Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and indulging in comfort foods that bring warmth and joy. While turkey tends to be the centerpiece of many holiday dinners, not everyone enjoys or has time to prepare a large bird. This Thanksgiving Chicken, Broccoli, and Stuffing Casserole offers a delicious alternative that combines the heartiness of chicken, the health benefits of broccoli, the texture of rice, and the festive flavor of stuffing. With minimal effort, you can prepare a holiday-inspired meal that has all the cozy vibes of Thanksgiving without the hours of prep. It’s perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or even a lighter holiday option!

This casserole comes with a creamy chicken and broccoli filling, a savory stuffing topping, and is ideal for anyone who loves a good bake. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, making it practical for post-holiday meals. Let’s dive into this comforting dish and bring the flavors of Thanksgiving to your table in one easy-to-make casserole.

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Ingredients:

For the Casserole Filling:

• 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; you can substitute with leftover turkey)
• 2 cups of broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed)
• 1 cup of cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
• ½ cup of sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Stuffing Topping:

• 1 package (6 oz) of stuffing mix (traditional or herb-flavored)
• 1 ½ cups of chicken broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons of butter (melted)

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Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

• In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil and then remove it from heat. Stir in the stuffing mix and melted butter until the liquid is fully absorbed, creating a fluffy stuffing topping. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli and Chicken

• Steam or microwave the broccoli florets until tender (but not overly soft). If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain any excess water. Set aside.
• If you haven’t already, cook and shred (or cube) the chicken. Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for this recipe.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients. The combination of sour cream and cream of chicken soup provides a rich, creamy base that binds everything together.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

• Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
• Fluff the prepared stuffing with a fork, then spread the stuffing evenly over the chicken and broccoli layer. The stuffing will create a savory, crispy top layer as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake

• Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the stuffing is golden brown and crispy.

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Cooking Note:

• Make sure not to overcook the broccoli before baking. You want it tender but still slightly firm so that it doesn’t become mushy in the casserole.
• If your stuffing looks like it’s browning too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For a creamier version, feel free to add a bit more sour cream or cheese to the filling.

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Serving Suggestions:

This Thanksgiving Chicken, Broccoli, and Stuffing Casserole is hearty and filling on its own but pairs beautifully with some simple sides to complete the meal. Here are a few suggestions:

• Cranberry sauce for a tangy and sweet contrast.
• Roasted sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes as a classic holiday side.
• A fresh green salad or steamed green beans to add a touch of freshness and lightness to the meal.
• For an extra indulgence, serve with a side of gravy.

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Tips:

• Leftover Thanksgiving turkey can easily replace the chicken in this recipe.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, add an additional half cup of cheese or sour cream to the filling.
• Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Peas, carrots, or green beans would make a great addition to the broccoli.
• For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and low-sodium stuffing mix or homemade stuffing.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then bake when ready.

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Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 35 minutes

Total Time:

• 50 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 21g
• Sodium: 840 mg

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Conclusion:

This Thanksgiving Chicken, Broccoli, and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish for the holidays or any day you’re craving the flavors of Thanksgiving. With layers of creamy chicken, tender broccoli, and a crispy, savory stuffing topping, this casserole is both indulgent and satisfying. It’s an easy one-dish meal that packs all the festive flavors into one convenient bake. Whether you’re looking for a holiday-inspired meal, or a clever way to use up leftover ingredients, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and it may become your new Thanksgiving tradition!

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