Herb-infused Chicken and Savory Stuffing Casserole is the kind of comforting dish that makes your home smell amazing and warms you up from the inside out. This recipe balances hearty flavors with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Chicken breasts: These act as the protein base for the dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Using boneless, skinless keeps it lean and simple.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the stuffing, making it flavorful and fluffy.
Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
Onion, celery, and garlic: These aromatics build a savory base and add texture to the stuffing.
Thyme and sage: Classic herbs that give the dish its fragrant, homely flavor.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice to enhance the other flavors.
Mushrooms: Contribute an earthy flavor and add a bit of texture to the stuffing.
Herb-seasoned stuffing mix: The backbone of the dish, bringing all the flavors together in a convenient package.
Cream of chicken soup: Provides creaminess and ties the chicken and stuffing together.
Sour cream: Adds a hint of tanginess and smooth texture to the sauce.
Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors nicely.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks. This will make cleanup a breeze later.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s sizzling, toss in the diced onion, celery, garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
Next, sprinkle in the thyme, sage, and black pepper. Stir the mixture around for another minute to let those herbs release their fragrance. Your kitchen should smell fantastic by now.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the herb-seasoned stuffing mix. Pour in the chicken broth, using a spoon to combine everything thoroughly. This mixture should be moist but not too wet.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth. This will be the creamy layer that keeps the chicken juicy.
Lay the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, and spread the soup mixture evenly over them, ensuring each piece is well covered.
Top the chicken with the stuffing mixture, spreading it out to create an even layer. This ensures each bite has a perfect balance of chicken and stuffing.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the final dish.