There’s something so comforting and cozy about a Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe. The way the buttery stuffing crisps up on top while the creamy chicken mixture bubbles underneath always feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and hearty, plus it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that guests compliment without fail—and it’s ridiculously easy to pull together.
- Effortless one-dish meal: Everything cooks together in one casserole, so less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Comfort food classic: The creamy chicken mix combined with crisp stuffing topping feels like a warm hug on a chilly night.
- Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap veggies or use pre-cooked chicken, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
- Feeds a crowd: This recipe serves about six, making it ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe comes down to how simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. You don’t need fancy things, just a handful of pantry staples and a little fresh chicken to turn it into a real meal.
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the stuffing mix to create that golden, flavorful crust on top.
- Stove-top stuffing mix: The star for the crunchy topping, already seasoned perfectly to boost flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy base that blends everything smoothly.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess that balances out the richness.
- Cooked and shredded chicken: Protein-packed and ready to soak up all those flavors.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful, convenient way to sneak in some veggies.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it loaded with veggies, extra creamy, or even a bit spicy, you can tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have in the fridge.
- Variation: I sometimes swap in diced cooked turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday twist—it’s just as delicious and a great way to use leftovers.
- Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and add extra mushrooms or beans for protein.
- Cheesy upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the stuffing before baking for a melty finish.
- Veggie boost: Feel free to use fresh or frozen green beans, peas, or even corn depending on what you love.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep your ingredients and preheat
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little non-stick spray. Having everything ready before you start makes the process smoother—and trust me, no one likes scrambling when the oven’s on.
Step 2: Make the stuffing topping
In a medium saucepan, heat your chicken or vegetable broth with the butter until melted and bubbling. Then stir in the stuffing mix, cover it, and set it aside to let those flavors absorb and soften. This step is key for that perfect crispy topping that’s still wonderfully moist underneath.
Step 3: Mix the creamy chicken base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables until everything is evenly combined. This mix is what makes the bake so rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Spread the chicken and veggie mixture evenly in your casserole dish, then spoon the prepared stuffing over the top, covering it completely. Pop it in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until the stuffing is golden and crispy and the filling is bubbly hot. The smell alone is enough to get everyone to the table.
Step 5: Rest, serve, and enjoy
Let the bake cool a few minutes once it’s out of the oven — this helps it set and makes serving easier. Then dig in! Pair it with your favorite side or a fresh salad, and you’re in for a winning meal.
Top Tip
From dozens of times making this bake, I’ve learned that timing and layering are everything. Small tweaks can make a big difference in the final texture and flavor.
- Broth temperature: Warm broth helps the stuffing absorb better and prevents it from drying out in the oven.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the chicken and soup mixture, stir just enough to blend — overmixing can break down the texture.
- Even layering: Spread the stuffing in an even layer for consistent crispiness across the top.
- Cooling matters: Let your bake rest after baking to let the flavors meld and make serving easier without the mess.
How to Serve Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping this bake with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and a touch of brightness. You can also add a bit of crispy bacon or shredded cheese right before serving for an extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Simple roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even buttery mashed potatoes work beautifully alongside this casserole. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a refreshing cucumber salad add nice contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins—it looks charming and feels a bit more elevated. You can also layer it in a deep glass dish for a rustic, homestyle presentation that shows off the creamy layers through the sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find that storing the bake in an airtight container helps maintain the topping’s texture better than just wrapping it up.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish successfully by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, then covering tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the bake time until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To keep that crispy top when reheating, I warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes rather than using the microwave. This way the stuffing doesn’t get soggy, and the filling stays creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can substitute fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if needed so they cook through properly.
Yes! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this casserole gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free packaged stuffing and soups nowadays.
You can swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or cashew-based sour cream. Use dairy-free butter and check the soup label or make your own dairy-free cream sauce for best results.
Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, making the recipe quick and easy. You can also poach or grill chicken breasts and shred them before mixing in. Just make sure the chicken is cooked and shredded well for even distribution.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely think this Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe is a keeper for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals that don’t require tons of fuss. It’s warmed my family on many chilly evenings, and I hope it brings that same comfort to your table. Give it a try—you might find your next favorite weeknight dinner here!
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Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting Chicken and Stuffing Casserole made with creamy chicken soup, sour cream, mixed vegetables, and a crispy stuffing topping. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Broth and Butter
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Stuffing
- 6 ounces stove-top stuffing mix
Chicken Mixture
- 2 (10.75 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth and ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat, stir in the 6-ounce stove-top stuffing mix, cover, and set aside to absorb the liquid.
- Mix Chicken Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine two 10.75-ounce cans of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup sour cream. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Add 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables into the soup mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Add Stuffing Topping: Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture, covering the top completely for a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, hearty meal!
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to make this casserole vegetarian-friendly by substituting chicken with plant-based protein.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier stuffing topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and lighter texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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