Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Delight Casserole
This mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Delight Casserole combines the savory goodness of seasoned stuffing with tender chicken and a creamy, cheesy layer. Inspired by my Aunt Debbie's generous spirit and the quirky charm of 'The Treasury of White Trash Cooking', this dish is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. It's hearty, comforting, and loaded with flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a hassle-free choice for your next meal.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Seasoned stuffing mix
1 (6 ounce) package (Dry)
Water
1 cup (Warm)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Cooked chicken
2 1/2 cups (Shredded or chopped)
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Celery
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (N/A)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Eggs
2 (Slightly beaten)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (N/A)
Cheddar cheese
3 cups (Grated)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the seasoned stuffing mix, warm water, and melted butter. Stir until well combined and let stand for about 5 minutes.
2
Spread half of the stuffing mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
3
In another bowl, mix the cooked chicken, chopped onion, celery, and mayonnaise until everything is well coated.
4
Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the stuffing layer, ensuring good coverage.
5
In the same bowl used for the stuffing, mix the remaining stuffing mixture with the beaten eggs and milk until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken layer.
6
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7
One hour before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Spread the cream of chicken soup over the top layer.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
9
After 40 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and generously sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top.
10
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken & Stuffing Delight Casserole?
It is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal that combines seasoned stuffing, tender cooked chicken, and a creamy, cheesy layer, inspired by family recipes and classic comfort cooking.
What are the main ingredients in this casserole?
The main ingredients include seasoned stuffing mix, cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, celery, onion, eggs, and milk.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
Do I need to cook the chicken before assembling the casserole?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of chicken that is already cooked and then shredded or chopped.
What type of stuffing mix should I use?
You should use one 6-ounce package of dry seasoned stuffing mix.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the recipe specifically instructs you to cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight before baking to allow the flavors to meld.
What size baking dish is needed?
You will need a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It bakes for 40 minutes initially, then an additional 10 minutes after adding the cheese, for a total of 50 minutes.
When do I add the cream of chicken soup?
The cream of chicken soup should be spread over the top layer one hour before baking, after removing the dish from the refrigerator.
How much cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
Do I need to prepare the stuffing mix first?
Yes, combine the stuffing mix with 1 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of melted butter and let it stand for 5 minutes before layering.
What role does mayonnaise play in the recipe?
Mayonnaise is mixed with the chicken, onion, and celery to create a moist and flavorful middle layer.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe specifies cheddar, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack if preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Absolutely; its hearty nature and easy serving style make it an excellent choice for potlucks and large gatherings.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the instructions state to bake the casserole uncovered.
What provides the liquid for the top stuffing layer?
The top stuffing layer is mixed with 2 slightly beaten eggs and 1 1/2 cups of milk.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, while it already contains onion and celery, you could easily add peas or carrots to the chicken mixture.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
The dish is inspired by the creator's Aunt Debbie and the book 'The Treasury of White Trash Cooking'.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
How should I prep the onion and celery?
Both the onion and celery should be finely chopped before being added to the chicken mixture.
What is the first step in assembling the layers?
The first step is spreading half of the prepared stuffing mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Can I use cream of mushroom instead of cream of chicken?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute depending on your preference.
Why must the casserole sit out for an hour before baking?
Taking it out an hour early allows it to lose the refrigerator chill, ensuring it bakes evenly.
How much salt is included?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the ingredient list, there is no added sugar in this savory dish.
What kind of milk should I use?
Any standard dairy milk works well for binding the top stuffing layer.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used to moisten the stuffing mix if butter is unavailable.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What makes this a 'comfort food' dish?
The combination of warm stuffing, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates a rich, satisfying texture typical of classic comfort food.