Thanksgiving Chicken Casserole 🍗

Introduction

If you love all the classic flavors of Thanksgiving but want a simpler, faster way to enjoy them any night of the week, this Thanksgiving Chicken Casserole is the answer. It’s a comforting, all-in-one dish that layers juicy chicken, savory stuffing, sweet cranberries, and rich gravy, making it a festive crowd pleaser that comes together with minimal fuss. Perfect for using up leftover ingredients—or as a stress-free weeknight meal with store-bought shortcuts.

Why This Thanksgiving Chicken Casserole Stands Out

This casserole combines everything you love about Thanksgiving dinner in each bite: tender chicken, tangy cranberries, savory stuffing, and creamy mashed potatoes. It streamlines preparation without sacrificing flavor, transforming humble ingredients into a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s ready in less than an hour.

Flavorful Layers in Every Bite

The secrets to this casserole’s depth of flavor are in its layers. Precooked or rotisserie chicken makes it juicy and convenient, while a base of creamy gravy and mashed potatoes ensures each forkful is rich and satisfying. Dotted with classic vegetables and topped with golden, herby stuffing, it feels like a holiday feast any day of the week.

Simplified Assembly for Maximum Taste

Assembly is as easy as spreading mashed potatoes into a casserole dish, adding a layer of cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables, scattering in tart cranberries, then covering with plenty of prepared stuffing. A drizzle of gravy ties everything together. Bake until bubbling and golden, and enjoy the scent of Thanksgiving filling your kitchen—without the hours of preparation.

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Meal

Serve this casserole hot, paired with a crisp green salad or some roasted green beans for vibrant color and balance. It’s also delicious with a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side. For leftovers, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for an easy, hearty lunch.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6–8 hearty servings. Each portion typically contains around 400–500 calories, depending on your choice of sides and whether you use full-fat or lighter versions of gravy and mashed potatoes. It’s a satisfying one-pan meal that leaves everyone happy and full.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish to form the first layer.
3. Scatter the cooked chicken evenly over the potatoes, followed by the mixed vegetables and dried cranberries or cranberry sauce.
4. Pour gravy evenly over the chicken and vegetable layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Prepare the stuffing according to the package instructions (usually by combining with hot broth and butter).
6. Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the top of the casserole, covering completely.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Weekly Meal Planning

Thanksgiving Chicken Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks and perfect for meal rotation during the fall or winter. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days to enjoy it, automatically building a smart shopping list that combines all ingredients from your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient quantities across all recipes for the week
– Organizes groceries by store sections to save you time
– Reduces food waste by preventing duplicate purchases
– Makes your weekly meal routine smooth and stress-free

Pro tip: When planning multiple dinners, schedule recipes ahead and let CookifyAI show you exactly how much chicken, veggies, and other ingredients you’ll need—no guesswork, no forgotten items, just streamlined meal prep!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

This Thanksgiving Chicken Casserole is rich in comfort and flavor, easy to assemble, and ideal for anyone craving the tastes of Thanksgiving year-round—perfect for meal planners and busy households alike!