This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe is one of those cozy, comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I absolutely love how the juicy chicken bakes under a creamy, savory layer of cream of chicken soup and sour cream, then gets topped with fluffy, perfectly seasoned stuffing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or bringing something special to a potluck.
When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how simple it was to pull together yet so satisfying. You’ll find that it doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients and can come together in under an hour, which is perfect for busy days. The Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe really hits that perfect balance of flavors and textures that keeps everyone going back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: This dish comes together quickly but feels like you spent all afternoon making it.
- One-Dish Meal: Chicken, stuffing, and creamy layers all bake in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for this recipe — it’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Customizable Comfort: You can easily tweak the seasonings or stuffing type to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients listed here combine classic flavors that pair beautifully. Chicken breasts provide lean protein, while the stuffing adds that satisfying crunch and flavor. Using condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream gives the dish its creamy, luscious texture.
- Chicken breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless breasts for even cooking and easy shredding later if you like.
- Dried minced onions: This adds a sweet, savory punch without needing to chop fresh onions.
- Garlic powder: A quick way to bring garlic flavor without extra prep time.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground is best for that little bit of heat.
- Stove top stuffing mix: Choose your favorite flavor—or make your own stuffing mix if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and adds extra chicken flavor without being too salty.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: The secret to creaminess and depth of flavor in this bake.
- Sour cream: Makes the topping rich and tangy, balancing the mild chicken.
- Butter: Cubed on top to melt and create little pockets of richness.
Variations
I love to switch things up depending on what I have on hand or the season. This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe is versatile, so don’t be shy to customize it to your liking.
- Use turkey instead of chicken: I once swapped chicken breasts for turkey cutlets during Thanksgiving leftovers, and it turned out beautifully.
- Add veggies to the stuffing: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
- Try different stuffing flavors: Herb and garlic or cornbread stuffing mixes work great and offer new tastes your family might love.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free cream or yogurt alternative, and use a dairy-free soup brand.
How to Make Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—it’s important so everything cooks evenly. Next, grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. This step is key because you want to make sure the chicken and stuffing don’t stick, making cleanup easier and keeping the crust crisp where you want it.
Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle them evenly with dried minced onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. I love this little seasoning combo because it enhances the chicken without overpowering it. Give the chicken a gentle pat so the seasoning sticks well.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
In a medium bowl, mix your dry stuffing mix with low sodium chicken broth. Fluff it up with a fork until it’s moist but not soggy. This little trick keeps the stuffing light and airy on top of the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup with sour cream until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This creates the luscious sauce that keeps the chicken tender and adds a velvety contrast to the stuffing. Spread it evenly over the chicken breasts.
Step 5: Layer and Butter
Now spoon the prepared stuffing on top of the creamy soup mixture. Don’t be shy to cover every bit, including around the sides of the chicken. Top everything with little cubes of butter—these melt and give the whole dish that irresistible golden finish and rich flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 35 to 45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165 degrees on a meat thermometer. I always recommend a meat thermometer because it takes the guesswork out and ensures your chicken stays juicy and safe to eat. When it’s done, you’ll notice the stuffing is golden and the creamy layer is bubbling around the edges.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Giving each chicken breast a little space helps it bake evenly and keeps the stuffing from getting soggy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned the hard way that this is the best way to avoid dry chicken—no guesswork needed!
- Butter Cubes Are Magic: Adding butter on top might seem small, but it melts into the stuffing and makes it extra golden and flavorful.
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the whole dish a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme right before serving—it adds a fresh burst of color and a little herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice over the top can also work wonders to brighten the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Stuffing Bake pairs beautifully with simple roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad. Mashed potatoes or steamed green beans make great sides too, especially if you want to keep things classic and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special family dinner, I’ve served this bake straight in the casserole dish with individual plates garnished with a sprig of rosemary. Another fun idea is portioning it into ramekins for elegant, single-serving dishes — perfect for a cozy date night at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes I enjoy it even more the next day!
Freezing
Freezing works pretty well if you wrap the bake tightly with foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. I’ve found that texture holds up best when you avoid overcooking during reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. This helps keep the chicken moist and the stuffing crispy on top. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven is my favorite for texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work well and tend to be more forgivingly moist. Just adjust the baking time slightly and check for that safe internal temperature of 165°F.
-
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure your condensed soup is gluten-free. There are several brands that offer these options, so it’s quite doable.
-
Can I prepare the Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it into the oven and bake as usual. This is great for saving time on busy days.
-
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F is the safest and most reliable method. The chicken should be juicy and firm, not rubbery or pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those few recipes that feels like a treat but is so easy to make. Whether you’re a busy parent, a novice cook, or just someone who loves comfort food, this dish delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Trust me—you’ll want to stash this one in your regular rotation and enjoy how effortless and delicious dinner can be.
PrintChicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Stuffing Bake features tender baked chicken breasts topped with a creamy layer of sour cream and condensed cream of chicken soup, finished with a flavorful stuffing mix and butter. Perfect for an easy, hearty weeknight dinner, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal.
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.
- Prepare chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season them on top with garlic powder, dried minced onions, and ground black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Prepare stuffing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the low sodium chicken broth. Fluff it with a fork until the liquid is absorbed and the mixture is light and airy. Set aside.
- Make creamy layer: In a small bowl, mix together the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Assemble casserole: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly on top of the creamy soup layer and around the chicken in the dish. Distribute the cubed butter over the stuffing to add richness and help with browning.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and is fully cooked.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked but remains juicy.
- For a lower fat version, you could use reduced-fat sour cream and low-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Feel free to add veggies like chopped celery or mushrooms to the stuffing for added flavor and nutrition.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and for easier serving.