Looking for a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love? This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe is exactly what you need! With tender chicken, flavorful stuffing, and creamy sauce baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special family gatherings. Read on to discover how you can make this amazing recipe at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Stick around to the end for tips, variations, and answers to common questions to make your meal even better!
What is a Chicken Stuffing Bake?
Chicken Stuffing Bake is a comforting casserole dish that combines cooked chicken with seasoned stuffing, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. It’s a one-dish meal that bakes everything together for a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken or turkey, making it a great option for post-holiday meals or when you want something simple but delicious.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredient list to get started!
Ingredients List for Chicken Stuffing Bake
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for variation)
- ½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk or chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or sage (optional for extra flavor)
For the Stuffing Topping:
- 1 box (6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Chicken Stuffing Bake recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or use what you have on hand.
- Chicken: Use turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken in place of the cooked chicken.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: For a different flavor, substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. You can also use homemade white sauce if you prefer a healthier, low-sodium option.
- Sour Cream/Mayonnaise: You can swap these for Greek yogurt for a tangy and lighter option.
- Vegetables: Add or substitute with your favorite veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers. Fresh or canned vegetables can also work if frozen isn’t available.
- Stuffing Mix: If you prefer homemade stuffing, feel free to make your own using cubed bread, butter, and seasonings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this delicious Chicken Stuffing Bake? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake when you’re done preparing the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the stuffing mix with melted butter and hot chicken broth or water. Stir it well to combine, then set it aside to absorb the liquid while you prepare the chicken mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and vegetables. Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings like thyme or sage to taste. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom. Once the stuffing has absorbed the liquid, spoon it over the chicken mixture, spreading it into an even layer on top. If you’re adding shredded cheese, sprinkle it over the stuffing before baking.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy on top, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your Chicken Stuffing Bake comes out perfectly:
- Using Raw Chicken: Make sure your chicken is pre-cooked before adding it to the casserole. Raw chicken won’t cook thoroughly in the casserole, leading to undercooked chicken and overcooked stuffing.
- Too Much Liquid: Be careful not to add too much liquid to the stuffing or chicken mixture, as this can make the casserole soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best texture.
- Overbaking: Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Keep an eye on it and check for bubbling around the edges and a golden topping, which are signs it’s ready.
- Not Seasoning the Chicken: Even though the stuffing and soup are seasoned, don’t skip seasoning the chicken mixture with salt, pepper, and any herbs to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This dish is both flavorful and filling on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple serving and presentation ideas.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Bake:
- Serve the casserole warm, right out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or even cranberry sauce for a Thanksgiving-like feast.
- For a heartier meal, serve with mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes on the side.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Stuffing Bake:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a vibrant finish.
- Serve in individual casserole dishes for a more elegant and personal touch at the dinner table.
- Add a side of fresh bread rolls or biscuits for a complete, comforting meal.
Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe Tips
- Use Leftover Turkey: This is a great way to use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or other holiday meals.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Double the Recipe: For larger gatherings or meal prepping, double the recipe and bake in two separate casserole dishes. You can freeze one for later use.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy stuffing topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones?
Yes! You can substitute fresh vegetables for frozen ones. Just make sure to pre-cook harder vegetables like carrots or broccoli before adding them to the casserole, as they may not cook through completely during baking.
2. Can I make Chicken Stuffing Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Stuffing Bake?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed stuffing mix?
Definitely! If you prefer homemade stuffing, go ahead and make it from scratch. Just be sure to add enough liquid (chicken broth or water) so the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
Conclusion
There you have it – an easy, flavorful, and satisfying Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, this dish will be a hit with your family and friends. With its creamy chicken filling and crunchy stuffing topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to prepare and sure to please. Don’t forget to try out the variations and tips mentioned in this article to make this recipe your own. Enjoy!
By following this guide, you’ll be able to master the Chicken Stuffing Bake and wow your dinner guests with a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
PrintChicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
This Chicken Stuffing Bake recipe features tender chicken breasts, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. It's a simple, comforting, and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place chicken breasts in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the stuffing, chicken broth, and sour cream until combined.
- Spread the stuffing mixture over the chicken breasts.
- In another bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup with a bit of water, then pour it evenly over the stuffing.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is golden.
Notes
- Add vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, use seasoned stuffing or add herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with stuffing
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
Leave a Reply