Chicken & Stuffing Bake – Creamy, Buttery, and Irresistible

There’s something about a warm Chicken & Stuffing Bake that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal you pull together after a long day when everyone’s hungry, and takeout just won’t cut it. This Chicken & Stuffing Bake is creamy, savory, and unbelievably easy — just layer, bake, and let the oven do all the work. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and buttery stuffing, this recipe will quickly become your weeknight go-to. And if you love cozy casseroles, check out our Stuffing Chicken Casserole for another family favorite twist.

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What is Chicken & Stuffing Bake?

Chicken & Stuffing Bake is an American comfort classic — part casserole, part homemade hug. It combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, savory sauce (hello, cream of chicken soup and sour cream) and a topping of golden, buttery stuffing. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making every bite flavorful and cozy. Think Thanksgiving dinner simplified for a regular Tuesday night. This dish pairs beautifully with veggies or mashed potatoes and fills your kitchen with that “Mom’s home cooking” aroma that never fails to draw everyone to the table.

Reasons to Try Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Why should this Chicken & Stuffing Bake earn a spot in your dinner rotation? Because it’s simple, comforting, and absolutely foolproof. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep — just everyday staples and 10 minutes to mix it all together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or when you just want something that tastes like home. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. One dish, minimal mess, maximum satisfaction. And if you love creamy, cheesy dinners, you might also fall for our Southern Chicken and Dressing or French Onion Chicken Rice Bake.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Before we dive into baking, let’s talk about what makes this Chicken & Stuffing Bake so downright irresistible. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s built with simple, comforting ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy trips to gourmet stores — just everyday staples that come together to create that cozy, creamy casserole magic.

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best Chicken & Stuffing Bake at home:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces): The heart of this dish. Choose fresh, thick-cut chicken breasts so they stay juicy and tender during baking. If you’re short on time, you can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version — a tip many busy moms swear by! If you love creamy chicken dishes, you’ll also enjoy our Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole.
• Stuffing mix (1 box, 6 oz): This is what gives the Chicken & Stuffing Bake its signature flavor and golden, buttery crunch on top. You can use classic chicken-flavored stuffing, or try cornbread stuffing for a Southern twist — similar to our Southern Chicken and Dressing recipe.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This creamy base holds the entire bake together. It’s rich, savory, and coats every piece of chicken perfectly. If you want to mix things up, swap it for cream of mushroom soup — it adds a deeper, earthy flavor reminiscent of our French Onion Chicken Rice Bake.
• Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a subtle tang and creaminess that balances the savory stuffing and soup. Together, it creates that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish so addictive.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): Moisture is key! Chicken broth soaks into the stuffing, keeping it fluffy inside and crisp on top. It also helps lock in the juiciness of your chicken breasts. Pro tip: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level yourself.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A little goes a long way. It boosts the savory depth of your Chicken & Stuffing Bake and complements the creamy sauce.
• Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Pairs perfectly with garlic powder for that warm, home-cooked flavor. This duo creates the base of what makes your kitchen smell amazing as the casserole bakes.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A simple but essential seasoning that enhances every layer of flavor. If you like a tiny kick, go for freshly cracked pepper for a more vibrant taste.
• Cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): While traditional Chicken & Stuffing Bake recipes skip the cheese, adding a layer of shredded cheddar turns it into a gooey, golden masterpiece. It’s that extra indulgence you’ll appreciate when everyone goes back for seconds. Try adding it near the end of baking so it melts perfectly without burning.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Drizzle this on top before baking for that buttery, crisped-up stuffing we all crave. Real butter gives the dish its signature richness — margarine just doesn’t compare.
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Once your Chicken & Stuffing Bake comes out of the oven, a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and a little pop of color to make it table-ready.

Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Chicken & Stuffing Bake is how flexible it is. You can easily customize it to your taste or whatever’s hiding in your fridge:

• Add vegetables: Diced mushrooms, peas, or carrots add extra color and nutrition. This is especially great if you want to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
• Use leftover turkey: Perfect for post-holiday meals! It gives you all the Thanksgiving vibes without the all-day prep.
• Try different soups: Cream of celery or cream of mushroom both work well if you want a twist on the original flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Just swap in a gluten-free stuffing mix and double-check your soup label.

