There’s just something about stuffing, isn’t there? That warm, herby, comforting hug in a dish. It’s my go-to when I really need something satisfying, and today, I’m sharing exactly What I Cook When I Crave Stuffing Recipes – a super simple, unbelievably delicious chicken and stuffing casserole that hits all the right notes. Trust me, this dish is pure comfort, born from those moments when you have to get creative in the kitchen. As Dr. Thompson, your Food Safety & Quality Assurance Director, I can assure you it’s as reliable as it is tasty!
What I Cook When I Crave Stuffing Recipes: A Comforting Casserole
You know those days? The ones where only something warm, savory, and just begging for a forkful of stuffing will do? That’s precisely when this recipe, What I Cook When I Crave Stuffing Recipes, comes to my rescue. It’s a ridiculously easy chicken and stuffing casserole that feels like a big warm hug. Forget complicated loaves; this is all about pure, unadulterated comfort food that comes together fast. You can find more amazing quick dinner ideas here!
Gather Your Ingredients for What I Cook When I Crave Stuffing Recipes
So, you’re ready to whip up this little bit of heaven? Awesome! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pretty standard pantry stuff, which makes it perfect for those spontaneous cravings. You don’t need to run to the fancy store for anything. Here’s what you’ll need to get going:
For the Casserole
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (6 ounce) box chicken flavored stuffing mix
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Step-by-Step Guide to Making What I Cook When I Crave Stuffing Recipes
Alright, let’s get this comfort food party started! Making this dish is super straightforward, even if you’re new to the kitchen. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, delicious casserole in no time.
Preparation and Initial Assembly
First things first, get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray with some cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until they’re nicely combined. This creamy goodness is going to bring everything together. Now, grab your bite-sized chicken pieces, pop them into the prepared dish, and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread them out so they’re in a single layer – this helps them cook evenly.
Layering and Baking Instructions
Next, spoon that creamy soup mixture all over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated in that savory goodness. Now for the stuffing! Sprinkle the dry chicken-flavored stuffing mix evenly over the soup layer. This is where the magic really starts to happen. Slowly drizzle the chicken broth over the stuffing. You want it all to get nice and moistened, so don’t be shy! Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil – this traps the steam and helps everything cook through beautifully. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes, or until you see it bubbling around the edges and the stuffing on top is golden brown and delicious. Serve it up hot and get ready for the compliments!
Tips for Perfect Stuffing Casserole
Sure, this recipe is super easy, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely perfect every single time. When I’m aiming for that ultimate comfort food experience, I always keep these in mind. First off, use good quality cream of chicken soup – it really makes a difference in the flavor depth. And don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken; a little salt and pepper goes a long way to make sure every bite is delicious. If you want to jazz it up, try adding some fresh or dried herbs like sage or thyme to the stuffing mix for an extra herby kick. For more ideas on boosting your cooking game, check out my recipe collection!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients because, honestly, sometimes you need a little wiggle room, right? For the cream of chicken soup, if you can’t find it or just prefer something else, cream of mushroom or even cream of celery soup works like a charm. They’ll give it a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor profile. And if you’re looking for gluten-free options? No sweat! You can totally use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and a gluten-free stuffing mix. Just make sure to check those labels carefully! You can find some fantastic gluten-free ideas here if you’re feeling adventurous.
Serving Suggestions for Your Stuffing Casserole
This chicken and stuffing bake is a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a few simple things to make it a full feast. A crisp green salad is always a winner, adding a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. For something heartier, you can’t go wrong with roasted root vegetables, or maybe some steamed green beans with a sprinkle of almonds. If you’re feeling ambitious, a lighter option like vegetarian stir-fry or a hearty beef stew makes for a fantastic, comforting spread!
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffing Recipes
Got stuffing questions? I’ve got answers! It’s super common to wonder about making things ahead or jazzing up a recipe. Here are a few things folks often ask about this chicken and stuffing casserole. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out!
Can I make this stuffing casserole ahead of time?
Oh yes! You absolutely can assemble this casserole up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time when you pop it in the oven. It’s perfect for busy holidays!
What are some variations for this stuffing recipe?
You can easily switch things up! Toss in some chopped celery or onions with the chicken, add a pinch more sage or thyme to the stuffing mix, or even swap out the chicken for cooked turkey if you have leftovers. It’s a forgiving recipe!
Is this a traditional bread stuffing?
This recipe uses a chicken-flavored stuffing mix, which creates a wonderfully savory topping. While it’s not a loaf made from scratch with chunks of bread, it definitely has that beloved stuffing flavor and texture we all crave, especially with those yummy herbs!
Nutritional Information Estimate
Just so you know, the numbers for this dish are an estimate because, well, we all cook a little differently! On average, you’re looking at around 221 calories per serving, with about 29 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of fat. It’s a hearty serving that fits right in for a comforting meal. For more details on how we handle data, you can check out our privacy policy.
Share Your Creations!
I just LOVE hearing about your kitchen adventures! Did you try this chicken and stuffing casserole? I’d be thrilled if you shared your experience, maybe even rated it, or left a comment below. Let me know how it turned out for you! You can learn more about me and my kitchen adventures here.
What I Cook When I Crave Stuffing Recipes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk. Set this mixture aside.
- Place the chicken chunks into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper, stirring to ensure each piece is seasoned. Arrange the chicken in a single layer.
- Spread the soup mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure all the chicken pieces are covered.
- Sprinkle the chicken flavored stuffing mix over the soup mixture.
- Slowly drizzle the chicken broth over the stuffing, ensuring it is all moistened.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the stuffing is browned.
- Serve hot.
