Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate quick and easy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights. This 4 ingredient recipe, inspired by Pioneer Woman’s hearty and wholesome style, is a family favorite that’s both filling and incredibly delicious. Made with pantry staples, it’s a comforting classic that everyone will love.
A casserole dish with a Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with a serving spoon and a serving removed.
Why This 4 Ingredient Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe Works
This recipe simplifies comfort food down to its delicious essentials. It’s designed for ease and speed, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners when time is short but you still want a home-cooked meal. The beauty of this 4 ingredient chicken and stuffing casserole lies in its simplicity:
- Minimal Ingredients: You truly only need four key ingredients, making grocery shopping a breeze and preparation incredibly quick. This aligns perfectly with the Pioneer Woman’s approach to approachable, family-friendly cooking.
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in one casserole dish, minimizing cleanup. This is a huge win for busy cooks!
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The combination of chicken, creamy soup, and savory stuffing is a classic crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.
- Customizable: While it’s fantastic as is, this recipe is also easily adaptable to your family’s preferences and what you have on hand. We’ll explore variations later on.
- Comfort Food Classic: Chicken and stuffing casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying – perfect for cozy evenings.
The 4 Simple Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Let’s break down the four essential ingredients that make this casserole so easy and flavorful:
- Chicken: The heart of the dish, providing protein and savory flavor. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenderloins. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and makes it easier to eat. Using raw chicken directly in the casserole simplifies the process and infuses flavor throughout the dish as it bakes.
- Cream of Soup: This creamy base binds the casserole together and adds rich flavor. Cream of chicken soup is classic, but cream of celery or even cream of mushroom soup work wonderfully too, offering slight variations in taste. For a richer flavor, consider using “family size” cans if available.
- Milk: Milk thins out the condensed soup to create a luscious sauce that coats the chicken and stuffing. It adds moisture and creaminess to the casserole. You can use any type of milk you have on hand – whole milk, 2%, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond milk will work. For extra richness, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half can be used.
- Stove Top Stuffing Mix: This pantry staple is the magic ingredient that adds incredible flavor and texture with minimal effort. Chicken flavor Stove Top stuffing mix is a classic pairing with chicken casserole, but you can experiment with other flavors like savory herbs or cornbread stuffing for a different twist. The stuffing absorbs the chicken broth and soup mixture as it bakes, creating a moist and flavorful topping.
A glass dish with Chicken and Stuffing Casserole and a serving spoon with some in the foreground.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your 4 Ingredient Casserole
Ready to make this incredibly easy chicken and stuffing casserole? Here’s how:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 11×7 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the raw chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish, spreading them in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together one 10.5 ounce can of cream of celery soup, one 10.5 ounce can of cream of chicken soup, and ¼ cup of milk until smooth and well combined. This simple sauce is the key to the casserole’s creamy texture and comforting flavor.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring all the chicken is coated. Sprinkle one 6 ounce box of Stove Top chicken stuffing mix evenly over the soup layer. Finally, pour 1 ½ cups of chicken broth over the stuffing mix, making sure to moisten all of the stuffing. This broth is essential for cooking the stuffing and creating a gravy-like sauce at the bottom of the casserole.
Chicken tenderloins, kosher salt, black pepper, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, milK, Stove Top stuffing mix, chicken broth, and parsley.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking will allow the stuffing to lightly brown and crisp up on top. Ensure the chicken is cooked through – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness. When serving, spoon the casserole onto plates, making sure to scoop up some of the delicious, creamy gravy from the bottom of the dish and drizzle it over each serving.
a collage of two photos: a baking dish filled with diced chicken tenderloins and a glass bowl of cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk.
a collage of two photos: a glass baking dish with chicken and a mixture of milk, cream of chicken, and cream of celery soup on top and a baking dish of chicken, soup mixtures, and chicken stovetop stuffing on top.
A casserole dish full of Chicken and Stuffing casserole.
A serving of Chicken and Stuffing Casserole on a serving spoon.
Tips and Variations for Your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Make this 4 ingredient chicken and stuffing casserole your own with these helpful tips and delicious variations:
- Chicken Variety: Feel free to use chicken breasts, thighs, or tenderloins – all work equally well. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to further speed up the process. If using rotisserie chicken, reduce the baking time slightly as the chicken is already cooked through.
- Soup Swaps: Experiment with different cream soups! Cream of mushroom, cream of broccoli, or even cheddar cheese soup can create exciting flavor profiles. For a lighter option, try using reduced-sodium or fat-free cream soups.
- Veggie Boost: Add vegetables to make it a more complete meal. Frozen mixed vegetables, peas, carrots, or green beans are easy additions. Simply thaw frozen veggies and layer them over the chicken before adding the soup mixture.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor with herbs. Dried thyme, rosemary, or sage sprinkled over the stuffing mix add a wonderful aromatic touch. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be used as a garnish.
- Cheesy Goodness: For a cheesy chicken and stuffing casserole, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese over the stuffing during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Fluffier Stuffing: If you prefer a fluffier stuffing topping, prepare the Stove Top stuffing according to package directions before adding it to the casserole. Omit the additional chicken broth poured over the stuffing in the casserole if you pre-moisten the stuffing.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of Cajun seasoning, paprika, or garlic powder to the chicken for an extra layer of flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed green vegetables, or cranberry sauce for a more festive meal.
Perfect Pioneer Woman Style Comfort Food
This 4 ingredient chicken and stuffing casserole is a testament to simple, delicious, and family-friendly cooking – everything Pioneer Woman recipes are known for. It’s a no-fuss meal that delivers big on flavor and comfort. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Try this recipe tonight and experience the ease and deliciousness of this classic comfort food!
