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Chicken and Stuffing Casserole – A comforting family dinner featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a flavorful stuffing topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, this hearty casserole combines simple ingredients like green beans, savory sausage, and classic seasonings for a meal thatu2019s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
½ yellow onion, finely diced
1 stick celery, finely diced
3 cooked sausage links, finely diced (see notes)
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 ½ cups frozen green beans, thawed and patted dry

Sauce Mixture:

10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon ground sage

Stuffing Topping:

6 oz. dry stuffing mix (see notes)
1 ½ cups chicken broth

Instructions

Prep Work

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and sausage. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Casserole

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry. Place the chicken evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, dried thyme, and ground sage. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken.
Layer the thawed green beans on top of the sauce. For softer green beans, gently press them into the sauce.
In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix, chicken broth, and the sautéed onion, celery, and sausage mixture. Spread this stuffing mixture evenly over the casserole.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp slightly.

Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes and quick chicken gravy for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Favorite: Combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory stuffing for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and minimal prep work make this perfect for weeknight dinners.
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assembles easily for a convenient dinner solution.

Tips

Pat the chicken dry before layering to ensure a better texture.
Thaw and pat the green beans dry to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
For extra flavor, use seasoned stuffing mix or add fresh herbs to the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and the sausage with plant-based alternatives.
Alternative Proteins: Swap chicken with turkey or ham for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Choices: Substitute green beans with broccoli, carrots, or a vegetable medley.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and cream of chicken soup.

FAQs

Q: Can I use raw sausage instead of cooked links?
A: Yes, cook and crumble the sausage fully before adding it to the sautéed onion and celery mixture.

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and homemade chicken gravy for a comforting meal.
Add a side of fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for added nutrients.
Pair with dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.