Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chicken + Stuffing Casserole

Master this creamy gluten-free and dairy-free chicken + stuffing casserole—a cozy comfort meal ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy families seeking free casserole recipes with dairy-free cooking!

You know that feeling when you pull a bubbling casserole out of the oven and your family actually gets excited? That’s the energy we’re channeling today with this gluten-free and dairy-free chicken plus stuffing casserole.

I’ve been there—standing in my kitchen, staring at recipe after recipe, wondering if going gluten-free meant saying goodbye to those nostalgic, soul-warming one-dish meals. Spoiler: it absolutely doesn’t.

This dairy-free lunch option proves that comfort food and dietary needs aren’t enemies; they’re actually best friends when you know what you’re doing.

Why This Gluten-Free Casserole Works (And Why You’ll Love It)

This recipe brings together three things people crave: creamy, savory, and satisfying. The gluten-free and dairy-free chicken + stuffing casserole layers tender chicken with crispy-edged stuffing, all held together by a silky mushroom sauce that tastes decadent without any dairy involved.

What makes this dairy-free cooking approach special? We’re using coconut cream and vegan alternatives that actually add richness rather than just substituting and hoping for the best. The free casserole recipe structure means you can make it once and have it for days, which is basically a superpower for meal prep.

Whether you’re managing a gluten sensitivity, exploring dairy-free lunch ideas, or simply looking for a weeknight winner, this gluten-free casserole delivers on flavor without requiring a degree in substitute ingredient chemistry.

Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie chicken, pulled and shredded
• 2 (8 oz) boxes of Glutino gluten-free cornbread stuffing
• 2 tbsp + 2 tsp vegan butter substitute
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 oz fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3–5 tbsp gluten-free flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup alternative milk (soy, oat, or almond work beautifully)
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1/2 cup vegan sour cream (like Tofutti)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of vegan butter.
3. Add your chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the sliced mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and mushrooms soften.
5. Sprinkle the gluten-free flour in gradually—about 1 tbsp at a time—stirring between each addition. The vegetables should become well-coated; add more flour if needed.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and alternative milk, stirring constantly. Continue heating until the mixture thickens slightly.
7. Stir in the coconut cream and keep stirring frequently until everything thickens to a luscious consistency.
8. Remove from heat and fold in the vegan sour cream until combined.
9. Spread the contents of one box of stuffing plus about 1/3 of the second box evenly across the bottom of a 9×13″ casserole dish.
10. Layer the shredded rotisserie chicken on top of the stuffing base.
11. Pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the chicken layer.
12. Gently use a fork to coax some of the sauce down through the layers.
13. In a small bowl, microwave the remaining 2 tsp butter until melted, then toss with the remaining stuffing crumbs to coat.
14. Sprinkle these buttery crumbs across the top as a finishing touch.
15. Loosely cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes.
16. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the center is completely heated through.
17. Let the gluten-free casserole rest for 8–10 minutes before serving—this helps it set and prevents a runny texture.

Smart Substitutions for Your Gluten-Free Casserole

Stuffing Brand Options: If you can’t find Glutino, any certified gluten-free cornbread or herb-seasoned stuffing works beautifully. Many recipes using free casserole concepts benefit from experimenting with different brands to find your favorite texture.

Alternative Milk Choices: Soy milk gives the creamiest results for dairy-free cooking, but oat or unsweetened almond milk work well too. Avoid sweetened varieties—they’ll throw off the savory balance. For more detailed guidance on choosing the right plant-based milk, this comprehensive guide from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics breaks down nutritional profiles of common dairy-free options.

Vegan Butter: Miyoko’s, Earth Balance, or most plant-based butters perform equally well in this gluten-free and dairy-free recipe structure.

Mushroom Swap: Not a mushroom person? Swap them for sautéed zucchini, carrots, or celery. The principle of this free casserole recipe remains the same—build a flavorful, creamy base that anchors everything.

Dairy-Free Sour Cream: Cashew-based versions or coconut-based options are fantastic alternatives if Tofutti isn’t available near you.

Troubleshooting Your Casserole

Is it too runny after baking? Let it rest the full 8–10 minutes—seriously, don’t skip this step. The dairy-free cooking magic happens during cooling as everything sets up.

Did your gluten-free casserole get too thick while cooking? Thin the sauce with a splash more milk before adding it to the casserole dish. This free casserole recipe is forgiving, so adjust as needed.

Worried about burnt edges? Tent loosely with foil for the entire 50–60 minutes if your oven runs hot. Every oven behaves differently, so trust your instincts.

Did your stuffing get soggy? This usually means too much sauce. Use slightly less liquid in the mushroom mixture next time, or save some sauce and pour just enough to coat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

This gluten-free and dairy-free chicken + stuffing casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For busy families, this is a game-changer for meal planning.

Freezing: You can absolutely freeze this dairy-free lunch option for up to 3 months. Freeze it before baking for best results, then add about 15–20 extra minutes to the baking time from frozen.

Reheating: Warm gently in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20–25 minutes. Or reheat individual portions in the microwave. The gluten-free casserole won’t dry out—that creamy sauce keeps everything moist.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve this gluten-free casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of roasted green beans or steamed broccoli adds nutritional appeal and color to your plate.

Pair it with gluten-free bread to soak up every last bit of that dreamy sauce. Your dairy-free cooking efforts deserve to be celebrated with crusty bread, right?

For a lighter side, consider a tangy coleslaw or pickled vegetables. The acidity brightens the creamy casserole beautifully.

Variations and Dietary Tweaks

Kid-Friendly Version: Use mild seasonings or reduce garlic slightly. Kids often prefer less herby flavors, so adjust the stuffing brand accordingly when preparing this free casserole recipe for younger palates.

Dairy-Free + Nut-Free: Skip the cashew sour cream alternative and use an aquafaba-based vegan sour cream instead. This dairy-free cooking approach keeps your gluten-free casserole completely tree-nut free.

Protein Boost: Stir in 1/2 cup cooked lentils or chickpeas into the mushroom sauce for extra fiber and plant-based protein. This gluten-free and dairy-free option becomes even more nutritionally complete. For more creative ways to add protein to your gluten-free meals, explore our Easy Protein Gluten-Free Bread Recipe, which pairs beautifully as a side to soak up the casserole’s creamy sauce.

Vegetable-Packed Version: Toss diced bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. The casserole adapts beautifully to whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Lower-Carb Variation: Use half the stuffing and double the vegetable layer. This free casserole recipe easily adjusts to fit various nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Cooking Doesn’t Have to Feel Limiting

Here’s the truth nobody tells you about adapting recipes: the best versions often come after you’ve had to get creative. This gluten-free casserole isn’t a consolation prize—it’s genuinely delicious, and friends who eat gluten and dairy will ask for seconds too.

The key is using quality ingredients and giving yourself permission to trust the process. Coconut cream and plant-based alternatives aren’t lesser-thans; they’re different paths to the same destination: a meal that nourishes your body and makes you happy.

Whether you’re managing dietary restrictions, exploring dairy-free cooking out of curiosity, or looking for a free casserole recipe that actually delivers, this gluten-free and dairy-free chicken stuffing casserole meets you exactly where you are. That’s what good cooking does.