup can change the dish's flavor. Mixing these ideas helps you customize your casserole to match your taste. Store any leftover Cozy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps it nice and tasty. You can freeze this casserole for up to three months. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Label it with the date for easy tracking. When you’re ready to eat, just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 25-30 minutes or until it's hot all the way through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for about 2-3 minutes. Just be careful, as the center may take longer to heat. It takes about 45 minutes to bake your casserole. You bake it for 25 minutes covered in foil. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes. This helps the stuffing get golden brown and crispy. Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Just chop them into small pieces. You may need to cook them for a few minutes before adding them to the dish. Fresh veggies can add great taste and color to your casserole. Reheat leftovers in the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, until it's warm all the way through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating, but the oven keeps it crispy. This blog post covered everything you need for a great casserole. We explored essential ingredients and smart substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, and flavor boosts. We also discussed various protein options and storage tips. Casseroles are forgiving and fun to make. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your cooking and make the dish your own!

Cozy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and seasoned stuffing, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 package (6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen mixed vegetables. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to your liking, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  • In a separate bowl, prepare the seasoned stuffing mix as directed on the package. This usually requires adding hot water or broth, allowing it to soak for a few minutes, and then fluffing it with a fork to achieve a light texture.
  • Carefully spoon the prepared stuffing mix over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish, spreading it evenly to cover all the chicken and veggies.
  • Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil lightly over the stuffing to enhance its moisture and flavor while baking.
  • Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in steam, and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes. This step will give the stuffing a chance to crisp up and achieve a lovely golden brown color on top.
  • Once the casserole is bubbling and the stuffing is beautifully golden, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a bright and fresh touch.

Notes

Serve warm with a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food, stuffing