Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Creamy Chicken & Stuffing Bake (Cozy, Comforting & Family-Friendly)

Sarah Smith
Jan 20
3 min read

Golden-brown breadcrumb-topped casserole with creamy chicken is served in a white dish. A spoon is scooping a portion.

Warm, creamy, and topped with buttery stuffing, this Creamy Chicken & Stuffing Bake is the kind of cozy casserole that makes dinnertime feel effortless. Tender chicken is baked in a rich, savory sauce and finished with a golden stuffing topping for a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends at home.

This easy chicken casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, Honey-Glazed Carrots, or Crispy Roasted Potatoes, and it fits right in alongside other comfort-food favorites like Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole or Reuben Bake. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers classic, cozy flavor every time.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, comforting casserole with classic chicken & stuffing flavor
Easy to assemble with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals
Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
Cozy comfort food that never goes out of style

Recipe Card

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information

(Approximate, per serving) Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Calories: ~460
Protein: ~28 g
Carbohydrates: ~32 g
Fat: ~24 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Sugar: ~4 g
Sodium: ~780 m

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk or chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the stuffing topping:

1 box (6 oz) chicken-flavored stuffing mix
½ cup melted butter
½ cup hot chicken broth or water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare stuffing: In a separate bowl, combine stuffing mix with melted butter and hot broth. Stir gently.
Top & bake: Sprinkle stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and the top is golden.
Rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add steamed broccoli, peas, or green beans for a veggie boost.
Swap cheddar for Colby-Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
For extra richness, add a splash of cream instead of milk.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
Store leftovers: Airtight container, up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze baked casserole up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes — rotisserie chicken works perfectly and makes this recipe even quicker to assemble.

What kind of stuffing works best? Chicken-flavored boxed stuffing is ideal, but herb or turkey-style stuffing also works well.

How do I keep the stuffing from drying out? Make sure the stuffing mixture is evenly moistened before baking, and avoid overbaking. If needed, loosely tent with foil during the last few minutes.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes — steamed broccoli, peas, green beans, or sautéed mushrooms all blend nicely with the creamy chicken base.

What should I serve with Creamy Chicken & Stuffing Bake? This casserole pairs well with a Classic Southern Garden Salad, Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts, or classic sides like Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Honey-glazed carrots.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken & Stuffing Bake is everything a cozy casserole should be — simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying. With its creamy chicken base and buttery stuffing topping, it’s a reliable family favorite you’ll come back to again and again, especially when you want an easy dinner that feels warm and homemade.