Rotisserie Chicken Cranberry Stuffing Bake
Rotisserie Chicken Casseroles: Reinventing Comfort Food
Fancy a hug in a dish? Honestly, who doesn't? And what if that hug was, like, super easy to make? That's where these rotisserie chicken casseroles come in! It is a proper shortcut to a hearty, flavourful meal.
It will tickle your taste buds and warm your soul!
A Casserole with History
Casseroles are proper comfort food, aren't they? This type of dish has been around for ages. Traditionally made in a 'casserole' dish, this particular style of food dates to simple peasant food and makes use of leftovers.
Using a rotisserie chicken casserole with stuffing , is simply bringing it into the 21st century. It's an easy recipe, perfect for six hungry people.
Plus, it won't take you all day to make it.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game changer. Not just any recipe, but an easy chicken casserole recipe . We're talking serious time saving potential here! We will use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Plus, there's a clever boost of health too. Chicken is lean protein. Perfect for a post workout meal or a balanced family dinner.
Serve it up when you're feeling a bit chilly or just want something utterly comforting. I particularly love it on a Sunday evening, but any time is a good time for this.
Quick Hook: Thanksgiving Any Day!
Ever get a craving for Thanksgiving in July? This recipe is your answer. This bangin' Rotisserie Chicken & Cranberry Stuffing Bake brings those festive flavours to you, whenever you fancy it! This cranberry chicken casserole is a guaranteed winner.
Origin and Significance
It is a comforting bake that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck. It’s a twist on classic American comfort food, streamlined for modern life.
Main Benefits: A Comfort Food Superstar
You know sometimes you just want a one-dish wonder? Well, say hello to this casserole. Not only is it delicious, but it's relatively healthy too! I mean, it's got chicken and veggies, so that's a win, right? And the best part? It's ready in under an hour.
Perfect for those busy weeknights when you can't be bothered to cook. It is the ultimate comfort food casserole .
Alright, let's chat about what you need to make this bangin' Rotisserie Chicken & Cranberry Stuffing Bake . It's easier than convincing your nan that avocado toast is actually nice, honestly.
We are making rotisserie chicken casseroles .
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
This ain't rocket science. We're aiming for easy chicken casserole recipe vibes here. I have made it with only one pot before, that way it becomes a one-pot chicken casserole .
Main Ingredients - Let’s Get Specific!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Any kind will do, really. It's just there for a bit of flavour when softening the veg.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup or 150g . Yellow is best for sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Roughly ½ cup or 75g . Adds that lovely savoury note.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The smellier the better, I say.
- Rotisserie Chicken: 3 cups shredded (about 450g/1 lb ). Look for a juicy bird, not one that's been sitting under the heat lamps for hours. It's what makes Thanksgiving leftover casserole so tasty!
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: 1 cup ( 150g ). Easy peasy, right?
- Dried Cranberries: ½ cup ( 75g ). Adds a lovely bit of tartness. If you want it to be a Cranberry chicken casserole use only this!
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup , chopped. Makes everything look a bit fresher.
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons ( 45g ). Don't use salted unless you fancy a salt lick!
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons ( 25g ). For thickening the gravy.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups ( 475 ml ). Low sodium is your friend.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup ( 120 ml ). Makes the gravy lush.
- Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon . Earthy and warm.
- Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon . Adds a touch of festive warmth.
- Prepared Stuffing: 6 cups of store-bought stuffing mix, done according to the box. This is rotisserie chicken casserole with stuffing made easy!
Seasoning Notes - Spice It Up!
The beauty of this comfort food casserole is that you can easily tweak it. Don't be afraid to experiment!
- Thyme and Nutmeg: This combo brings a warm, comforting vibe to the gravy.
- Salt and Pepper: Don't be shy! Season generously, but taste as you go.
- Substitutions: No thyme? Rosemary or sage will do in a pinch. Need that creamy chicken casserole fix without the dairy? Try coconut milk in the gravy!
Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this.
- Large Skillet: For sautéing the veggies and making the gravy. A wok works, too.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: ( 23x33 cm ). This is where the magic happens.
- Whisk: For smooth gravy.
- Mixing Spoon: For stirring everything together.
Honestly, that's all you need. Now, are you ready for the chicken and stuffing bake ? I know I am! We're about to make some seriously good rotisserie chicken casserole variations !
Cooking Method: Rotisserie Chicken Casserole, Simplified!
Honestly, who has time for complicated cooking these days? I sure don't! So, I'm all about making life easier in the kitchen, and that's why I'm obsessed with this Rotisserie Chicken & Cranberry Stuffing Bake.
It's like Thanksgiving dinner, but way less fuss. You know? Total comfort food casserole vibes.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic!
First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. This is the essential mise en place. Chop one medium yellow onion and two stalks of celery.
Mince two cloves of garlic. Shred 3 cups of that gorgeous rotisserie chicken. Gather 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots and ½ cup dried cranberries.
Don't forget ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. This time saving tip will cut down on stress later! Safety reminder: Always wash your hands before starting to cook.
