Description
Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Stuffing Casserole brings comfort and classic American home cooking to dinner tables. Creamy chicken, herbed stuffing, and golden cheese create a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings or quick weeknight dinners that satisfy hunger and warm hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 4 ½ cups (675g) shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup (150g) chopped onion
- 1 cup (130g) chopped carrot
- 1 cup (100g) chopped celery
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
Liquid and Cream Ingredients:
- 6 cups (1.4L) low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (225g / 8 ounces) salted butter, divided
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- Two 6-ounce (170g each) packages of savory herb-flavored stuffing mix
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken casserole.
- Melt 1/2 cup (112g) butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Introduce finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until they soften and become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Dust the sautéed vegetables with flour, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth base for the sauce. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in 4 cups (950ml) of chicken broth, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate shredded chicken, green peas, heavy cream, fresh thyme, salt, ground pepper, and turmeric into the sauce. Gently simmer for an additional 3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Prepare a 13-by-9-inch (33-by-23-cm) baking dish with non-stick spray. Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly.
- Microwave the remaining 1/2 cup (112g) butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute until completely melted. Mix the stuffing mix with the remaining 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth and chopped parsley, letting it rest for 2 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Spread the prepared stuffing mixture uniformly over the chicken base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Sweet twist awaits with holiday leftovers transformed into a comforting casserole that brings family memories back to life.
- Turkey works brilliantly as a chicken substitute, making this recipe perfect for post-celebration meal planning.
- Moisture matters most when preparing stuffing, ensuring each bite remains deliciously tender and flavorful.
- Bread absorption technique prevents dry or soggy texture by allowing liquid to soak thoroughly before baking.
- Regional culinary traditions define whether your side dish gets called stuffing or dressing, reflecting personal family heritage.
- Cooking chicken beforehand saves significant preparation time, with rotisserie options providing maximum convenience.
- Chicken broth mixed directly into stuffing creates golden, crispy topping that elevates the entire casserole experience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg