ROTISSERIE CHICKEN AND STUFFING CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

1 package of Stove Top stuffing mix (or more if desired)
1 whole rotisserie chicken, cooked and shredded
1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
¼ cup butter
3 stalks of celery, diced
1 onion, diced
1 can cream of chicken soup
½ can cream of mushroom soup
8 ounces sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Stuffing

Bring the water (or chicken broth) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add in the stuffing mix once the liquid boils. Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let it sit aside. Fluff with a fork when done.

3. Sauté Vegetables

In a skillet, heat up the butter and add the diced onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Mix Soups and Sour Cream

In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream until well combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Place the shredded rotisserie chicken at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the sautéed onions and celery over the chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the soup mixture evenly over the vegetables and chicken. Finally, top with the prepared stuffing mix, spreading it out evenly.

6. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this delicious meal.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top of the casserole before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Pair with a Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors of the casserole.
Complement with Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots make great side dishes.
Serve with Bread: Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Add a Dollop of Cranberry Sauce: For a festive touch, serve with a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side, reminiscent of Thanksgiving flavors.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate Leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Later: If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat Properly: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). For individual portions, microwave on medium heat until warmed.
Avoid Drying Out: When reheating in the oven, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to the casserole to keep it from drying out.
Label and Date: Always label and date your leftovers and frozen portions to keep track of their freshness.

Enjoy your Rotisserie Chicken and Stuffing Casserole fresh out of the oven or as a convenient leftover meal!

Variations:

1. Cheesy Casserole

Add a rich, creamy cheese layer to your casserole:

Ingredients: 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Method: After spreading the soup mixture over the vegetables and chicken, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top before adding the stuffing. Proceed with baking as directed.
Flavor: This adds a deliciously gooey, cheesy layer that complements the savory stuffing and chicken.

2. Vegetable-Packed

Boost the nutritional value by incorporating more vegetables:

Ingredients: 1 cup of peas, 1 cup of diced carrots, or 1 cup of green beans
Method: Mix your choice of vegetables into the sautéed onions and celery before layering them over the chicken. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables (drained).
Flavor: This variation adds color, texture, and nutritional value, making the dish more wholesome.

3. Herb-Infused

Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs:

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage, finely chopped
Method: Stir the fresh herbs into the stuffing mix before spreading it on top of the casserole.
Flavor: The herbs infuse the dish with aromatic flavors, giving it a more gourmet touch.

4. Creamy Alfredo

Give the casserole an Italian twist:

Ingredients: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery soup, add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Method: Mix the Parmesan cheese into the soup and sour cream mixture. Proceed with the recipe as directed.
Flavor: This variation introduces a creamy, cheesy flavor similar to Alfredo sauce.

5. Spicy Kick

Add some heat for those who love spicy food:

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1-2 diced jalapeños
Method: Mix the red pepper flakes or jalapeños into the soup mixture before spreading it over the chicken and vegetables.
Flavor: The spicy elements add a zesty kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

6. Gluten-Free

Modify the recipe to accommodate gluten-free diets:

Ingredients: Gluten-free stuffing mix, ensure the soups used are gluten-free
Method: Follow the recipe as directed, substituting with gluten-free products where necessary.
Flavor: This version retains all the delicious flavors while being suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

7. Mushroom Lovers

Enhance the umami flavor by adding mushrooms:

Ingredients: 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
Method: Sauté the mushrooms with the onions and celery, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Flavor: The mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor and additional texture.

8. Bacon Addition

Incorporate crispy bacon for extra savory goodness:

Ingredients: 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Method: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the soup mixture before adding the stuffing.
Flavor: Bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch that elevates the dish.

9. Ranch Flavored

Introduce a tangy ranch flavor:

Ingredients: 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
Method: Mix the ranch seasoning into the soup and sour cream mixture before spreading it over the chicken and vegetables.
Flavor: This variation gives the casserole a tangy, herby flavor that complements the chicken and stuffing.

10. Lightened-Up

Make a healthier version with reduced-fat ingredients:

Ingredients: Use reduced-fat soups, sour cream, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach
Method: Follow the recipe as directed, using reduced-fat ingredients and incorporating additional vegetables.
Flavor: This lighter version maintains the delicious flavors while being lower in calories and fat.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of stuffing mix?

Yes, you can use any type of stuffing mix you prefer. Whether it’s a homemade stuffing mix or a different brand, feel free to customize it to your taste.

2. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with another soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute with cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup if you prefer or if that’s what you have on hand.

3. How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

To make ahead, assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.