Cozy Chicken & Stuffing Bake Recipe

Quick & Cozy Chicken & Stuffing Bake Recipe for Weeknight Joy

Comfort hits differently with this chicken & stuffing bake that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Hearty and satisfying, the recipe brings together classic flavors that dance across your palate.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary.

Crispy edges and tender chicken create a perfect harmony of textures.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making this dish a weeknight dinner champion.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when only pure, soul-soothing comfort will do.

Ideal Side Options to Serve with Chicken & Stuffing Bake

  • Comfort Kitchen Feast: Serve this hearty dish alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal that hugs your taste buds.
  • Veggie Companion Plate: Add roasted green beans or steamed broccoli to balance the richness and introduce fresh, vibrant colors to your dinner spread.
  • Crisp Salad Sidekick: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Weekend Family Favorite: Perfect for Sunday dinners, this recipe brings everyone together with its simple, satisfying flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness.

Guidelines to Maintain Chicken & Stuffing Bake Freshness

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours after cooking to maintain food safety.
  • Store chicken and stuffing separately for best texture preservation, keeping them in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
  • Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers, ensuring they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Just ensure they are boneless and adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might cook faster than breasts.

  • Is it okay to use homemade chicken broth for the stuffing?

Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the stuffing and make the dish more delicious compared to store-bought broth.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

What Makes Chicken & Stuffing Bake a Comfort Food

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine chicken and stuffing in one delicious casserole, cutting down on multiple cooking steps and dirty dishes.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family meals or potluck gatherings.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses basic pantry staples and packaged stuffing mix, allowing even beginner cooks to create a satisfying meal with minimal culinary skills.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires straightforward preparation and bakes in under an hour, solving the challenge of getting a hearty dinner on the table fast.

Ingredients Used in Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the main dish for this comforting casserole.
Stuffing Base:
  • Stuffing Mix: Classic bread-based mixture that adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances the stuffing's taste and provides additional moisture.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy, rich sauce that keeps the chicken moist.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden brown topping.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor to the chicken.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious chicken adventure.

Step 2: Prep The Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Nestle the chicken breasts into the dish like they’re getting cozy.

Step 3: Season The Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken with a flavor explosion:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage these seasonings into the chicken, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 4: Craft The Stuffing

Whip up the stuffing mix using chicken broth instead of water. Follow the package instructions, but add some extra flavor magic by stirring in the broth.

Step 5: Layer The Stuffing

Spread the prepared stuffing generously over the seasoned chicken breasts, creating a fluffy blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Create The Creamy Topping

In a separate bowl, blend cream of chicken soup with melted butter.

This creamy mixture will add moisture and richness to the dish.

Step 7: Pour And Cover

Drizzle the creamy butter-soup mixture evenly over the stuffing.

Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil, creating a cozy cooking environment.

Step 8: First Baking Round

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing the chicken to start cooking and flavors to mingle.

Step 9: Uncover And Finish

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 10: Serve And Savor

Pull the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve this comforting meal warm, watching everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Techniques to Improve Chicken & Stuffing Bake

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of this comforting dish.
  • Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce for a fresher, less processed alternative.
  • Experiment with different stuffing flavors like herb, cornbread, or sausage to add variety and personal touch.
  • For gluten-free option, use gluten-free stuffing mix and substitute cream of chicken soup with cornstarch-thickened broth.

Flavor Enhancements That Work Well with Chicken & Stuffing Bake

  • Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular salt and seasoned broth with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and low-sodium chicken broth for a heart-healthy version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and cream of chicken soup, substituting regular ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth and vegetarian cream soup for a meat-free meal.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and oregano to the stuffing for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
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Cozy Chicken & Stuffing Bake Recipe

Cozy Chicken & Stuffing Bake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty chicken & stuffing bake brings comfort from Midwestern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Savory layers of tender chicken, herbed stuffing, and creamy sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Stuffing and Soup:

  • 1 box stuffing mix
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Fats:

  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared dish, evenly sprinkling garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper across the surface.
  3. Prepare stuffing mix using chicken broth instead of water, following package instructions to achieve a moist and flavorful base.
  4. Gently spread the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, creating a uniform layer.
  5. Whisk cream of chicken soup with melted butter until smooth and well combined.
  6. Pour the soup and butter mixture carefully over the stuffing, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes to allow chicken to cook through.
  8. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
  9. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to allow flavors to settle.
  10. Serve immediately while warm, presenting a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken and savory stuffing.

Notes

  • Adjust seasoning by using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for deeper flavor profiles.
  • Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for more tender and juicy meat that remains moist during baking.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using alternative stuffing made from quinoa or gluten-free bread crumbs.
  • Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup for health-conscious individuals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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