Chicken Stuffing Bake

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of golden-baked chicken mingling with herbed stuffing, wafting through the kitchen and wrapping around your senses like a cozy blanket. This Chicken Stuffing Bake is exactly that kind of dish — humble, hearty, and soul-satisfying. With a bubbling, creamy texture under a toasty stuffing crown, it’s a warm embrace on a plate. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special family gatherings.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe carries the essence of family dinners that stretch long into the evening, stories shared over forkfuls of soft stuffing and tender chicken. It was inspired by my grandmother’s holiday casseroles, which somehow managed to taste like love itself. Over the years, I’ve played with the flavors and textures, giving it my own twist while preserving the soul of the original. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer for anyone who loves traditional comfort food with a bit of modern flair.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While casseroles are a staple in American home cooking, this particular bake finds its roots in the heart of mid-century comfort cuisine — where convenience met flavor. During the 1950s and 60s, boxed stuffing mixes and condensed soups became pantry heroes, and resourceful home cooks combined them with chicken for hearty, no-fuss meals. The dish became especially popular in colder months, often served as an easy alternative to more time-consuming roasts. Today, it remains a nostalgic classic, evolving with each cook’s personal touch.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Stuffing Bake

Trust me, this dish checks all the boxes for a perfect go-to recipe.

Versatile: Whether you use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey, this bake adapts beautifully to what’s in your fridge.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like stuffing mix and cream soup, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t stretch your wallet.

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.

Customizable: Add vegetables, change up the soup base, or toss in extra herbs — this bake plays well with others.

Crowd-Pleasing: Its creamy, crispy-topped texture and savory flavor win over picky eaters and foodies alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before and bake when ready — your future self will thank you.

Great for Leftovers: It reheats like a dream and tastes just as comforting the next day.

Print
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Chicken Stuffing Bake

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A cozy, comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy, herbed stuffing topping — perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 6 ounces stuffing mix (1 box)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, finely diced
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken, onion, celery, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine stuffing mix with melted butter and warm chicken broth until moistened.
  5. Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
  • Add frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
  • Sprinkle paprika or dried herbs on top before baking for a flavorful finish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chicken stuffing bake, chicken casserole, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, stuffing casserole

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few insider tricks can take this humble dish from great to unforgettable:

  • Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and less prep time.
  • Mix the stuffing with broth just until moistened — not soggy.
  • Let the bake rest for 10 minutes after cooking to set perfectly.
  • Add a sprinkle of paprika or dried herbs on top for a gorgeous finish.
  • Layer vegetables underneath the chicken for added nutrition and surprise textures.

ding">Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy — just these trusty tools to bring the dish together:

9×13-inch Baking Dish: Spacious enough to hold all those comforting layers.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the creamy chicken base and stuffing separately.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy ensures that perfect creamy consistency.
Spatula or Spoon: Ideal for layering and spreading evenly.
Foil: Helps prevent over-browning during baking, especially if reheating.

Ingredients in Chicken Stuffing Bake

Everything in this dish plays its part in creating a layered symphony of comfort and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

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  1. Cooked Chicken: 3 cups, shredded or cubed. Brings protein and hearty texture.
  2. Stuffing Mix: 6 ounces (1 box). Forms the crispy, savory topping.
  3. Chicken Broth: 1 1/2 cups. Moistens the stuffing and deepens flavor.
  4. Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces). Adds creamy richness.
  5. Sour Cream: 1 cup. Balances the soup’s saltiness with tang.
  6. Onion: 1 small, finely chopped. Adds aromatic sweetness.
  7. Celery: 2 ribs, finely diced. Brings gentle crunch and freshness.
  8. Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted. Helps brown the stuffing topping.
  9. Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances overall flavor.
  10. Salt and Pepper: To taste. Rounds out and elevates all other flavors.
  11. Ingredient Substitutions

    Because life happens and pantries vary, here are some smart swaps:

    Stuffing Mix: Use homemade breadcrumbs mixed with poultry seasoning.
    Cream of Chicken Soup: Substitute with cream of mushroom or celery soup.
    Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works beautifully for a tangy kick.
    Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter version.
    Butter: Olive oil in equal measure adds a healthier fat.
    Onion/Celery: Swap with frozen mirepoix to save time.

    ding">Ingredient Spotlight

    Stuffing Mix: The hero topping in this dish, it brings a satisfying crunch and depth thanks to its herby profile and buttery finish.

    Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang that balances the creaminess and cuts through the richness with elegance.

    Instructions for Making Chicken Stuffing Bake

    Get ready to assemble some magic in just a few simple steps. Here’s how: