Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 6 cups prepared stuffing (homemade or store-bought; I prefer a sage and onion mix for that classic flavor)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter twist)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a milder taste)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, but adds a lovely richness)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Substitution tips: If you prefer dairy-free, swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free cream soup alternative. For a gluten-free option, make your own stuffing with gluten-free bread and herbs. I’ve often played around with the herbs depending on what’s fresh from the garden — rosemary and marjoram make lovely additions too.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, prepared stuffing, and sautéed onions and garlic. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and cream of mushroom soup until smooth. Stir in the dried thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and stuffing mixture. Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, if using.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole settle and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
A little tip from my kitchen: If you want a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. I’ve found that this step adds a lovely texture contrast that my girls absolutely love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
