Looking for a heartwarming dish that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor? This Chicken Stuffing Bake recipe is the perfect solution. With tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce, it’s an easy dinner that feels like a comforting hug after a long day. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Keep reading to discover how to make this flavorful dish, learn some creative substitutions, and explore tips for presentation that will elevate your meal to the next level.

What Is Chicken Stuffing Bake?
Chicken Stuffing Bake is a homestyle casserole made from layers of juicy chicken, moist stuffing, and a creamy sauce that binds it all together. It’s a one-pan meal that brings together rich flavors and textures for a satisfying and hearty dish. It's perfect for using up pantry staples and is versatile enough for adding your own spin with different ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and promises delicious results every time.
Ingredients List for Chicken Stuffing Bake
To make this comforting Chicken Stuffing Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are common items that can be found in most kitchens or easily sourced at your local grocery store.
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts – 4 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Stuffing Mix – 1 box (6 oz) of your favorite stuffing mix (such as Stove Top).
- Cream of Chicken Soup – 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup.
- Sour Cream – ½ cup for added creaminess.
- Chicken Broth – 1 cup to keep the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Butter – ¼ cup (half a stick) of unsalted butter, melted.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme to taste.
- Onion – 1 medium-sized onion, diced.
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced for extra crunch and flavor.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Cheese – 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetables – 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition.
- Cranberry Sauce – A dollop on the side for a holiday twist.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to adjust the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to make the Chicken Stuffing Bake your own:
- Chicken Substitutes – If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey for a Thanksgiving-inspired twist.
- Stuffing Variations – Swap out the boxed stuffing for homemade stuffing if you have a favorite recipe. You can also try different flavors of stuffing mix, like cornbread or herb-seasoned.
- Soup Alternatives – Not a fan of cream of chicken soup? You can substitute it with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce for a healthier option.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and skip the butter to make this dish suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Add Some Heat – For a spicy version, add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the mix.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Chicken Stuffing Bake is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Follow these easy steps, and you'll have a delicious meal in under an hour!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of thyme. For faster cooking, you can slice the chicken into smaller pieces or pound them to an even thickness.
Step 3: Make the Stuffing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix with 1 cup of chicken broth, melted butter, and diced celery and onion. Stir until everything is well-coated and the stuffing is moistened.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth. For added flavor, you can stir in a handful of shredded cheese or frozen vegetables if you're using them.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In your prepared baking dish, layer the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom. Spread the creamy soup mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well-covered. Finally, spoon the stuffing mixture evenly on top of the chicken and soup layers.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown and crispy on top. You can check the chicken's doneness by inserting a meat thermometer, ensuring it reads 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
How to Cook Chicken Stuffing Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts and prepare stuffing with chicken broth and butter.
- Mix soup and sour cream for the creamy layer.
- Layer chicken, creamy sauce, and stuffing in the dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
This step-by-step guide ensures that your Chicken Stuffing Bake comes out perfect every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Moistening the Stuffing Enough – Dry stuffing can ruin the dish. Ensure the stuffing is adequately moistened with broth and butter.
- Overcooking the Chicken – Baking chicken for too long can make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Skipping the Resting Time – Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and allows the flavors to blend, so don’t skip this step!
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Chicken Stuffing Bake, presentation matters. This hearty dish can be elevated with simple garnishing and thoughtful plating.
- Add a Fresh Herb Garnish – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top of the casserole just before serving. It adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor.
- Serve with a Side Salad – A light green salad or roasted vegetables can balance the richness of the casserole.
- Cranberry Sauce on the Side – For a holiday flair, serve a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Bake
Chicken Stuffing Bake can be served as a standalone dish since it includes both protein and starch, but you can also pair it with simple side dishes for a complete meal:
- Mashed Potatoes – Add extra comfort with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Steamed Vegetables – A light, healthy complement to the rich casserole.
- Dinner Rolls – Fresh bread rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Stuffing Bake
To take your Chicken Stuffing Bake from a simple family meal to a show-stopping dish, consider these creative presentation ideas:
- Serve in Individual Ramekins – Make individual portions in ramekins for a personalized touch, perfect for dinner parties.
- Garnish with Cheese – If you’ve added cheese to your casserole, sprinkle extra on top and broil for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Layered Serving – Serve each portion layered, making sure the chicken, stuffing, and sauce are visible, adding visual appeal.
Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Option – Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and bake as directed.
- Freeze for Later – This dish freezes well. Simply freeze the unbaked casserole and bake it directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Use Leftover Chicken – Got leftover roast chicken? Shred it and use it instead of raw chicken breasts to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use leftover turkey in this recipe?
Yes, leftover turkey works wonderfully in this recipe. Just substitute the chicken breasts with shredded turkey.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free stuffing mix and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
4. Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Absolutely! You can mix in frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrients.
5. What other types of cheese work well in this recipe?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are all delicious options to add to this casserole.
Conclusion
Chicken Stuffing Bake is a delicious, comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a hearty dish for a family gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to please. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you'll have a flavorful, satisfying casserole ready in no time. So why not give it a try tonight? Your family will thank you for it!
PrintChicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
This Chicken Stuffing Bake recipe is a comforting casserole featuring juicy chicken, flavorful stuffing, and a creamy sauce. Layers of tender chicken breast are topped with seasoned stuffing mix and baked to perfection, making it a quick and hearty weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Boxed stuffing mix (prepared)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place chicken breasts in a greased baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Pour over the chicken.
- Spread prepared stuffing mix evenly over the top of the chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed vegetables like celery and onions to the stuffing mix.
- Use a rotisserie chicken for a quicker version of this dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
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