Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

When it comes to comfort food that satisfies the whole family, few dishes can compete with a well-made chicken and stuffing bake. This hearty casserole combines the savory goodness of tender chicken with the familiar, homey flavors of herb-seasoned stuffing, all brought together with a creamy sauce that makes every bite absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this easy chicken and stuffing bake delivers exceptional flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken and stuffing bake earns its place in your recipe collection for multiple reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work. The result is a complete meal in one dish – protein, starch, and vegetables all coming together in perfect harmony. The contrasting textures are particularly noteworthy: tender, juicy chicken on the bottom, a creamy savory layer in the middle, and a crispy, golden stuffing topping that provides the perfect crunch.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or cream soups to match your family’s preferences. It’s also an excellent make-ahead option – assemble the casserole in the morning or the night before, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready for dinner. The leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully, making this dish perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best aspects of this chicken and stuffing bake is that it relies on simple, familiar ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These form the protein base of your casserole. You’ll want them to be approximately the same size for even cooking.
• 1 (6 ounce) package dry stuffing mix – The herb-seasoned variety works perfectly, providing a flavorful topping that becomes golden and crispy during baking.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – This will be mixed with the stuffing to create that perfect, crispy topping texture.
• 1 1/2 cups hot water – This combines with the butter and stuffing mix to hydrate and partially cook the stuffing before baking.
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup – This forms the base of the creamy sauce that surrounds the chicken.
• 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds richness and tanginess to the sauce, balancing the flavors perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Provides a subtle savory note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a mild spice that complements the other flavors.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This optional addition brings a nutty, salty touch to the stuffing topping.
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables – An optional but recommended addition that makes this a complete one-dish meal. The vegetable medley typically includes peas, carrots, corn, and green beans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this delicious chicken and stuffing bake is remarkably straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a comforting dinner that’s ready with minimal effort:

Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). While the oven heats, gather and prepare all your ingredients. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you might want to butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and be perfectly tender.

Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. If you’re adding frozen vegetables to your casserole, take them out of the freezer now so they can begin to thaw slightly.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well blended. The sauce should have a smooth, creamy consistency. If you prefer a slightly thinner sauce, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or chicken broth.

If you’re including the frozen mixed vegetables, fold them into the creamy sauce mixture now. The vegetables will cook perfectly during the baking process, maintaining their color and texture while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re not overlapping, as this could lead to uneven cooking. If you’re using chicken tenders instead of full breasts, arrange them evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure to cover each piece completely. Use a spatula to spread the sauce evenly throughout the dish, ensuring every bite will have that delicious creaminess.

Prepare the Stuffing Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix, melted butter, and hot water. Stir this mixture gently until the stuffing is evenly moistened. Let it stand for about 5 minutes, allowing the stuffing to absorb the liquid and begin to soften.

If you’re including Parmesan cheese, mix it into the stuffing now. The cheese adds a wonderful savory note that complements the herbs in the stuffing perfectly.

Assemble and Bake

Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken and sauce in the baking dish. Try to create an even layer that covers the entire surface. This stuffing layer will become golden and crispy during baking, creating a delightful textural contrast with the creamy sauce and tender chicken beneath.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This initial covered baking period helps the chicken cook through while remaining juicy. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is golden brown and crispy. The chicken should be completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Rest and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle, resulting in a more cohesive dish.

Serve warm, making sure each portion includes chicken, creamy sauce, and the crispy stuffing topping. A side salad makes an excellent accompaniment to this hearty casserole, adding freshness to balance the rich flavors.

Helpful Tips and Variations

While this chicken and stuffing bake is delicious as written, there are numerous ways to customize it to suit your preferences or make use of ingredients you have on hand:

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken Options: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified in the recipe, you can easily substitute chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Alternatively, this recipe works beautifully with leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken – simply shred about 3-4 cups of cooked chicken and reduce the initial covered baking time to 20 minutes.
• Cream Soup Variations: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used instead of cream of chicken, each bringing its own unique flavor to the dish.
• Dairy Alternatives: Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream if that’s what you have available. For the cheese, consider using Romano or a sharp cheddar as alternatives to Parmesan.
• Vegetable Options: While the frozen mixed vegetable medley is convenient, you can use fresh vegetables instead. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, small broccoli florets, or diced bell peppers for different flavor profiles.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This chicken and stuffing bake is perfect for meal planning. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If baking directly from the refrigerator, add about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. To maintain the crispy texture of the stuffing topping when reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil for the final 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

While this chicken and stuffing bake is a complete meal on its own, especially if you’ve included vegetables in the recipe, there are several side dishes that pair beautifully with it:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• Cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors
• Dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce

Why This Recipe Works

The science behind this delicious casserole is actually quite simple. The moisture from the creamy sauce gently cooks the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender. Meanwhile, the top layer of stuffing absorbs some of the steam and flavors rising from below while developing a wonderful crispy texture on top.

The combination of herbs in the stuffing mix complements the chicken perfectly, while the creamy sauce brings everything together. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that exemplifies why casseroles have remained a staple of home cooking for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Bone-in pieces typically require about 45-50 minutes of covered baking time instead of 30 minutes. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q: How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?

A: To reduce sodium, look for low-sodium versions of both the cream of chicken soup and the stuffing mix. You can also make your own cream sauce using chicken broth, flour, and milk, which gives you complete control over the salt content.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Yes, this chicken and stuffing bake freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 15 minutes to the covered baking time. If freezing after baking, cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat covered at 350°F until hot throughout.

Q: What if my stuffing topping gets too brown before the chicken is cooked?

A: If you notice the stuffing browning too quickly, simply cover the dish with foil again for the remainder of the cooking time. This will protect the topping while allowing the chicken to finish cooking.

Q: Can I add other seasonings to enhance the flavor?

A: Absolutely! Consider adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, a dash of poultry seasoning, or even a splash of white wine to the creamy sauce. These additions can take the flavor profile in different and delicious directions.

This easy chicken and stuffing bake is more than just a recipe – it’s a solution for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, and a comforting meal for when you need something hearty and satisfying. With simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy the warmth and comfort that comes with each delicious bite of this classic casserole!

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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