Instructions to Make Chicken & Stuffing Bake

This Chicken & Stuffing Bake recipe is one of those magical dinners where comfort meets convenience. You’ll be amazed how a few simple steps can transform basic pantry staples into a cozy, golden casserole that tastes like it took hours. Follow these easy, detailed instructions to make the perfect Chicken & Stuffing Bake every single time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps your Chicken & Stuffing Bake cook evenly — keeping the chicken juicy while crisping the stuffing topping beautifully.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later. If you love easy clean-up casseroles, you might also enjoy our Healthy Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole for a lighter twist.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture

In a medium bowl, empty the box of stuffing mix and pour in 1 cup of warm chicken broth. Stir gently until the liquid is fully absorbed and the stuffing looks fluffy. Let it sit for about 3–5 minutes — this allows the bread cubes to soften but still stay slightly firm, which helps create that perfect crisp-on-top, tender-in-the-middle texture later.

Pro Tip: If you love a heartier flavor, add a small handful of diced onions or celery at this stage. It gives your Chicken & Stuffing Bake that Thanksgiving-inspired aroma we all adore. Or, for a Southern-style twist, check out how we season our breading in the Southern Chicken and Dressing recipe.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In another mixing bowl, combine one can of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of sour cream, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until everything blends into a smooth, velvety sauce.

This is the secret to a luscious Chicken & Stuffing Bake — the sauce keeps the chicken tender and adds that comforting, home-cooked flavor in every bite. If you prefer a slightly earthier taste, try using cream of mushroom soup instead (a great trick borrowed from our French Onion Chicken Rice Bake).

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts evenly in your prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re not overlapping so they cook uniformly. You can season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

If you’re pressed for time, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly here — it gives you that slow-cooked taste without the wait. You can find another quick dinner idea using pre-cooked chicken in our Cheesy Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Sauce Layer

Now, pour that creamy mixture right over the chicken breasts. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so every piece gets coated. This ensures that the chicken stays moist and flavorful as it bakes.

Don’t worry if it looks a little thick — as it cooks, the sauce will thin out slightly and seep into the stuffing layer above, creating that melt-in-your-mouth goodness Chicken & Stuffing Bake is famous for.

Step 6: Top with the Stuffing

Next, spoon the prepared stuffing over the creamy sauce layer. Gently spread it out, but don’t press it down too much. You want a slightly uneven surface — that’s how you get those deliciously crispy, golden peaks after baking.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top. The butter adds richness and helps the stuffing brown to perfection. You’ll start smelling the buttery aroma long before it’s even done!

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through gently. After that, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if you’re using it, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes.

You’ll know your Chicken & Stuffing Bake is ready when the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the stuffing turns a beautiful golden brown on top. The edges will bubble slightly — that’s the creamy sauce doing its magic.

If you’re a fan of layered comfort meals, you’ll also love our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, which uses a similar creamy layering technique for rich, satisfying results.

Step 8: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This short rest time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Top with fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of crispy fried onions if you’re feeling fancy. The green garnish adds a lovely contrast against the golden stuffing and creamy sauce.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop generous portions of your Chicken & Stuffing Bake onto plates and serve with classic sides like roasted carrots, buttery mashed potatoes, or a light salad. For a cozy fall meal, pair it with our Roasted Acorn Squash Soup — the creamy, slightly sweet soup complements the savory chicken perfectly.

When you bring this dish to the table, expect instant smiles. It’s the kind of dinner that disappears fast and makes everyone ask, “When are you making that again?”

What to Serve with Chicken & Stuffing Bake

This hearty bake pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or buttery mashed potatoes for a balanced plate. If you want something lighter, a crisp garden salad or a bowl of Roasted Acorn Squash Soup makes a wonderful pairing. And for the holidays, serve it alongside cranberry sauce for that nostalgic flavor combination everyone loves.

Key Tips for Making Chicken & Stuffing Bake

1. Shortcut Alert: Swap the chicken breasts for rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time — just layer it right in.
2. Mix It Up: Try cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken for a deeper flavor.
3. Add Veggies: Mix in diced mushrooms, carrots, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
4. Cheese Lovers: Add a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking.
5. Keep It Juicy: Don’t skip covering with foil for the first bake — it keeps the chicken moist and tender.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, or microwave single servings for a quick lunch fix. If freezing, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Pro tip: sprinkle a little extra broth or water on top before reheating to keep the stuffing moist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! This bake works great with leftover turkey — perfect for post-Thanksgiving meals.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use homemade stuffing?
A: Of course! Homemade stuffing adds even more flavor — just keep it moist so it doesn’t dry out in the oven.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: It can be! Just use a gluten-free stuffing mix and check your soup label.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Stuffing Bake is what comfort food dreams are made of — creamy, hearty, and loaded with that nostalgic flavor that reminds you of home. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, it’s sure to win hearts (and empty plates). For more deliciously easy chicken dinners, try our Cheesy Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole or Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole.

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