I absolutely love this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe because it hits all those cozy comfort food notes that just make you feel right at home. It s the kind of dish that works perfectly for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without fussing over multiple pots and pans. What s great is how the flavors come together-juicy chicken breasts nestled under a creamy soup layer, all topped with savory stuffing that bakes up golden and irresistible.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull off such a crowd-pleaser with minimal ingredients. You ll find that the combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream keeps everything incredibly moist, while the stuffing adds a lovely texture and familiar, comforting taste. Whether it s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe is always a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: It s simple to prepare but delivers deep, comforting flavors every time.
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together, making clean-up a breeze for busy nights.
- Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep.
- Moist and Flavorful Chicken: The creamy topping locks in moisture, ensuring juicy chicken every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like a dream-simple staples that combine to create a rich, satisfying dish. I recommend picking a quality stuffing mix since it really shines in this recipe, and don t skimp on the chicken breasts for the best results.
- Chicken breasts: Use large, fresh chicken breasts for even cooking and tender results.
- Dried minced onions: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder: Brings aromatic warmth-essential for that well-rounded flavor.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, for a bit of gentle heat.
- Stove top stuffing mix: The base of delicious crunch and flavor-choose your favorite flavor variety.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without too much saltiness, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: The creamy foundation that makes this bake irresistibly luscious.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess to the topping layer.
- Butter: Cubed and dotted over the stuffing for richness and those golden brown crispy bits.
Variations
I love to switch things up with this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe depending on what s in season or what my family s mood is. You can easily personalize it, whether you want to sneak in extra veggies or accommodate dietary preferences.
- Veggie Boost: I often add chopped celery or mushrooms to the stuffing mix, which adds a fresh texture and depth of flavor that everyone notices and loves.
- Healthier Option: For a lighter version, try using reduced-fat sour cream and a low-fat cream of chicken soup; it’s a small swap that keeps the dish creamy but trims the calories.
- Herb Infusion: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the mix gives it a bright, fragrant twist that I find really elevates the bake.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika over the chicken before baking for a subtle kick.
How to Make Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right to cook the chicken through without drying it out. While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray-this step makes cleanup easier and ensures your bake won t stick.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the dried minced onions, garlic powder, and ground black pepper across the chicken. This seasoning blend might seem simple, but trust me, it s the foundation of the flavor and makes your chicken pop.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with low sodium chicken broth. Use a fork to fluff it up as the broth gets absorbed-you want it light and airy, not soggy. This step is key because a well-fluffed stuffing bakes up with a nice texture on top.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Topping
Mix together the condensed cream of chicken soup with the sour cream in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in your baking dish-this layer will keep your chicken juicy while giving that luscious, velvety flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon your fluffy stuffing mixture over the creamy soup layer, distributing it evenly over and around the chicken. Dot the cubed butter over the stuffing-this little trick helps everything brown beautifully and adds rich flavor. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the stuffing is golden and crisp on top.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked-juicy but safe to eat-without drying it out.
- Avoid Soggy Stuffing: Fluff the stuffing mix well after adding broth so it bakes up crispy on top instead of mushy.
- Butter Distribution: Dotting butter over the stuffing-not mixing it in-helps create those golden, crispy spots that make all the difference.
- Let it Rest: After baking, give your casserole 5 minutes to settle and allow flavors to meld before serving-this helps with portioning and flavor too.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving-it adds a pop of color and a fresh touch that complements the savory bake perfectly. A little cracked black pepper on top never hurts either for that nice finishing flair.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad. My family also loves it alongside mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I like to bake this in decorative ceramic dishes and bring it straight to the table for a cozy, homestyle vibe. You can also portion it into individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch when entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Chicken Stuffing Bake in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, the flavors actually deepen, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well if you want to make ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating for best texture.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and the stuffing from getting tough-in my experience, it tastes just as good the second time around!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and tend to stay juicy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly-thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through, and always check the temperature to ensure they reach 165°F.
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Is it possible to make this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the traditional stuffing mix for a gluten-free version-there are great options available in most grocery stores. Just double-check your chicken broth and soup labels to make sure they re gluten-free as well.
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Can I add vegetables directly to the Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe?
Definitely. I like adding chopped celery, mushrooms, or even frozen peas to the stuffing mixture for an easy veggie boost. Just fold them in before spreading the stuffing on top, and they ll cook perfectly during baking.
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What can I use if I don t have cream of chicken soup on hand?
If you re out of canned cream of chicken soup, you can make a quick homemade version using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk to create a creamy sauce. This keeps the dish flavorful and allows you to control the ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines ease and indulgence in one dish-almost like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family and I do. Give it a try soon-you might just find your new go-to comfort meal!
PrintChicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Stuffing Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken breasts layered with creamy soup and flavorful stuffing. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines seasoned chicken, a creamy topping, and buttery stuffing baked to golden perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 large chicken breasts (about 2.5 to 3 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Stuffing Mix
- 6 ounces Stove Top stuffing mix
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
Creamy Topping
- 10 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Other
- 4 tablespoons butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season each breast with garlic powder, dried minced onions, and ground black pepper to infuse deep flavors throughout the chicken.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with low sodium chicken broth. Fluff the mixture with a fork until the broth is absorbed and the stuffing is light and airy. Set aside this flavorful base.
- Make Creamy Layer: In a small bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts within the casserole dish for a rich and moist layer.
- Assemble Casserole: Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly on top of the creamy soup layer, spreading it around the chicken. Distribute the cubed butter over the stuffing to add richness and help achieve a golden, crispy topping during baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the stuffing is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked to keep it juicy and safe to eat.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute reduced-fat sour cream and low-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Add chopped vegetables like celery or mushrooms to the stuffing for extra flavor and nutritional boost.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and for easier portioning and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg