Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: Your Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal
Instant Pot chicken casserole with stuffing is the quintessential comfort food, effortlessly bringing the warmth and deliciousness of a Thanksgiving dinner right to your table, all cooked conveniently in a single pot. This incredible recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience, combining tender, succulent chicken with rich, savory stuffing in a creamy, tangy sauce that will delight everyone.
This chicken stuffing casserole recipe stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking a hearty and delicious meal on the table in record time. The magic of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to perfectly cook the chicken and stuffing together, infusing every bite with deep flavor. The addition of sour cream lends a luxurious creaminess and a subtle tangy note, elevating the entire dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this family-favorite dish is guaranteed to satisfy and impress.
While perfect any time of year, this casserole truly shines in the fall when you’re craving those beloved holiday flavors, or when you need to whip up a quick yet impressive holiday dinner for a smaller gathering. To complete your Thanksgiving-inspired spread, consider pairing this delightful casserole with classic sides like crisp green beans, creamy mac and cheese, and fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet without the fuss.
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Recipe Highlights: Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Casserole
- Effortlessly Easy: This isn’t just an easy recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. Designed as a “dump-and-go” style one-pot meal, it minimizes active cooking time, making it absolutely perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a delicious, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Complete & Satisfying Meal: Say goodbye to juggling multiple pots and pans! This casserole masterfully combines tender protein, savory starch, and a rich, flavorful sauce into a single dish. It’s a truly complete meal that offers all the essential components for a balanced and deeply satisfying dinner, without the need for endless side dishes.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: You won’t believe how little effort is required to achieve such incredible results. This is a true 30-minute meal from start to finish, with a mere 10 minutes of active prep time. Imagine serving a warm, comforting, and flavorful family favorite even on your busiest days, all thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot!
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Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Crafting this delightful Instant Pot Chicken Casserole with Stuffing requires a few simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for sautéing the diced chicken. It not only helps brown the chicken but also adds a foundational layer of rich flavor to the dish, preventing sticking and ensuring a delicious start.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Diced into bite-sized pieces, these provide lean protein that cooks quickly and evenly in the Instant Pot. Their mild flavor makes them a perfect canvas for the savory seasonings.
- Poultry Seasoning: This spice blend is key to achieving that classic, comforting “holiday” flavor. It typically includes a fragrant mix of sage, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, all working in harmony to elevate the chicken. Don’t forget salt and black pepper for basic seasoning!
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A condensed soup that forms the rich, creamy base of the casserole. It contributes a deeply savory chicken flavor and a velvety texture that coats every ingredient beautifully.
- Chicken Broth: Crucial for Instant Pot cooking, this liquid provides the necessary moisture for pressure cooking and helps deglaze the pot, preventing a “Burn” error. It also enhances the overall chicken flavor of the dish.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is a secret weapon, adding a wonderful tangy depth and an extra layer of creaminess to the sauce. It balances the richness of the soup and stuffing, making the dish incredibly palatable.
- Stove Top Stuffing Mix: The ultimate convenience ingredient! This packaged dry stuffing mix provides all the herbs and breadcrumbs needed for a classic stuffing flavor without any extra prep. For the best results, I highly recommend using either the chicken or savory herbs varieties for optimal flavor.
For precise measurements and detailed nutritional information, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Instant Pot Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Creating this delicious and comforting casserole in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:
1. Prepare the Pot: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on the normal setting. Allow the pot to heat up for a few minutes until it indicates it’s hot. Once hot, add the unsalted butter and let it melt, coating the bottom of the pot. This initial step helps create a flavorful base for your chicken.
2. Season and Brown the Chicken: In a separate bowl, season your diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously and evenly with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Once seasoned, add the chicken to the hot Instant Pot. Brown the chicken on all sides, but don’t worry about cooking it through completely; it will finish cooking under pressure later. Browning adds a crucial layer of depth and flavor through the Maillard reaction.
3. Deglaze the Pot: After browning, press “Cancel” to turn off the sauté function. This is a critical step to prevent a “Burn” warning during pressure cooking. Add a splash of the chicken broth (about ¼ cup) to the hot pot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape up any browned bits that may be stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and contribute to a richer sauce! (See detailed deglazing tip below).
4. Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, the remaining chicken broth, and the sour cream. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-combined. This mixture will become the rich, flavorful sauce for your casserole.
Pro Tip: How to Properly Deglaze Your Instant Pot: After sautéing, it’s absolutely vital to remove any stubborn burned or stuck-on bits from the bottom of your Instant Pot before proceeding to pressure cook. Neglecting this step can lead to the dreaded “Burn” error. To deglaze, while the pot is still hot from sautéing (but with the Sauté function turned off), add a small splash (about ¼ cup) of water or chicken broth. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to aggressively scrape and loosen all the caramelized bits from the bottom. Continue until the bottom is smooth and clean. This adds flavor and prevents problems!
5. Layer the Sauce: Carefully pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the diced chicken already in the Instant Pot. Ensure that the chicken is largely covered by the creamy sauce. Do not stir the layers at this point, as keeping them separate is important for proper cooking.
6. Add the Stuffing (No Stirring!): Generously sprinkle the dry Stove Top stuffing mix evenly over the top of the creamy soup layer. It’s crucial that you **do not stir** the stuffing into the liquid. This layering technique allows the stuffing to steam and absorb the flavors from the sauce without becoming too mushy. Close the Instant Pot lid, ensure it’s securely locked, and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to build pressure before the actual cooking time begins.
7. Quick Release and Serve: Once the pressure cooking time is complete, carefully perform a Quick Release. This involves turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Be extremely cautious as the steam will be very hot and release rapidly (see safety notes below for important warnings). Wait until the float valve drops down, indicating all pressure has been released. At this point, you can safely open the lid. The stuffing will be mostly submerged in the liquid, with any uncovered bits softened by the steam. Give it a gentle stir to combine the stuffing and creamy chicken, then serve warm and enjoy this ultimate comfort meal!
The resulting casserole is a harmonious blend of perfectly cooked chicken and moist, flavorful stuffing, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s a truly satisfying dish that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort. Serve it as is, or with your favorite complementary sides for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Safety first: Important Instant Pot steam release tip: When performing a Quick Release, always exercise extreme caution. Never place your hand directly over the steam release valve. The steam is incredibly hot and escapes very quickly, posing a burn risk. It’s best to use a kitchen towel or a long-handled utensil to carefully turn the valve. For comprehensive safety instructions and guidelines specific to your model, always make sure to read your Instant Pot user manual before operating.
Flavorful Swaps: Customizing Your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
This Instant Pot Chicken Casserole with Stuffing is wonderfully adaptable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple substitutions to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences or what you have on hand:
- Chicken Alternatives: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified, you can easily substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent flavor. You could even use leftover cooked turkey, especially around the holidays, simply reduce the pressure cooking time to 2-3 minutes as the turkey is already cooked.
- Soup Base Variations: Feel free to swap out the cream of chicken soup for another condensed cream-based soup. Cream of mushroom soup will add an earthy depth, while cream of celery soup offers a slightly more herbaceous note. These variations allow you to subtly change the flavor profile of your casserole.
- Homemade Seasoning Blend: If you find yourself without poultry seasoning, you can easily create your own blend. A classic combination is a 50:50 mix of dried thyme and dried sage, which captures the essence of traditional poultry seasoning. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra savory notes.
Delicious Variations to Elevate Your Casserole
Ready to get creative? These variations can add even more texture, flavor, and flair to your Instant Pot Chicken Stuffing Casserole:
- Aromatic Fresh Herbs: To infuse this dish with even more vibrant flavor, consider adding some finely chopped fresh herbs. Rosemary, thyme, or parsley stirred into the soup mixture before pressure cooking will impart a beautiful, fragrant aroma and taste. A sprinkle of fresh chives or dill over the finished dish also works wonders.
- Boost with Veggies: Easily incorporate more nutrition and color by adding vegetables to the mix. Green beans, diced bell peppers, sliced carrots, or peas are excellent choices. For firmer vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, add them along with the chicken to allow them to soften slightly during the sautéing and pressure cooking. Softer vegetables like peas can be stirred in after the pressure release.
- Classic Baked Casserole Finish: If you want to enhance the presentation and add a delightful crispy topping, transfer the cooked Instant Pot casserole to a beautiful oven-safe casserole dish after the pressure has been released. Top generously with your favorite shredded cheese (see below for suggestions) and broil in the oven for several minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This adds a lovely texture contrast.
- Cheesy Goodness: Cheese is always a welcome addition to a comfort food casserole! Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss cheese into the casserole after pressure cooking and before serving. For that extra golden, crispy crust, use the broil method mentioned above.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the poultry seasoning can give a subtle warmth. Alternatively, a dash of hot sauce stirred into the soup mixture will add a more pronounced spicy flavor.
Essential Equipment for Your Instant Pot Journey
Making this creamy Instant Pot Chicken Casserole with Stuffing is simple, and it largely relies on your trusty electric pressure cooker. I personally use an Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart, which is a versatile size suitable for most family meals.
Beyond the main appliance, you will also need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Chef’s knife: For easily dicing your chicken breasts. A sharp knife makes prep safer and more efficient.
- Cutting board: Essential for safe and hygienic meat preparation.
- Spatula: A heat-resistant spatula is perfect for stirring, browning, and most importantly, deglazing the Instant Pot to prevent burning.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least one medium-sized bowl for combining the creamy soup mixture.
