Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again! This Chicken Stuffing Bake is the perfect combination of juicy chicken breasts, creamy sauce, savory stuffing, and a touch of melty cheese on top. The best part? It’s as easy to whip up as it is satisfying, making it a weeknight hero and a family-favorite classic. Every layer of flavor melds beautifully into something that feels both nostalgic and deliciously new, especially with those golden-crisp stuffing bits crowning the dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving something warm and hearty, Chicken Stuffing Bake is here to cozy up any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about using simple, reliable ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each component brings something important to the table, shaping the flavor, texture, or color of the finished Chicken Stuffing Bake. Don’t skip any—the magic is in their harmony!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken keeps things lean and soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken to lock in juices.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with subtle, savory depth without the need for chopping.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Offers a little kick to balance the creamy, buttery elements.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The backbone of the sauce, making everything creamy and flavorful.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and silkiness to the sauce for irresistible texture.
- Milk: Lightens the sauce just enough so it isn’t too thick and heavy.
- Prepared Stuffing Mix: The star of the show for that classic, herby crunch—choose your favorite brand.
- Unsalted Butter: Enriches the stuffing topping and helps it bake up golden and crisp.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top for a melty, cheesy finish that takes things over the top.
How to Make Chicken Stuffing Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your Chicken Stuffing Bake comes out cleanly and to encourage that irresistible crispy edge.
Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry, then season them generously with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for just 2-3 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through at this stage—just getting a lovely golden color and boosting the flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken
Nestle the seared chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. They’ll finish cooking as everything bakes, staying tender and juicy inside the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. This trio gives the Chicken Stuffing Bake its silky texture and signature creamy taste. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken in the dish.
Step 5: Prep and Add the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, combine the prepared stuffing mix with melted butter. This step gives you that rich, savory stuffing layer on top—the best part! Sprinkle the buttery stuffing evenly over the chicken and sauce. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add some shredded cheddar cheese at this stage for a bubbly, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing topping is perfectly golden and crisp. Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up and makes it easier to dish out generous portions.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Bake
Garnishes
Top your Chicken Stuffing Bake with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color, or try a dusting of paprika for subtle smoky flavor. Even a touch of grated Parmesan can add a salty finish that plays so well with the creamy base and crunchy topping.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Stuffing Bake with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for freshness, or roasted green beans for a crisp veggie side. Classic mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli also fit right in, rounding out the meal with comfort and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving for a special occasion? Dish up portions in mini ramekins for a fun, single-serve twist. Or try adding sautéed mushrooms or green beans into the casserole itself for extra flavor and color—kids and adults alike will love it! If you’re hosting brunch, offer Chicken Stuffing Bake alongside scrambled eggs and fruit for a hearty, crowd-pleasing spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Stuffing Bake stores beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer cooled portions into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s just as comforting on day two (or three), and perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or seal in a freezer-safe container. Chicken Stuffing Bake can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole casserole back in the oven at 350°F until piping hot. If the stuffing topping needs a little help crisping back up, uncover for the last 10 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Simply shred or slice the rotisserie chicken and tuck it under the creamy sauce before adding the stuffing topping. You can skip the searing step, making prep even faster.
What’s the best way to make this dish ahead of time?
Prepare everything up to just before baking—assemble the Chicken Stuffing Bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes and then bake as directed.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, lightly steamed green beans, or even thawed frozen peas into the sauce layer before topping with stuffing. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies and vibrant color.
What stuffing mix works best?
Any classic boxed stuffing mix like Stove Top works wonderfully, but you can experiment with your favorite flavors or even use homemade stuffing if you have some on hand. Just be sure it’s nicely moistened before mixing with the melted butter.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Yes, this Chicken Stuffing Bake is easy to scale up or down. For a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a larger dish; to serve just two, halve the ingredients and use a smaller (8×8-inch) pan. Adjust baking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself (and your loved ones) the treat of pure comfort with this Chicken Stuffing Bake. It’s hearty, simple to prepare, and absolutely bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or bringing it to the next family gathering, this bake will quickly become part of your dinner rotation favorites. Don’t wait—try it and see for yourself how easily it wins everyone over!
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Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken Stuffing Bake that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy sauce, savory stuffing, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Stuffing and Sauce:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups prepared stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken, sear in a skillet until lightly browned.
- Prepare Sauce: Mix soup, sour cream, and milk; spread over chicken.
- Add Stuffing: Combine stuffing mix with butter; sprinkle over chicken.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Optionally top with cheddar, bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or green beans in the sauce.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with stuffing
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
