Let’s talk comfort food, shall we? When it comes to warm, savory dishes that bring both nostalgia and satisfaction, the Campbell Soup Chicken Stuffing Recipe takes center stage in many households. This is a recipe that effortlessly blends rich, hearty flavors with a simplicity that makes it perfect for any occasion-whether you’re cooking up a family dinner, preparing for Thanksgiving, or just craving something cozy. It’s the kind of dish that has a reputation for being both easy and delicious, and it’s loved by just about everyone who’s ever tasted it.
The beauty of this dish lies not just in the deliciousness of the chicken, stuffing, and creamy sauce, but also in its versatility. It’s one of those recipes where you can adjust flavors, try new variations, and still get a dish that’s deeply satisfying. So, let’s break it down and get into all the details-from the ingredients to expert tips that’ll elevate your cooking game.
Campbell Soup Chicken Stuffing Recipe
This particular recipe from Campbell’s Soup is a favorite in many kitchens because it combines the comforting flavors of chicken, stuffing, and cream of chicken soup into one perfect casserole. Think of it as an updated, simplified version of a traditional stuffing-stuffed chicken recipe-ideal for a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.
What Makes It So Special
- Convenience: Using Campbell’s cream soups as a base for sauces makes the recipe quick to prepare and minimizes the need for complex ingredients.
- Flavor Layering: The combination of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy soup brings together three textures that balance each other perfectly.
- Minimal Prep: There’s no need for complicated marinades or hours of prep work. It’s as easy as mixing, layering, and baking.
Ingredients Needed
Before diving into the steps, let’s check out the essential ingredients you’ll need for this simple yet satisfying recipe. Gather these items, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer dark meat)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup (the star of the show, adding creaminess and flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth (to keep things moist and flavorful)
- 1 box of stuffing mix (typically Stove Top is used for ease and flavor, but you can experiment with others)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted, for added richness)
- 1/2 cup milk (to thin the soup out and give the sauce a velvety texture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (a little kick to enhance the savory profile)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (brings out the natural sweetness in the dish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, of course)
These are the core ingredients, but feel free to play around with some additions or substitutions (more on that in a bit!).
Cooking Instructions
Alright, now let’s walk through the steps to creating this mouthwatering dish. I’m going to break it down simply so you can easily follow along:
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Preheat The Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven ensures even cooking and a perfect golden crust on top of your stuffing.
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Prepare The Chicken
Lightly season your chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can either sear the chicken in a pan for 2-3 minutes per side or place it directly in the casserole dish for a bit of a quicker route. If you’re searing, do it over medium-high heat to get that golden color.
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Mix The Soup Base
In a bowl, combine the Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup, chicken broth, and milk. Stir it well to create a smooth sauce. This is where all the magic happens, folks. The soup base will make the chicken incredibly moist and the stuffing a flavor explosion.
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Prepare The Stuffing
In another bowl, prepare your stuffing mix as directed on the box-this typically involves combining the mix with the melted butter and hot water or broth. But if you want to get creative, you can toss in a bit of sautéed onion, celery, or even some herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the stuffing’s flavor.
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Assemble The Casserole
In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer your seasoned chicken breasts on the bottom. Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken, and then pour the creamy soup mixture over the top. This ensures the stuffing stays moist and flavorful while baking.
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Bake And Enjoy
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. This gives the stuffing the texture we all crave!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in creating that perfect combination of flavors and textures:
- Chicken: The lean protein base adds a mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the soup and the savory stuffing. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically used for convenience and their ability to stay tender, but thighs provide a juicier, more flavorful alternative.
- Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup: This is your flavor foundation. It’s not just about adding creaminess; it also brings a hearty, savory flavor that binds the whole dish together. You could substitute with other Campbell’s soups (like cream of mushroom), but chicken soup is the classic choice.
- Stuffing Mix: Pre-packaged stuffing mix is a time-saver, and it provides the perfect base for the dish. You can choose from traditional, cornbread, or any other variety, depending on your taste preferences.
- Chicken Broth: This adds depth and moisture to both the chicken and stuffing, ensuring that the dish isn’t dry.
- Butter and Milk: These two ingredients enhance the richness of the creamy sauce. The butter contributes to that wonderful, indulgent texture, while the milk helps to thin out the soup just enough to coat everything beautifully.
Expert Tips
- Searing the Chicken: For an extra burst of flavor, sear your chicken breasts in a pan for a couple of minutes on each side before baking. This locks in juices and adds a nice color to the chicken.
- Use Broth for Extra Flavor: Instead of just using water for the stuffing, try using chicken broth to boost the flavor profile. It will elevate the stuffing and provide more richness.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Don’t be afraid to customize the stuffing. Fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary can add an incredible burst of fragrance and flavor. These are the herbs that shine in classic stuffing, and they’ll do wonders for this dish too.
- Make Ahead: This recipe can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake as directed-just add a few more minutes if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
Recipe Variations
This dish is incredibly adaptable, so you can swap out or add ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some fun variations:
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add diced carrots, celery, or peas into the stuffing mix for some extra color and texture. You could even roast some veggies and toss them in before baking.
- Cheesy Chicken Stuffing: Stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the creamy soup mixture to make it extra cheesy. You could also sprinkle cheese on top of the stuffing for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the soup base.
- Mushrooms: A great addition for those who love mushrooms-sauté a handful of them and add to the stuffing for extra umami flavor.
Final Words
There you have it! The Campbell Soup Chicken Stuffing Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that’s both straightforward and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick with the classic version or get creative with add-ins and variations, this dish is sure to impress. It’s the perfect example of comfort food that’s easy to make, satisfying to eat, and full of flavor.