Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake is a comforting, one-pan meal that brings simple flavors and hearty textures together. Tender chicken breasts are topped with fluffy, flavorful stuffing and baked until golden and delicious. It’s a quick dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I love making this when I want something satisfying but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The stuffing gets crispy on top while staying soft underneath, and the chicken stays juicy. It’s one of those recipes that comes together with very little fuss but leaves everyone smiling at the dinner table.
My favorite way to serve it is with a side of green beans or a fresh salad to add a little crunch and brightness. Leftovers reheat wonderfully too, making this a great recipe for busy weeknights or easy lunches the next day. I always find myself reaching for this dish when I want comfort food without a lot of hassle.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts cook evenly and stay juicy under the stuffing. You can use thighs for more flavor and tenderness, just adjust cooking time slightly.
Herb stuffing mix: The pre-flavored stuffing adds a lot of taste and texture. If you don’t have it, try making your own with breadcrumbs, dried herbs, and a bit of sautéed onion and celery.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and helps keep chicken moist. For a lighter option, you can swap for cream of mushroom soup or make a simple white sauce at home.
Chicken broth and milk: These liquids soften the stuffing and create a tasty base. If you want to skip milk, water or more broth works, but the bake might be less creamy.
Butter: Melted butter is key to making the stuffing rich and golden on top. For dairy-free, substitute with olive oil or a plant-based butter.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Crispy Stuffing?
The trick is in layering and timing. Here’s how to nail it:
- Season chicken well for flavor and to keep it juicy.
- Pour soup and milk mixture over chicken so it stays moist during baking.
- Top with stuffing evenly and cover loosely with foil to trap moisture at first.
- Bake covered for most of the time so chicken cooks through without drying.
- Remove foil near the end to let the stuffing crisp up and turn golden brown.
- Check chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer; 165°F (74°C) is safe.
This balance helps the chicken stay tender while the stuffing gets that nice crunch on top. I also like letting it rest a few minutes before serving to keep juices locked in.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and layering the chicken and stuffing.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for the stuffing mix and another for the soup and milk blend.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate amounts of broth, milk, and seasonings.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the dish while baking and keep the chicken moist.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – helps you check that the chicken is cooked safely and perfectly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs to add richer flavor and extra juiciness.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or chopped celery to the stuffing for more texture and taste.
- Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella under the stuffing for a melty surprise.
- Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a different but tasty base.
Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Stuffing:
- 1 package (6 oz) herb-flavored stuffing mix (or homemade stuffing)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For Garnish:
- Fresh or dried parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 55 to 60 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a little time seasoning the chicken and mixing the stuffing, then the oven does the rest of the work. A few minutes of resting after baking makes it perfect to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the chicken evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Mix the Stuffing and Sauce:
In a medium bowl, prepare the stuffing according to package instructions, using chicken broth and melted butter. If you’re using homemade stuffing, combine your breadcrumbs with melted butter and seasonings. In a separate small bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Spread the prepared stuffing evenly on top. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the stuffing is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (should reach 165°F or 74°C inside).
4. Serve:
Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if you like and enjoy your comforting chicken and stuffing bake!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps avoid extra moisture in the bake.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake without cooking it, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave, stirring halfway for even heating.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Chicken Soup?
Yes! You can swap in cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce for a different flavor and freshness. Just keep the consistency similar to ensure the bake stays moist.
