Chicken and Stuffing Bake is a simple and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken pieces and flavorful stuffing all baked into one cozy meal. With juicy chicken on top and a golden, crispy stuffing layer, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I love making this because it’s a super easy way to get a complete meal without a lot of fuss. The stuffing soaks up all the tasty juices from the chicken while it cooks, which makes every bite extra delicious. Sometimes I add a little extra seasoning or some veggies to the mix just to make it my own.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the oven with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers the next day taste just as good, if not better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are easy to cook evenly. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too for more flavor and juiciness.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and helps keep the chicken moist. Use cream of mushroom or celery soup as alternatives, or make a simple homemade white sauce.
Seasoned stuffing mix: Store-bought stuffing saves time and adds great flavor, but homemade stuffing lets you customize herbs and add veggies. Gluten-free stuffing is also easy to find for special diets.
Sour cream: It gives richness and tang. Greek yogurt can be swapped in to reduce fat or add more protein.
How Do I Get the Stuffing Crispy and Flavorful?
The key is mixing the stuffing with melted butter before topping the chicken and layering it evenly. This helps it brown nicely and adds great flavor.
- Make sure to spread the stuffing in one even layer so it cooks uniformly.
- Cover with foil in the first 30 minutes to let the chicken cook through and the stuffing steam a bit.
- Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the top to turn golden and get a crispy texture.
- Using melted butter instead of oil boosts flavor and helps with browning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits everything easily and cooks evenly.
- Skillet – for searing the chicken quickly and adding extra flavor.
- Mixing bowls – to combine the soup mixture and toss the stuffing.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately.
- Foil – covers the dish during the first part of baking to keep everything moist.
- Oven mitts and a spatula – for safety and easy serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use turkey or ham instead of chicken for a different flavor. It works well with the same creamy sauce.
- Add cooked veggies like peas, carrots, or celery for more color and texture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes for a cheesy crust.
- Mix in chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the stuffing for extra aroma and flavor.
Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme or poultry seasoning
- 6 cups seasoned bread stuffing mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare for about 10 minutes of prep time and around 50 minutes of baking time, including resting. This makes it a great option for a flavorful, yet straightforward weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Chicken:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Then, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Stir well until everything is combined into a smooth sauce.
3. Assembling the Bake:
Place the partially cooked chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken.
In another bowl, toss the stuffing mix with the melted butter until the bread cubes are fully coated. Spread this stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce, fully covering it.
4. Baking and Serving:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The stuffing should turn golden brown and the chicken should be cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
After baking, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like, then serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the fridge overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture in the bake.
Can I Make Chicken and Stuffing Bake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed; you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the stuffing crispy.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Bake?
Yes! Adding cooked or sautéed veggies like peas, carrots, or celery to the stuffing mix before baking is a great way to boost flavor and nutrition.
