Chicken & Stuffing Bake Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that will please the whole family? This Chicken & Stuffing Bake recipe is the perfect one-dish dinner for any night of the week. Tender chicken is layered with a savory stuffing mix and creamy sauce, then baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping. It’s a warm, comforting dish that combines the best of a chicken casserole and stuffing in one, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or holiday meal.

this Recipe

What is Chicken & Stuffing Bake?

Chicken & Stuffing Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make casserole that combines seasoned chicken breasts or thighs, a savory stuffing mix, and a creamy sauce made with ingredients like cream of chicken soup or sour cream. The casserole is baked until golden and bubbly, making the chicken tender and flavorful while the stuffing adds a crunchy, satisfying texture on top. It's a perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and filling.

Ingredients List for Chicken & Stuffing Bake

To make this comforting Chicken & Stuffing Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs) or 6 chicken thighs
• 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom or celery)
• ½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken & Stuffing Bake recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make substitutions based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients:

1. Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. If you prefer, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative.
2. Stuffing mix: Use any type of stuffing mix you like—herb-flavored, chicken-flavored, or even cornbread stuffing. Homemade stuffing can also be used for a more customized dish.
3. Soup: Cream of chicken is classic, but cream of mushroom or cream of celery work just as well for a different flavor profile.
4. Dairy-free: You can make this recipe dairy-free by using a dairy-free sour cream alternative and a dairy-free soup.
5. Add vegetables: For a one-pan meal, feel free to add veggies like peas, green beans, broccoli, or carrots to the chicken mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this Chicken & Stuffing Bake in just a few easy steps:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.

2. Prepare the Stuffing Mix

• In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the chicken broth (or water) and melted butter. Stir until the stuffing is moistened but still fluffy. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken Mixture

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or mayonnaise), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Season the chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
• Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken, spreading it with a spoon or spatula to ensure all the chicken is covered.

4. Add the Stuffing Topping

• Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken and sauce. Press the stuffing lightly so it adheres to the top of the casserole.

5. Bake the Casserole

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy and the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
• For extra crispy stuffing, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired, and serve warm.

How to Cook Chicken & Stuffing Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to make this delicious Chicken & Stuffing Bake:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the stuffing by mixing the stuffing mix with chicken broth and melted butter.
3. Prepare the chicken by seasoning it and covering it with a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings.
4. Top with stuffing: Spoon the stuffing mixture over the chicken and sauce.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the stuffing is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Soggy stuffing: To avoid soggy stuffing, be sure not to over-soak the stuffing mix. It should be moistened but still fluffy when you add it to the top of the casserole.
• Skipping the resting time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Chicken & Stuffing Bake is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but you can serve it with a few simple sides to balance out the richness:

1. Serve with a green vegetable: Steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad make a perfect accompaniment.
2. Pair with mashed potatoes: For a complete comfort food feast, serve the casserole with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes on the side.
3. Top with gravy: If you love extra gravy, drizzle some chicken or turkey gravy over the top of each serving for an even more indulgent meal.

How to Serve Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Serve the Chicken & Stuffing Bake hot from the oven. Use a spatula to scoop out individual portions, making sure to get some of the creamy chicken, stuffing, and sauce in every serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken & Stuffing Bake

• Family-style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the table for a cozy, family-style meal.
• Individual servings: Plate individual portions of the casserole with a side of vegetables or mashed potatoes for a more formal presentation.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for an added touch of color and flavor.

Chicken & Stuffing Bake Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Freezing instructions: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
• Reheating leftovers: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Simply layer the shredded chicken in the baking dish, then proceed with the recipe as written.

2. Can I use a different type of stuffing?

Yes, you can use any flavor of stuffing mix you prefer—herb-flavored, cornbread stuffing, or even homemade stuffing. Just adjust the liquid amounts if needed based on the type of stuffing.

3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, to make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream soup substitute and a dairy-free sour cream or mayonnaise alternative.

4. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas, green beans, or broccoli to the casserole. Simply stir the veggies into the chicken and sauce mixture before baking.

5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and add a bit more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Conclusion

This Chicken & Stuffing Bake is the ultimate comfort food, with tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce baked together in one easy dish. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, holiday meal, or any time you're craving something warm and filling. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is a great option when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Enjoy!

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