It's like the golden rule of the kitchen.
step-by-step: Casserole Creation
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Sauté the chopped onion and celery in 1 tablespoon olive oil until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen veggies, cranberries, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute . Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth until smooth. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the chicken mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the gravy evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle 6 cups of prepared stuffing evenly over the gravy.
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes , or until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Casserole
- Shortcut Alert: Buy pre-chopped veggies to save even more time! Honestly, it's a lifesaver.
- Common Mistake: Don't overbake! This dries out the chicken. The visual cue you need is a golden brown stuffing topping.
- If you're making this ahead, assemble the casserole but don't bake it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours . Add 10 minutes to the baking time. This is great if you want a quick chicken casserole dinner.
This Rotisserie chicken casserole with stuffing is a perfect way to use thanksgiving leftover casserole. Serve this Creamy chicken casserole and enjoy the best Chicken and stuffing bake.
You can try different Rotisserie chicken casserole variations. It is a one-pot chicken casserole.
So there you have it! A super easy and delicious rotisserie chicken casseroles recipe that will impress everyone. This easy chicken casserole recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Recipe Notes: Cracking the Casserole Code!
Right then, before you dive headfirst into making these amazing rotisserie chicken casseroles , let's chew the fat about a few insider tips.
Honestly, these are the bits and bobs that can elevate your easy chicken casserole recipe from 'meh' to 'OMG, give me more!'.
Think of it as your secret weapon.
Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro
Presentation matters, yeah? For plating, I like to scoop a generous portion of this comfort food casserole into a nice bowl.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley can make all the difference. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra cranberries scattered on top look smashing.
On the side, roasted sprouts are a winner. They cut through the richness nicely. A glass of chilled white wine or even sparkling cider is lovely too.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Right, let's talk about leftovers. If you're not polishing off the chicken and stuffing bake in one go, fear not.
For refrigeration, pop the casserole into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days . To reheat, just microwave individual portions or stick it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's piping hot.
If you fancy freezing, portion the casserole into freezer safe containers. It'll happily sit in the freezer for up to 3 months .
Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations: Swapping Things Up
Fancy a twist? Easy peasy! For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk in the gravy. It adds a lovely subtle sweetness.
For a veggie version, sautéed mushrooms work a treat instead of the chicken. You could even throw in some spinach for extra goodness.
Seasonally, try using butternut squash instead of carrots in autumn for a lovely autumnal rotisserie chicken casserole with stuffing . It tastes lovely.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
This creamy chicken casserole is packed with protein from the chicken, plus veggies for vitamins and fibre. Each serving is roughly 450 calories, but this can change depending on what ingredients and portion sizes you use.
It’s comforting and relatively balanced, which is a win in my book. This casserole with a healthy twist is perfect.
Oh my gosh! This is also a great Thanksgiving leftover casserole !
Now, go forth and conquer your rotisserie chicken casserole variations ! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Get creative. Embrace the chaos. You got this!. I have no doubt, you will absolutely smash it. Enjoy!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make rotisserie chicken casseroles ahead of time? Like, can I be a domestic goddess and prep this the day before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (including the gravy and chicken mixture) a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add the stuffing topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed, to ensure it's heated through.
Just think of it as your little "cheater's Sunday roast" waiting in the wings!
Help! My rotisserie chicken casserole is dry. How do I keep it moist, like a proper Victoria Sponge?
No worries, that's easily fixable! Make sure your gravy is nice and saucy before assembling the casserole it should coat the chicken and veggies generously. You can also add a thin layer of chicken broth to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the chicken mixture. And remember, don't overbake it!
Once the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling, it's ready.
What are some good variations to this rotisserie chicken casserole recipe? I'm feeling adventurous, like a contestant on Bake Off!
Time to get creative! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy, or use a spicy sausage stuffing mix. You can also add different vegetables, like mushrooms, green beans, or corn.
For a bit of a twist, consider using cranberry sauce in the gravy, or add some chopped pecans to the stuffing for extra crunch.
How long does rotisserie chicken casseroles last in the fridge, and is it freezer friendly? Basically, can I batch cook like a boss?
You sure can! Leftover rotisserie chicken casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer safe container.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
I'm on a bit of a health kick any tips for making healthier rotisserie chicken casseroles without sacrificing taste? No soggy bottoms allowed!
Absolutely! Use whole wheat stuffing mix to increase the fiber content. Instead of heavy cream, try using a mixture of chicken broth and a little bit of Greek yogurt or evaporated milk for a lighter gravy.
Load up on extra vegetables, like broccoli or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and reduce the amount of stuffing. You can even use the rotisserie chicken without the skin.
Can I use other types of cooked chicken in these rotisserie chicken casseroles if I don't have a rotisserie chicken on hand?
Definitely! The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. While rotisserie chicken adds a certain depth of flavor, you can easily substitute it with other cooked chicken options. Leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken, or even canned chicken (drained well) will work just fine.
Just make sure the chicken is shredded or diced into bite sized pieces.
Rotisserie Chicken Cranberry Stuffing Bake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
