Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe with Zucchini: A Comfort Food Delight
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I am a big fan of stuffing. While some might consider it an optional side dish reserved solely for Thanksgiving, I find stuffing absolutely irresistible. Moreover, I believe stuffing should be enjoyed year-round, not just during the holiday season. Therefore, I, Julia Pacheco, hereby declare stuffing an “any time” food! To commemorate this momentous occasion, I’m sharing my recipe for Chicken Stuffing Casserole with Zucchini. This casserole is creamy, savory, carb-loaded, and utterly delicious!
Want to skip the boxed stuffing mix? Click here for my easy homemade stuffing recipe, which works perfectly in this casserole.
Let’s elevate stuffing beyond its traditional Thanksgiving confinement and dive into this fantastic recipe!
Chicken Stuffing Casserole Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This Chicken Stuffing Casserole recipe utilizes Stove Top stuffing mix for an easy and cost-effective base. The pre-seasoned mix reduces the need for extensive seasoning, resulting in a flavorful dish. However, if you prefer a completely homemade experience, my easy Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is an excellent alternative.
I opt for making my own cream of chicken soup from scratch, but feel free to substitute with a 10-ounce can of store-bought cream of chicken soup for added convenience. This will further simplify the recipe, making it even quicker to prepare.
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable casserole:
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Zucchini
- Yellow onion
- Stove Top Savory Herbs Stuffing mix (or homemade stuffing)
- Melted butter
- Shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked and shredded chicken)
- Sour cream
Let’s delve deeper into each ingredient and understand its role in crafting this perfect Chicken Stuffing Casserole:
- Butter: Essential for creating a rich and flavorful cream sauce, and for binding the stuffing together. You’ll need it both for the sauce and for the stuffing mix.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture.
- Chicken Broth: Provides the base liquid for the cream sauce, imparting a savory chicken flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce, creating a luscious consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
- Zucchini: Adds a touch of freshness and subtle sweetness, contributing to the casserole’s overall texture and nutritional value. Diced zucchini blends seamlessly into the mixture.
- Yellow Onion: Provides aromatic depth and savory notes, complementing the other vegetables and chicken. Diced onions ensure even distribution of flavor.
- Stove Top Savory Herbs Stuffing Mix: The heart of the casserole, adding a blend of herbs and breadcrumbs that create a comforting and familiar taste. Homemade stuffing can be substituted for a more rustic flavor.
- Melted Butter: Helps to bind the stuffing mix together, creating a cohesive and flavorful topping.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: A convenient and flavorful source of protein. Rotisserie chicken provides a tender and juicy component to the casserole. Alternatively, you can cook your own chicken and shred it to save on costs.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy and creamy element, enhancing the overall richness and flavor of the casserole.
With these readily available ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a Chicken Stuffing Casserole that will delight your taste buds and become a family favorite!
How to Make Chicken Stuffing Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Chicken Stuffing Casserole isn’t difficult at all! To simplify things further, you can always opt for a 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup instead of making the creamy sauce from scratch. However, if you have all the necessary ingredients and want to give the homemade sauce a try, it’s surprisingly simple to create and adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. I personally recommend these pots and pans. Whisk in the flour and cook until it turns a light golden color, forming a thick paste-like consistency. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring thorough stirring to prevent lumps. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well to ensure the stuffing is evenly coated. Set aside a generous handful of the prepared stuffing – this will be used as a topping later.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the creamy sauce (or the can of cream of chicken soup, if using), shredded chicken, diced zucchini, diced yellow onion, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the large bowl containing the majority of the stuffing. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in the sauce.
- Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (I recommend these baking dishes). Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved stuffing over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Stuffing Casserole as a main dish alongside a fresh side salad, or enjoy it on its own.
Following these simple steps will result in a comforting and satisfying Chicken Stuffing Casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck gathering. The combination of savory chicken, flavorful stuffing, and creamy sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Here are some helpful tips for achieving the best results:
- Don’t Overcook the Sauce: When making the creamy sauce, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become too thick and difficult to work with. If it does thicken too much, simply add a little more chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your personal preferences. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, for added flavor.
- Use a Variety of Vegetables: While zucchini and yellow onion are the featured vegetables in this recipe, you can easily substitute or add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
- Make it Ahead of Time: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve.
- Freeze for Later: The Chicken Stuffing Casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Experiment with these variations and tips to create a Chicken Stuffing Casserole that’s perfectly tailored to your taste!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself growing tired of the same old chicken recipes. Introducing fun and exciting variations into your meal rotation can keep things interesting and prevent culinary boredom. I think you’ll absolutely love these other chicken recipes:
- Slow Cooker Stuffing Chicken: A super easy recipe, and a great way to enjoy the stuffing flavors without having to slave over a complicated dish.
- Zesty Healthy Orange Chicken: A flavorful and healthier take on a classic favorite, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken: Bacon wrapped stuffed chicken is the ultimate chicken dinner. Make it tonight.
Beyond the recipes listed above, there are countless other ways to elevate your chicken dishes. Consider experimenting with different marinades, sauces, and spice combinations to create unique and flavorful meals.
Here are a few additional ideas to spark your culinary creativity:
- Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken: A classic and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special occasion.
- Chicken Stir-Fry: A quick and healthy meal that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and sauces.
- Chicken Enchiladas: A cheesy and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for a casual gathering.
- Chicken Pot Pie: A comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: A fun and easy way to enjoy chicken on the grill, perfect for summer barbecues.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. The possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking with chicken!
Chicken Stuffing Casserole with Zucchini
Julia Pacheco
15 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
4
servings
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