Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole

Are you searching for an incredibly satisfying, simple, and quick meal that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole! This recipe is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, a rich, creamy sauce, and a crispy, golden-brown topping, all cooked conveniently on your stovetop. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal but are short on time. Get ready to add this easy, delicious casserole to your regular rotation – you won’t regret it!

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Key Ingredients for Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole

To make this delightful Creamy Chicken and Stovetop Casserole, gather the following ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors and comforting texture of this dish.

2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Thighs can also be used for extra richness.
1 medium onion: Diced finely, to add a foundational aromatic flavor.
2 cloves garlic: Minced, for a pungent and savory kick.

1 cup chopped celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh, earthy note.
1 cup chopped carrots: For sweetness, color, and essential nutrients.
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: The heart of our creamy sauce, providing a shortcut to rich flavor.

1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds another layer of umami and creaminess.
1/2 cup milk: Whole milk or 2% works best to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Enhances the chicken flavor and keeps the sauce smooth.

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that imparts a classic, savory aroma.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: To taste, for a gentle warmth.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste, enhancing all the other flavors.

1 (6 ounce) box stovetop stuffing mix (chicken flavor): The secret to our crispy, buttery topping. Do not prepare according to package directions, use dry.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted, to bind the stuffing mix and create that golden crust.

How to Make Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole

This Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole is an absolute dream for busy cooks, delivering exceptional flavor with minimal fuss. Its genius lies in its simple, one-pan (or rather, one-pot!) preparation, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your evening. The tender chicken, enveloped in a luxurious, savory sauce, topped with a crisp, buttery stuffing, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll be amazed at how such a satisfying and delicious meal comes together in just about 45 minutes from start to finish.

● Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and chopped carrots to the same skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-8 minutes. If the pan seems dry, add a tiny splash more olive oil.
Build the Creamy Sauce: Stir in both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup into the sautéed vegetables. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until the sauce is smooth and combined.

Season the Sauce: Add the dried Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt to the sauce. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, folding it into the creamy sauce. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The mixture should be bubbly.
Prepare the Topping: While the casserole simmers, in a separate medium bowl, combine the dry stovetop stuffing mix with the 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly until the stuffing crumbs are evenly moistened and buttery.

Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix over the top of the simmering chicken and sauce mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid.
Cook the Topping: Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove from heat and let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole

You’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole because it perfectly embodies comfort food at its finest. The main highlight is undeniably the velvety, rich sauce enveloping tender pieces of chicken and wholesome vegetables, all crowned with a golden, savory stuffing crust. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy on the wallet, helping you save money by making a satisfying dinner at home that tastes far better than any takeout. The magic of this dish also lies in its flavorful topping: that buttery, herb-infused stovetop stuffing achieves an irresistible crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy interior.

Much like our popular “One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken,” this casserole offers incredible flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a true weeknight champion. If you appreciate dishes that deliver big on taste without the fuss, this recipe is a must-try. Don’t just take our word for it—whip up this Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole tonight and discover your new favorite!

What to Serve Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole With

This Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole is quite a complete meal on its own, given the chicken, vegetables, and stuffing topping. However, pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate the experience and offer a nice balance of flavors and textures.

Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: A crisp, bright green vegetable adds a wonderful freshness and a touch of color, cutting through the richness of the casserole.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast and a welcome crunch.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate.

Roasted Broccoli: The slight char and tender-crisp texture of roasted broccoli complement the casserole beautifully.
White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would pair wonderfully, as its acidity can balance the creaminess of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling cider is a great choice.

Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole

To ensure your Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:

Even Chicken Cubes: When cutting your chicken, aim for uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary, especially if you have a smaller skillet. Overcrowding the pan can steam the chicken instead of browning it, which means less flavor development.
Sauté Vegetables Until Tender: Take the time to properly sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they are tender and slightly sweet. This step is crucial for building a rich flavor base for your casserole.

Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add other quick-cooking vegetables. Peas, corn, or diced bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Add them in with the chicken and other vegetables for the last few minutes of sautéing.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a little extra milk or chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
Stovetop Stuffing Mix Hack: The key to a crispy topping is ensuring the stuffing mix is thoroughly coated in melted butter before sprinkling. Don’t skip this step! For extra crispiness, you can briefly remove the lid for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Alternative Topping: If you don’t have stovetop stuffing mix, crushed crackers (like Ritz) mixed with melted butter, or even a simple sprinkle of shredded cheese, can work as an alternative topping, though the flavor and texture will be different.
Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you add the Italian seasoning.
Season to Taste: Always taste your sauce before adding the chicken back in and again after it has simmered. Adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Different brands of condensed soup and broth can vary in sodium content.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Making a big batch of Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole is a fantastic idea for meal prep or future busy nights. Here’s how to properly store and reheat it to maintain its deliciousness:

Storage in the Refrigerator: Once the casserole has cooled completely to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking), transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Freezing for Later: This casserole freezes relatively well, though the stuffing topping might lose some of its crispness upon thawing. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to keep track.

Reheating from the Refrigerator:
- Stovetop: For best results, reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: For quick reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.
- Oven (for larger portions): If reheating a larger amount, transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the topping slightly.
Reheating from Frozen:
- Thawing: Ideally, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Oven: Once thawed, reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until hot. Again, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes. If reheating from frozen without thawing, this will take considerably longer (45-60 minutes or more) and cover tightly to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop (for individual portions): For thawed portions, you can reheat on the stovetop as described above, adding a bit of liquid if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s an invitation to reclaim your evenings without sacrificing the joy of a truly delicious, homemade meal. Its blend of tender, succulent chicken, a luxuriously creamy sauce, and that irresistible crispy topping makes it a comforting classic that appeals to all ages. We’ve designed this dish to be as effortless as it is flavorful, ensuring that even on your busiest days, a warm, satisfying dinner is well within reach. So, go ahead and give this stovetop wonder a try – it promises to deliver big on taste, minimize cleanup, and quickly become a cherished favorite in your family’s cookbook.

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Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole FAQs

Q1: Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for an even more tender and flavorful result. Just ensure they are cut into 1-inch cubes and cooked through.

Q2: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A2: Yes, with a few substitutions. Look for gluten-free condensed cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups (or make your own gluten-free versions). You’ll also need to find a gluten-free stovetop stuffing mix or make a similar topping from gluten-free breadcrumbs and seasonings.

Q3: How can I make the topping extra crispy?
A3: To achieve an extra crispy topping, ensure the stuffing mix is thoroughly coated in melted butter. For the last 5 minutes of cooking, you can remove the lid to allow any steam to escape, which helps the topping crisp up further. Watch it closely to prevent burning.

Q4: Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
A4: Yes, you can! Frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers are excellent additions. Stir them in with the cooked chicken and sauce during step 5, allowing them to heat through. If using fresh vegetables, you might want to sauté them briefly with the other aromatics.

Q5: What if I don’t have both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup?
A5: While the combination offers the best flavor depth, you can use two cans of either cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup if that’s all you have on hand. The flavor profile will lean more towards one or the other but will still be delicious.

Q6: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A6: You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture up to 1-2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, then sprinkle with the buttered stuffing mix and proceed with step 8 to finish cooking. It’s best to add the stuffing topping just before cooking to ensure maximum crispness.

Q7: Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
A7: Yes, the casserole freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. The stuffing topping might lose some crispness upon reheating, but the rest of the casserole will retain its flavor and texture. Reheat from thawed in the oven or on the stovetop.

Creamy Chicken And Stove Top Casserole – Easy Weeknight Dinner