If you’ve ever wanted a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re going to adore this Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe. It brings together tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful sauce and perfectly moist stuffing on top, all baked until golden and inviting. This one-pan wonder balances simple ingredients with big heart, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners when you want something effortless yet satisfying. Trust me, it’s a recipe that quickly becomes a beloved classic in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of familiar ingredients, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Each component plays a key role, creating layers of flavor and texture that come together beautifully in the final dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that cooks up juicy and tender.
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix: Adds a wonderful herby crunch and soaks up all the savory juices.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup: Brings creamy richness and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and velvety texture to keep everything luscious.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps thin out the sauce so it coats the chicken perfectly.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Essential for moistening the stuffing so it bakes just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A simple but impactful way to infuse savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Crucial seasonings that enhance every bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously, which ensures nothing sticks and everything comes out clean and crispy in the best spots.
Step 2: Moisten the Stuffing Mix
In a medium bowl, pour the chicken broth over the stuffing mix and give it a good stir to moisten it evenly. This keeps the stuffing soft and flavorful once baked, absorbing all those lovely chicken juices.
Step 3: Season and Arrange the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over them. Place the seasoned breasts side-by-side in your prepared baking dish for even cooking and easy layering.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In another bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until you have a smooth, rich sauce. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken, coating each piece beautifully for moist, flavorful bites.
Step 5: Add the Stuffing Topping
Take your moistened stuffing and spread it gently but evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce. This creates that irresistible golden crust once baked, adding texture and hearty flavor.
Step 6: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This step lets the chicken cook through while keeping everything moist. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the stuffing topping turns golden and crispy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked to perfection, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like a touch of color and freshness. Then it’s ready to serve warm, making everyone at the table eager for their first forkful.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens up the dish visually but adds a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. You could also try a light dusting of paprika for a little smoky color or some shredded cheddar on top during the last few minutes of baking for an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete for attention. Think steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. Mashed potatoes also make a classic companion, soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, you could serve individual portions in ramekins, layering chicken, sauce, and stuffing separately for a personalized touch. Another fun idea is to accompany each plate with a small bowl of cranberry sauce or apple chutney for a sweet, tangy contrast that adds vibrancy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious, if not better, the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions of this bake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. It’s best consumed within 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps the chicken stay tender and the stuffing regain its crispy texture. Microwaving is quicker but might soften the stuffing, so if texture matters, the oven is your friend.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the stuffing from overbaking while the chicken catches up.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative or homemade version, and use coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream along with plant-based milk. The stuffing mix should be checked for dairy ingredients as well.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Diced mushrooms, chopped onions, or even some spinach folded into the stuffing before baking can elevate the dish with extra flavor and nutrients.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing a gluten-free stuffing mix and verifying that all other ingredients, like broth and soup, are gluten-free, this recipe can be adapted without losing its comforting charm.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe brings warmth and ease to your dinner table with every bite. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and crispy that feels like a homemade hug. Don’t hesitate to try it out soon—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Print
Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal perfect for a family dinner. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are baked under a creamy sauce made from condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk, then topped with moist, seasoned stuffing. The dish is simple to prepare, delivers savory flavors, and produces a golden, crispy topping that pairs wonderfully with the juicy chicken beneath.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Stuffing
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for moistening stuffing)
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick.
- Prepare the stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with 1 cup of chicken broth and stir thoroughly until the stuffing is well moistened. Set aside to absorb the liquid.
- Season the chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavor, then place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, coating them thoroughly.
- Add the stuffing topping: Spread the moistened stuffing evenly over the layer of sauce and chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This step steams the chicken and moistens the stuffing simultaneously.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if desired, then serve the bake warm, enjoying the creamy, flavorful combination.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safe consumption.
- For extra crispy stuffing, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the very end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- You can add vegetables like chopped celery or onions to the stuffing mix for added texture and flavor.
- If preferred, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to keep the stuffing moist and chicken tender.
