Chicken and Stuffing Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings all the cozy flavors of a holiday meal to your weeknight dinner table. Tender baked chicken pieces nestled on top of a layer of flavorful, herb-infused stuffing make this dish hearty and satisfying. The crisp edges of the stuffing mixed with juicy chicken create a wonderful combination of textures that everyone loves.
I love making this dish because it’s so simple but feels special at the same time. One of my favorite tips is to use leftover stuffing or even a boxed mix, which makes it super easy to pull together. Plus, baking the chicken right on top lets all those tasty juices soak into the stuffing for extra flavor. It’s a one-pan meal that saves time on cleanup and tastes like you’ve been cooking all afternoon.
When I serve Chicken and Stuffing Bake, I usually add a side of green veggies or a fresh salad to balance out the meal. It’s perfect for those cozy nights when you want something warm and filling but not too fussy. This dish always brings back happy memories of family dinners and has become a favorite that I find myself coming back to again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for even cooking and easy shredding. If you prefer, thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Stuffing mix: Herb-flavored boxed stuffing is the easiest choice here. You can swap with homemade stuffing or gluten-free versions if needed.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. For a lighter option, use homemade béchamel or plain Greek yogurt.
Sour cream and milk: Sour cream gives a tangy richness. You can replace with plain yogurt or use all milk or cream depending on your taste.
Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds a lovely herbal note. Rosemary or sage can work well as substitutes.
How Do You Get Crispy Stuffing on Top Without Drying Out the Chicken?
Balancing a crispy topping and moist chicken can be tricky. Here’s what helps:
- Spread the stuffing evenly but gently press so it sticks to the creamy sauce and chicken.
- Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to lock moisture in.
- Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to let the stuffing brown and crisp up.
- Using melted butter in the stuffing mix helps promote browning and adds flavor.
- Rest the bake for a few minutes after cooking; this keeps the chicken juicy and allows the stuffing to set.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I use this size because it fits everything comfortably and cooks evenly.
- Mixing bowls – essential for combining the soup, sour cream, and stuffing ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements, especially with the broth and herbs.
- Oven and oven mitts – safety first! Precise baking temp ensures perfect cook time.
- Foil – to cover the dish during baking to keep it tender and help with browning later.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey breasts for a different twist, especially during holiday seasons.
- Add shredded cheese on top in the last few minutes for a cheesy crust.
- Mix in sautéed veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or celery for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Replace thyme with rosemary or sage for a different fragrant flavor profile.
Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package (about 6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix (herb-flavored)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 50 minutes to bake, including 30 minutes covered and 15-20 minutes uncovered to get that delicious crispy stuffing topping. Add 5-10 minutes to let it rest before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the dish, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and half of the thyme over both sides of the chicken.
2. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, milk, and melted butter. Stir until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Add Sauce and Prepare Stuffing:
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. In another bowl, prepare the stuffing mix following the package directions, but use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken and sauce, gently pressing it to cover the chicken completely. Sprinkle the remaining thyme over the stuffing. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Crisp the Stuffing and Finish Baking:
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the stuffing turns golden brown and crispy.
6. Rest and Serve:
Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, then serve warm and enjoy your comforting Chicken and Stuffing Bake!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Using frozen chicken can cause uneven cooking and longer bake times.
Can I Make This Chicken and Stuffing Bake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to help keep the stuffing crispy.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Adding sautéed mushrooms, carrots, or celery to the stuffing layer adds flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook them beforehand to avoid extra moisture while baking.
