If you’re looking for one of those ultimate comfort dinner dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe. It’s super straightforward to make, but the combination of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and that creamy topping totally hits the spot every single time. Plus, it s the kind of meal you can throw together on a busy weeknight and still feel like you nailed a home-cooked feast.
When I first tried this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe, I was floored by how juicy the chicken stays beneath that flavorful blanket of stuffing and creamy sauce. It s like the stuffing and sauce work as a little flavor shield that keeps everything moist and delicious-even for picky eaters! Whether you re feeding family or having a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe is one I always keep in my regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Time-Saving: You ll appreciate how quick it comes together with simple pantry staples.
- Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: The creamy topping keeps the chicken moist and packed with taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It s equally comforting for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily add veggies or swap ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe is so approachable because it relies on a few simple ingredients that play so well together. I like to keep these staples on hand, especially stove-top stuffing mix and cream of chicken soup, which really bring out that classic flavor we all love.
- Chicken breasts: I always go for large, evenly sized breasts to ensure consistent cooking.
- Dried minced onions: These add a subtle sweetness and depth without needing fresh onions.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way for that savory punch.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a mild kick.
- Stove top stuffing mix: The base that adds that hearty, comforting texture and flavor.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without overpowering saltiness.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: This creamy layer is what makes the topping extra luscious.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Butter: Cubed butter on top helps the stuffing brown and adds a lovely richness.
Variations
I love how versatile this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe is-once you get the hang of the basics, feel free to personalize it. Adding veggies or changing up the creamy layer lets you keep it fresh without extra fuss.
- Veggie Boost: I’ve tossed in chopped celery or sliced mushrooms before; they add great texture and nutrition without overwhelming the flavors.
- Lower Fat Version: Using reduced-fat sour cream and low-fat cream of chicken soup works well if you want a lighter dish but still crave creaminess.
- Different Stuffing: Feel free to try cornbread or herb stuffing mixes for a unique twist that your family might adore.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the stuffing can give this bake a fun little heat.
How to Make Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. Lay your chicken breasts evenly in the dish and sprinkle them with garlic powder, dried minced onions, and ground black pepper. This simple seasoning step is key-it gives the chicken a lovely, savory base that shines through under all the layers.
Step 2: Get Your Stuffing Just Right
In a bowl, combine the stove top stuffing mix with low sodium chicken broth. Use a fork to fluff this up until the broth is fully absorbed and the stuffing feels light and airy. This fluffiness is what I learned makes the stuffing bake with the best texture-dense stuffing just doesn t have the same magic in this dish.
Step 3: Make That Creamy Topping
Mix the condensed cream of chicken soup with the sour cream until smooth. You ll find this blend adds tang and richness that keeps the chicken moist while perfectly complementing the stuffing on top. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts-this layer is what locks in juiciness.
Step 4: Assemble and Butter Up
Spoon the prepared stuffing over and around the creamy chicken layer in your baking dish. Don t be shy about layering it evenly. Toss the cubed butter around on top of the stuffing-this is a trick I discovered over time that helps the topping brown beautifully and adds some extra buttery richness.
Step 5: Bake and Know When It s Done
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Here s where a meat thermometer really becomes your best friend-pull the bake out once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want to make sure it s cooked through but still juicy. After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving; it helps everything set just right.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Even Chicken Size: I always pick breasts that are similar in size to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It s the only way I guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time without guesswork.
- Butter Cubes on Top: Placing small cubes of butter on the stuffing helps it brown and adds wonderful flavor-don t skip it!
- Rest Before Serving: Giving the casserole five minutes to rest makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme-it adds a fresh, herbaceous note and brightens up the whole plate. A light dusting of paprika gives a subtle smoky warmth and makes the casserole look extra inviting on the table.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. Mashed potatoes or roasted carrots also make lovely, cozy sides if you want to keep things hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday meals, I ve jazzed it up by serving the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a little extra fresh herb garnish, which makes it feel special and personalized. You can also place cooked baby potatoes or colorful roasted veggies around the bake for a vibrant, festive look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes I find the next day s serving tastes even better!
Freezing
I ve frozen this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe successfully by assembling it but not baking first-cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra bake time as needed until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I prefer warming in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil so the chicken stays tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on portion size. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes dry out the chicken, so watch the timing closely.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can work well because they re naturally more tender and juicy. Just adjust the baking time accordingly-thighs might need a few extra minutes-and always check that they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Can I prepare this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything up to the baking step and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking to help it cook evenly. This makes it great for meal prepping or busy weeknight dinners.
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What can I add to the stuffing to make it more flavorful?
Chopped celery, mushrooms, or even diced apples can add wonderful flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme stirred into the stuffing mix are also fantastic. Just be mindful not to overload it so the stuffing still bakes up nicely.
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Is it necessary to use condensed cream of chicken soup?
It s a key part of the creamy topping that helps keep the chicken moist and ties the flavors together, but if you prefer, you can substitute with homemade cream sauce or a blend of Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a fresher take. Just keep the consistency similar to ensure it spreads nicely.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to comfort foods because it s so forgiving and consistently delicious. It makes those busy nights feel just a little bit easier, knowing a tasty, satisfying meal is ready with minimal fuss. I m pretty sure once you try it, you ll be adding it to your recipe lineup too. Give it a shot and enjoy every cozy, flavorful bite-your family will thank you!
PrintChicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Stuffing Bake recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a creamy topping and flavorful stove top stuffing, baked to perfection for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole blends savory ingredients with a rich, creamy texture and a delicious buttery finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 large chicken breasts (about 2.5 to 3 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Stuffing Mix
- 6 ounces stove top stuffing mix
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
Creamy Topping
- 10 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Other
- 4 tablespoons butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season them on top with garlic powder, dried minced onions, and ground black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Prepare stuffing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the low sodium chicken broth. Fluff it with a fork until the liquid is absorbed and the mixture is light and airy. Set aside.
- Make creamy layer: In a small bowl, mix together the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Assemble casserole: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly on top of the creamy soup layer and around the chicken in the dish. Distribute the cubed butter over the stuffing to add richness and help with browning.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and is fully cooked.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked but remains juicy.
- For a lower fat version, you could use reduced-fat sour cream and low-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Feel free to add veggies like chopped celery or mushrooms to the stuffing for added flavor and nutrition.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and for easier serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of casserole)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg