Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake is the kind of dish that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. It brings together tender chicken breasts, flavorful stuffing, and cheesy, gooey goodness all baked into one satisfying meal. The stuffing gets a little crispy on top while staying soft inside, making every bite so comforting and tasty.
I love making this dish because it’s so simple but always impresses everyone at the table. I usually toss in some veggies or a little extra seasoning to make it my own. What’s great about this recipe is that you can prep it quickly and have dinner ready without a lot of fuss — perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a no-stress meal that everyone will enjoy.
My favorite way to serve this bake is alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed green beans, which add a nice bright touch to the plate. Whenever I bring this dish to family gatherings, it’s always the first to disappear, and I think that’s because it feels like a classic comfort food with a little homemade love baked right in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless is easiest for even cooking. You can swap for thighs if you prefer juicier meat or want richer flavor.
Stuffing mix: Seasoned cornbread stuffing adds great texture and taste. If you don’t have cornbread, regular bread stuffing or homemade crumbs work well.
Cream of chicken soup: This gives creaminess and helps bind everything. For a lighter touch, try cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce.
Sour cream and milk: These add moisture and richness. Greek yogurt is a nice swap for sour cream if you want a bit more tang and protein.
Sage and thyme: These herbs are classic with chicken and stuffing, offering an earthy, warm flavor. Fresh herbs can be used in the same quantities for brighter taste.
How Do You Get the Stuffing Topping Crispy and the Chicken Tender?
Balancing crispy topping with juicy chicken is easy if you layer and time it well:
- Mix the chicken and sauce first to keep it moist inside.
- Sprinkle half the stuffing below and half on top; the top layer crisps up nicely in the oven.
- Cover with foil for most of the baking time to trap moisture and cook chicken through.
- Remove foil near the end so the stuffing topping has a chance to turn golden and crunchy without drying out the chicken.
I always check the chicken temperature near the end and let the bake rest a bit before serving – this helps juices settle and makes it super tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for spreading layers evenly and baking everything together.
- Medium skillet – for sautéing onions, celery, and garlic to add extra flavor.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the soup, sour cream, milk, and chicken before layering.
- Sharp knife – for cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces easily and safely.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep moisture in during baking and allows the stuffing to crisp when removed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top for a melty, golden crust.
- Mix in cooked vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or green beans to boost nutrition and color.
- Stir in cooked sausage or bacon pieces for a smoky, savory twist.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 package (6 oz) seasoned cornbread stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (or fresh sage if available)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or sage leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 45-50 minutes to bake. In total, plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, including a short resting time after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
2. Mix the Sauce and Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, chicken broth, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well mixed. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the mixture.
3. Layer and Bake:
Place the stuffing mix into a separate bowl. Pour half of the chicken and sauce mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle half of the stuffing mix evenly over it. Pour the remaining chicken mixture over the stuffing, then top it with the rest of the stuffing mix. Press the stuffing down gently to compact it slightly.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
4. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or sage leaves if you’d like. This dish tastes great alongside steamed green beans or a fresh salad.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This ensures even cooking and safe internal temperature.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake a day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the topping crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, swap the regular stuffing mix with a gluten-free stuffing alternative. Just double-check other ingredients like broth and soup to ensure they are gluten-free too for a safe and tasty meal.
