If you’re searching for a cozy, hearty meal that’s easy to whip up and full of flavor, this Rotisserie Chicken and Stuffing Casserole recipe is a perfect choice. Combining shredded rotisserie chicken, savory stuffing, creamy soup, and tender vegetables, this casserole brings the essence of a classic holiday meal to your dinner table in just a fraction of the time. It’s a family favorite and works wonders as a quick weeknight meal, potluck dish, or even a holiday side. Below, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions, tips for customizing the casserole, and helpful storage tips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and effort.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole reheats well and makes for excellent leftovers.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Great for Feeding a Crowd: This hearty casserole can be scaled up and is always a hit at gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Rotisserie Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 package of Stove Top stuffing mix (or more if desired): The stuffing mix provides a savory, seasoned base and complements the chicken well.
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken, cooked and shredded: Rotisserie chicken adds tenderness and flavor, cutting down on prep time.
- 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth: Either option works well, though chicken broth will add more depth.
- ¼ cup butter: Used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness.
- 3 stalks of celery, diced: Adds a mild, aromatic crunch to the dish.
- 1 onion, diced: For added flavor, sautéed onions bring a comforting warmth.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: A creamy element that enhances the casserole’s richness.
- ½ can cream of mushroom soup: Adds an earthy depth and complements the creaminess.
- 8 ounces sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, balancing out the savory elements.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is essential to bring out all flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Rotisserie Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will make for an easier cleanup and help the casserole bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mix
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add in the stuffing mix, stirring until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside to let it fluff up. If you prefer more stuffing, you can add an additional package.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the casserole, adding a savory, aromatic component.
Step 4: Mix the Soups and Sour Cream
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half a can of cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will serve as the rich, creamy layer of the casserole that binds the ingredients together.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients in the Baking Dish
Start by placing the shredded rotisserie chicken at the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the sautéed onions and celery over the chicken, adding a touch of salt and pepper to season the base. Next, pour the soup and sour cream mixture over the onions and celery, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Add the Stuffing and Bake
Fluff the prepared stuffing with a fork, then spread it evenly over the top of the soup mixture. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the dish is bubbly and the stuffing is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Choosing the Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor, but feel free to use any cooked, shredded chicken you have on hand.
- Make it Cheesy: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, between the soup mixture and stuffing layer.
- Add Vegetables: To make this casserole even heartier, consider adding vegetables like green beans, carrots, or peas.
- Use Homemade Stuffing: If you prefer a homemade stuffing mix, simply combine dried bread cubes with melted butter and seasonings for a personalized touch.
Variations of Rotisserie Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to change things up:
- Herbed Stuffing Mix: Use an herb-flavored stuffing mix to elevate the flavors.
- Different Cream Soups: Try using cream of celery or cream of broccoli for unique flavor variations.
- Low-Fat Option: Substitute low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cream soups for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
This Rotisserie Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with sides like:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans add color and balance.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with leafy greens provides a crisp contrast.
- Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up the creamy casserole sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers
This casserole is excellent for meal prep and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing
You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed.
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This is ideal for holidays or meal prep.
Can I use homemade shredded chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, any cooked, shredded chicken works well. However, rotisserie chicken adds a great flavor without extra work.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing mix and verify that the cream soups and chicken broth are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Rotisserie Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting, savory dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With minimal prep, it offers an impressive blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own with added vegetables or spices, this casserole is bound to be a hit. Enjoy the delightful blend of creamy, savory stuffing and tender chicken in every bite!
