Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. The Chicken and Stuffing Bake is the ultimate comfort food, a dish that’s easy to make yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe delivers the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

This classic casserole is a favorite for good reason. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and can easily be customized to suit your tastes. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s ready to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
2. Comforting: Creamy, savory, and satisfying.
3. Minimal Cleanup: One dish means fewer dishes to wash!
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance for stress-free dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. (They don’t need to be fully cooked as they’ll finish baking in the oven.)
3. Set Aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

1. Cook the Stuffing Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix, chicken broth, and melted butter. Stir until the liquid is absorbed and the stuffing is moistened. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, thyme, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
2. Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
3. Add the Stuffing: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture over the top, spreading it out to cover the sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the stuffing is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
• For Extra Flavor: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear just until golden brown; it will cook fully in the oven.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: For an elevated flavor, substitute dried thyme and poultry seasoning with fresh thyme and sage.
3. Make It Cheesy: Adding cheese to the stuffing mix or topping the casserole with cheese enhances the dish.
4. Adjust Liquid in Stuffing: For a softer stuffing, add a bit more chicken broth. For crispier stuffing, use less.

Variations

Protein Options

• Use turkey breast, pork chops, or even rotisserie chicken for variety.

Vegetarian Version

• Replace chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and cauliflower. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Gluten-Free Version

• Use gluten-free stuffing mix and cream soups labeled gluten-free.

Add Veggies

• Mix in cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas to add color and nutrients to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

What if I don’t have stuffing mix?

You can use stale bread cubes seasoned with a mix of thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Add sautéed onions and celery for extra flavor.

Can I use cream cheese instead of sour cream?

Yes, softened cream cheese works well, though it will create a thicker sauce.

How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or mix some hot sauce into the sauce.

Conclusion

The Chicken and Stuffing Bake is a tried-and-true recipe that combines classic comfort flavors with modern ease. Its creamy, savory goodness, complemented by a crispy stuffing topping, makes it a dish you’ll come back to time and time again. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is perfect for any cook, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef.

Gather your family, dig into this satisfying bake, and enjoy the warm, delicious taste of comfort!

Yield: 6

Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe

Print

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. The Chicken and Stuffing Bake is the ultimate comfort food, a dish that’s easy to make yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe delivers the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (6-ounce) package stuffing mix (chicken flavor)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional, thawed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Topping:
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stuffing

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix and chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is moistened and set aside.

2. Mix the Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. If using vegetables, fold them into the sauce mixture.

3. Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
4. Layer the moistened stuffing mix over the top.

4. Add Optional Toppings

1. Drizzle melted butter over the stuffing layer for extra flavor.
2. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

5. Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C).

6. Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Serve warm with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Vegetable Variations: Substitute or add vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or corn.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.