Chicken & Stuffing Bake Recipe

Craving a comforting, easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken with a deliciously seasoned stuffing? This Chicken & Stuffing Bake recipe is the perfect solution! With juicy chicken breasts, a savory stuffing mix, and creamy sauce all baked together, this casserole-style dish is a family favorite that’s great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or holiday dinners. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Read on to discover the step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips to create the perfect Chicken & Stuffing Bake!

What is Chicken & Stuffing Bake?

Chicken & Stuffing Bake is a cozy casserole that layers seasoned chicken breasts with a creamy sauce and is topped with a flavorful stuffing mixture. The stuffing absorbs the sauce as it bakes, becoming soft and flavorful, while the top remains slightly crispy. It’s the ultimate comfort food, similar to a traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, but easier to prepare and perfect for any time of year. This dish is ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients List for Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Chicken & Stuffing Bake. Most of these are pantry staples, making it a convenient, throw-together meal.

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 box (6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream (or mayonnaise)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for color and flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness)
• ½ cup frozen peas (for added vegetables)
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional for more texture)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor on top)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or sage (for extra seasoning)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

Protein Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs take a bit longer to cook.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken. Mix it with the sauce before adding the stuffing on top.
• Turkey: Swap the chicken for turkey, especially if you have Thanksgiving leftovers.

Creamy Sauce Variations:

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor than cream of chicken.
• Greek Yogurt: For a lighter option, substitute sour cream or mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It adds tanginess while cutting down on fat.
• Cheese Sauce: Add ½ cup of shredded cheese into the creamy sauce for an even richer, cheesier bake.

Stuffing Variations:

• Homemade Stuffing: If you have time, you can make your own stuffing from scratch using bread cubes, butter, onions, celery, and chicken broth.
• Cornbread Stuffing: For a Southern twist, use cornbread stuffing instead of traditional seasoned stuffing.
• Herb-Seasoned Stuffing: For extra flavor, add some dried herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary to the stuffing mix.

Vegetable Variations:

• Broccoli: Add a cup of steamed or frozen broccoli for a veggie-packed meal.
• Mixed Vegetables: Stir in a mix of peas, carrots, and corn for extra nutrients and color.
• Spinach: Sauté some fresh spinach and layer it under the chicken for added greens.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Chicken & Stuffing Bake is incredibly easy to put together. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof, delicious meal.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). You can also add dried thyme or sage for extra seasoning.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken (Optional)

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step is optional but adds extra flavor and color to the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or mayonnaise), and chicken broth. If you're adding cheese, you can stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar at this point. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish in a single layer. Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.

Step 6: Add the Stuffing

In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions, using either water or chicken broth. Once prepared, spoon the stuffing mixture over the chicken and creamy sauce, spreading it evenly across the top.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the stuffing to crisp up and the sauce to bubble. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and spices.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth to make the sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Place chicken in the dish, pour the sauce over it, and top with stuffing.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Let the dish rest, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Dry Chicken: Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly juicy chicken.
• Soggy Stuffing: If you prefer a crispy topping, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. This will give the stuffing a golden, crunchy texture.
• Too Much Liquid: Avoid making the dish too soupy by using the correct amount of liquid when preparing the stuffing and sauce. The sauce should be creamy, not runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Chicken & Stuffing Bake

This Chicken & Stuffing Bake is hearty enough to be served as a main dish on its own, but you can pair it with a side of vegetables like green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Mashed potatoes or a side of cranberry sauce would also complement the flavors well, especially if you’re serving this during the holiday season.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken & Stuffing Bake

• Serve Family-Style: Place the baking dish in the center of the table and serve family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the casserole to add a fresh pop of color.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, slice the chicken into individual portions and serve on plates with a spoonful of stuffing on top.

Chicken & Stuffing Bake Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just let it come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, is perfect for this recipe. Simply shred or cube the cooked chicken and mix it into the sauce, then proceed with the stuffing and baking instructions.

Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed stuffing mix?

Absolutely! If you have homemade stuffing, it will work wonderfully in this dish. Just prepare your stuffing ahead of time and follow the same layering and baking instructions.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and a gluten-free condensed soup (like Progresso or homemade versions) to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! You can add vegetables like peas, broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition. Simply mix them into the sauce with the chicken.

Conclusion

This Chicken & Stuffing Bake is the perfect dish for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family. With tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce, it’s a one-dish meal that’s great for weeknights or holidays. Whether you’re using leftovers or starting from scratch, this recipe offers plenty of flexibility and customization options. Try it out tonight and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

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