Storing and Reheating Your Comforting Casserole
This Instant Pot Chicken Casserole with Stuffing makes fantastic leftovers, but knowing how to store and reheat it properly will ensure you enjoy its deliciousness to the fullest.
Refrigeration: Any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Casserole should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days. While still enjoyable, be aware that the stuffing’s texture can become softer and a bit mushy over time, so for optimal texture, it’s best consumed within 1-2 days of cooking.
Reheating: To reheat, simply portion the desired amount into a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely and microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. For convenience, it’s best to freeze the casserole in individual portions. Use airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date. Frozen, it will maintain its quality for up to 3 months.
Defrosting and Reheating from Frozen: To defrost, simply transfer the frozen casserole portion to the refrigerator overnight. Once defrosted, you can reheat it using the microwave or oven method described above. While the flavor remains delicious, it’s worth noting that the texture of the stuffing may change slightly after freezing and reheating, becoming a bit softer. However, the overall comforting experience will still be delightful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Casserole
As a general rule for safe and effective pressure cooking, Instant Pot recommends using at least about one cup of liquid for most recipes. This ensures proper pressure buildup and prevents the “Burn” error. In this casserole recipe, the combination of chicken broth and cream of chicken soup provides ample liquid.
While it’s generally best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and browning, you can use frozen chicken breasts if they are diced. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time. Increase the pressure cook time to 8-10 minutes (instead of 5 minutes) to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and make sure to still brown them first if possible. Always verify the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF (74ºC) before serving.
A “Burn” error typically occurs when there are food particles stuck to the bottom of the inner pot or not enough liquid to create steam. This recipe specifically addresses this by instructing you to deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing the chicken. Ensure all browned bits are scraped up, and that you have at least 1 cup of liquid (broth/soup) in the pot before sealing and pressure cooking. Also, remember not to stir the stuffing into the liquid, as that can cause it to stick and burn.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly do some prep work in advance. You can dice the chicken and prepare the soup mixture (cream of chicken soup, broth, and sour cream) and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply proceed with the sautéing, layering, and pressure cooking steps. If you prefer to cook the whole dish and reheat, please see the storage section above for best practices.
More Delicious One-Pot Chicken Dinners
Loved this easy Instant Pot chicken casserole? If you’re looking for more convenient and flavorful chicken recipes to add to your repertoire, check out some of these fantastic options:
- One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
- Creamy Chipotle Chicken Pasta
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
- 4-Ingredient Crockpot Chicken
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Instant Pot Chicken Casserole with Stuffing
Equipment
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Pressure cooker
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
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Spatula
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Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
- 1 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6 oz Stove Top Stuffing Mix
Instructions
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Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (normal). When hot, melt the butter.
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Season the diced chicken evenly with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and then add it to the pot. Brown the chicken on all sides but do not fully cook through.
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Cancel the sauté function and add a splash of the chicken broth to deglaze the pot (see recipe notes).
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the diced chicken.
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Sprinkle the dry Stove Top stuffing over the chicken. Do not stir.
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Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. It will take the pot about 5 to 10 minutes to come to pressure before the cook time begins.
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When the cooking time is complete, do a Quick Release by turning the steam release to the Venting position (see safety notes below). When the float valve is down, you can open the lid. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
Serving size: I do not recommend halving this recipe. The Instant Pot requires a minimum of 1 cup of liquid (which the broth and soup provide) to properly come to pressure and prevent burning. Halving the recipe might reduce the liquid below this critical threshold.
Safety note: When performing a Quick Release, never put your hand over the steam release valve. The steam is extremely hot and releases very quickly. Always use a kitchen towel or long-handled utensil to turn the valve.
Storage: Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, it’s best to freeze the casserole in individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. This allows for easy defrosting and reheating of just the amount you need.
Nutrition
Important Food Safety Considerations
Ensuring food safety is paramount when cooking, especially with poultry. Please keep these guidelines in mind for a safe and enjoyable meal:
- Proper Chicken Temperature: Always make sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) before serving. Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to verify doneness.
- Cross-Contamination Prevention: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw meat. All cutting boards, knives, and cooking utensils that come into contact with raw chicken should be washed with hot, soapy water or run through a dishwasher before being used for other ingredients or serving.
- Instant Pot Safety: When cooking with an Instant Pot or any pressure cooker, it’s essential to follow basic food safety and operational guidelines outlined by the manufacturer. Always remember to read and understand your pressure cooker user manual for specific safety tips and best practices for your model.
- Steam Release Caution: As mentioned in the instructions, be extremely careful when releasing pressure from the Instant Pot. The steam is very hot and can cause severe burns. Use a long-handled utensil or a kitchen towel to turn the steam release valve away from your face and body.
For more comprehensive food safety information and guidelines, please refer to reputable sources such as USDA.gov.
This Instant Pot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a time-saving, flavor-packed solution for comfort food cravings. With its simple steps and versatile ingredients, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy creating and savoring this delightful dish!