• Rotisserie Chicken Size Matters: The quantity of shredded chicken in your casserole will directly depend on the size of the rotisserie chicken you select. Keep this in mind when purchasing to ensure you have enough succulent chicken for a generous dish. A larger bird means more delicious meat for your creamy casserole!
• Pre-cooked Chicken: Since you’re using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, the casserole primarily needs to heat through and allow the stuffing to crisp. This significantly reduces overall cooking time compared to starting with raw chicken, making it a truly quick weeknight option.
• Prepare Your Ingredients: Having all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start assembling will make the process even smoother. Shred your chicken, defrost and drain green beans, and have your soups and milk ready to mix.

Pro-Tip for Browning: If you observe the stuffing browning too rapidly, simply cover your baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Remember to check frequently, as the trapped heat can expedite cooking, potentially shortening your bake time.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Casserole

1. Maximizing Your Rotisserie Chicken Yield

   The actual amount of shredded chicken you’ll obtain for your casserole largely depends on the initial weight of your rotisserie chicken and how thoroughly you manage to remove all the meat from the bones. For instance, an average rotisserie chicken from a store like Costco can range anywhere from 2 to 6 pounds, including the bones. From such a bird, you can typically expect to yield approximately 1 to 3 pounds of usable, edible chicken meat. Aim for the higher end if you want a really hearty casserole.

2. Strategic Seasoning with Brined Chicken

   If your chosen rotisserie chicken was brined prior to cooking – a common practice that enhances flavor and moisture – exercise caution with any additional salt you introduce to the meat. Brines are often quite potent in salt content. To avoid an overly salty casserole, taste the shredded chicken first and adjust your seasoning accordingly. It’s always easier to add more salt than to fix an overly salty dish.

3. Don’t Waste Those Bones: Make Nutrient-Rich Broth!

   After you’ve meticulously removed all the delicious meat for your casserole, resist the urge to discard the rotisserie chicken bones! These bones are a goldmine for crafting a deeply flavorful and incredibly nutrient-rich bone broth. Homemade bone broth is a personal favorite; it’s wonderful sipped from a mug for a comforting boost or used as a superior substitute for store-bought chicken broth in virtually any recipe. Making your own is surprisingly simple, and I’ve shared fantastic methods for creating Instant Pot bone broth, Crockpot bone broth, and even traditional stovetop bone broth – ensuring nothing goes to waste!

4. Making Ahead & Freezing for Convenience

   This casserole is fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble the entire dish (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold. For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Once cooled, individual portions can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Important Note: Modifying recipes can sometimes lead to unexpected results. The substitutions and variations suggested here are simple changes I believe will work well, but outcomes are not guaranteed. Always trust your culinary instincts!

Recipe By:
Cheryl Malik

Creamy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Prep
20 minutes

Cook
30 minutes

Total
50 minutes

A quick and easy one-pan dinner that combines tender protein with two classic sides and a luscious creamy sauce, delivering all the comforting flavors of the holiday season in a convenient package!

Cheryl Malik

Equipment

• Oven
• 9×13 baking dish
• Neutral-flavored spray oil
• 2 medium mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula
• Fork

Ingredients

• 3-5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
• 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen green beans, defrosted and drained; or 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans, drained
• 1 (8-ounce) package savory herb-seasoned stuffing mix
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• ½ cup water or ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with neutral-flavored cooking spray, ensuring to coat both the bottom and inner sides of the dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Evenly spread the 3-5 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure the base is completely covered with chicken. Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
3. In your first medium mixing bowl, combine the 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup, the 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 cup of milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess), a pinch of salt, and a good amount of freshly ground black pepper. Stir all these ingredients together vigorously until they are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
4. Carefully transfer the creamy soup mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the layer of shredded rotisserie chicken using a silicone spatula.
5. Next, spread the 12-ounce bag of defrosted and drained frozen green beans (or canned green beans) evenly across the creamy soup layer, creating a distinct middle layer.
6. In your second medium mixing bowl, combine the 8-ounce package of savory herb-seasoned stuffing mix, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of water (or low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor), and ¼ cup of dried cranberries. Stir these ingredients together until the stuffing mix is moistened and well blended with the other components.
7. Evenly spread the prepared stuffing mixture across the top of the green bean layer, ensuring it completely covers the green beans and forms a delicious top crust for the casserole.
8. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is visibly bubbling around the edges and the stuffing layer appears moist and cooked through with a golden-brown finish.
9. Once the casserole is fully baked and beautifully golden, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Gently fluff the stuffing layer with a fork to enhance its texture, then serve the casserole warm with your desired side dishes. Enjoy this comforting and easy meal!

Made this Delicious Casserole?

We’d love to see your creations! Tag @40aprons on Instagram and make sure to leave a review on the blog post to share your experience!

Can I use homemade shredded chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is chosen for its convenience, feel free to use homemade shredded chicken. Cook chicken breasts or thighs (poached, baked, or pan-fried) and then shred them. Ensure it’s seasoned well before adding to the casserole for maximum flavor.

What if I don’t like cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can easily substitute it with another can of cream of chicken soup, or a can of cream of celery soup for a slightly different, yet still complementary, flavor profile. You could also try a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup for a cheesy twist!

Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to step 7, before baking) and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to the total bake time if baking from cold.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or a conventional oven until warmed through. Covering with foil when reheating in the oven can help prevent drying.

Can I freeze this creamy chicken casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well! Once completely cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave. Note that the stuffing topping might lose a little crispness after freezing and reheating.

What kind of green beans are best?

While the recipe specifies frozen or canned green beans, French-style cut green beans often provide a more delicate texture that blends beautifully into the creamy layers. Regular cut green beans work perfectly too; it’s largely a matter of personal preference.