Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake is just the kind of comfort food that warms you up on a busy weeknight. It brings together tender chicken breasts, fluffy stuffing, and a little bit of creamy sauce all baked into a simple, satisfying dish. The crispy top makes every bite enjoyable, mixing different textures without any fuss.
I love making this recipe when I want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It’s one of those go-to meals that feels homemade but comes together quickly. I usually add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking because it gives an extra touch of gooey goodness that everyone in my family raves about.
Serving this dish with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad is my favorite way to keep things balanced without losing that cozy feeling. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something filling but easy—plus, leftovers heat up really well for a quick lunch the next day. Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake always brings a little comfort and a lot of smiles to the table.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and soak up the creamy sauce. If you prefer, thighs work great too and stay juicy.
Stuffing mix: Seasoned stuffing mix saves time and adds flavor. You can swap cornbread or traditional for gluten-free stuffing if needed.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. For a homemade touch, you can mix melted butter, flour, and chicken broth to make a quick sauce.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Both add creaminess and a slight tang. Greek yogurt is a bit healthier, so I often use it for a lighter version.
Celery and onions: These give crunch and depth of flavor. If you don’t have celery, you can use bell peppers or skip it.
Cheddar cheese (optional): Cheese melts into the chicken layer for extra flavor. Feel free to use mozzarella or skip it if you prefer less dairy.
How Do You Get the Stuffing Topping Crispy but Not Dry?
Making the perfect stuffing topping is all about balancing moisture and baking time. Here’s how I do it:
- Use the creamy sauce (soup, broth, sour cream) to moisten the stuffing instead of just water. This keeps it flavorful and soft inside.
- Spread the moistened stuffing evenly over the chicken, but don’t pack it too tight.
- Drizzle melted butter on top before baking. It helps the top brown and crisp up beautifully.
- Cover the dish with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking to trap moisture and cook the chicken through.
- Uncover for the last 15 minutes so the top can get golden and crunchy without drying out the whole bake.
Following these steps gives you a stuffing topping that’s crispy on top but still moist and tender underneath—perfect every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for evenly baking the chicken and stuffing together.
- Large skillet – great for sautéing onions and celery before mixing into the dish.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for the creamy sauce and another to moisten the stuffing mix.
- Measuring cups and spoons – important for getting the right amounts of broth, sour cream, and spices.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep the bake moist while cooking and crisps the top when removed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of breast pieces for a quicker, tender option.
- Mix in cooked broccoli or green beans for extra veggies you can enjoy with the dish.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a milder or spicier flavor.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing for a more aromatic and savory touch.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Topping:
- 1 (6 oz) box seasoned stuffing mix (cornbread or traditional)
- 1–2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 45 minutes to bake, making the total time roughly 1 hour. You’ll spend time sautéing vegetables, mixing the sauce, assembling the layers, and baking until golden and cooked through.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Sauté:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and celery in a little oil or butter for about 3-5 minutes until soft. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth. This will create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
3. Assemble the Layers:
Spread the raw chicken pieces evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Then spread the sautéed onions and celery over the chicken. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese on top if using.
4. Prepare the Stuffing Topping:
In a large bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to package instructions, but instead of just water, use the creamy sauce mixture you made earlier to moisten the stuffing. Spread the moistened stuffing evenly over the chicken layer.
5. Bake:
Drizzle melted butter over the stuffing and sprinkle with parsley, salt, and pepper if you like. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the stuffing topping is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked (should reach 165°F/74°C inside).
6. Rest and Serve:
Let your bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a delicious and comforting meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method to speed things up. This helps the chicken cook evenly in the bake.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in shorter intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Bake?
Yes! Chopped broccoli, green beans, or carrots make great additions. Sauté them with the onions and celery before layering to ensure they cook properly and add extra flavor and nutrition.
