Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe

Chicken Stuffing Bake brings together succulent chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy comforting flavors in one unforgettable casserole. It’s everything you love about home-cooked meals: hearty, easy to make, and packed with cozy vibes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or craving a taste of nostalgia, this recipe delivers a satisfyingly golden dish that never fails to hit the spot.

Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Stuffing Bake is how a handful of familiar ingredients can build such luscious, crave-worthy layers. Each one plays a special part, from adding tender bites to deepening flavor or providing that irresistible crunchy-cheesy top.

  • Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded or diced): This is the star of the show! Rotisserie chicken, leftover roast, or freshly cooked breast all work beautifully.
  • Stuffing mix (1 box, 6 oz): Brings a herby crunch and classic holiday flavor—use your favorite variety!
  • Chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and depth, ensuring the bake stays tender and never dry.
  • Sour cream (1 cup): Makes the casserole extra creamy, with just a hint of tang.
  • Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Binds everything together for that signature comforting texture.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a bubbly, gooey golden layer right on top.
  • Diced onion (1/2 cup): Adds pleasant sweetness and aromatic flavor—don’t skip it!
  • Diced celery (1/2 cup): Boosts freshness and gives every bite a subtle crunch.
  • Butter (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing and adding a rich, buttery note.
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and savoriness that ties the flavors together.
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For just the right balance of seasoning.
  • Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a lovely earthy, herby touch that feels classic.
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the finished dish with a sprinkle of color and freshness.

How to Make Chicken Stuffing Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this ensures your Chicken Stuffing Bake cooks evenly and gets bubbly-hot in the center. While it’s warming up, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the diced onion and celery. Sauté for about five minutes, just until everything turns soft and fragrant, releasing sweet and savory aromas that hint at the deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Mix Up the Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, stuffing mix, chicken broth, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir it up thoroughly—this step is key! You want the chicken and stuffing mingling with the creamy base so these flavors infuse into every bite of the bake.

Step 3: Assemble and Cheese It Up

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in your perfectly mixed casserole filling, smoothing it into an even layer. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly scattered—this layer will melt, brown, and form an irresistible cheesy crown for your Chicken Stuffing Bake.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The kitchen will be filled with tempting aromas as the stuffing crisps, the casserole bubbles, and the cheese melts into a golden, beckoning layer. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and the top is perfectly melted and lightly bronzed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the Chicken Stuffing Bake cool for a few minutes out of the oven—this helps all those creamy layers settle. For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Slice it up and get ready to serve some serious comfort!

How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Bake

Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Add a final flourish by scattering bright, fresh parsley across the top, or if you’re feeling extra festive, a dusting of crispy fried onions. A sprinkle of paprika brings subtle warmth and a pretty finish—simple touches that make the whole casserole look (and taste) that much more special.

Side Dishes

The creamy richness of Chicken Stuffing Bake pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think crisp green salads, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots, and maybe even a tart cranberry sauce to cut through the savory goodness. Warm, soft dinner rolls are always welcome for sopping up that creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

You can scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner-party twist, or stuff it into hollowed-out bell peppers for colorful, portioned servings. For a fun holiday buffet, sprinkle extra stuffing mix or breadcrumbs on top for bonus crunch, and set up a toppings bar with fresh herbs and shredded cheeses so everyone can personalize their plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Stuffing Bake keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Simply cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for seriously delicious next-day lunches.

Freezing

This bake is a real lifesaver for busy nights—it freezes like a charm! You can freeze either before baking (assembled but unbaked) or after baking and cooling. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Remember to label it so you remember what’s tucked away!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil to keep it moist—about 20 minutes should do the trick. For quicker meals, microwave individual servings on medium power until hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in Chicken Stuffing Bake?

Absolutely! Turkey makes a perfect substitute, especially for post-holiday meals. Just swap out the chicken for diced or shredded cooked turkey, and follow the rest of the recipe as written. It’s a delicious way to reinvent leftovers.

What kind of stuffing mix works best?

Any classic boxed stuffing mix you love will work—herb, chicken, or even cornbread stuffing are all fabulous. Just be sure to use the dry mix, and let the chicken broth and creamy components moisten everything as it bakes.

Can I make Chicken Stuffing Bake gluten-free?

Definitely! Opt for a gluten-free stuffing mix and a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup, and you’re all set. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or comfort.

Can I add vegetables or customize the filling?

Of course! Stir in frozen peas, chopped green beans, diced carrots, or even spinach to pack in more veggie goodness. You can also play with different cheeses or use Greek yogurt in place of some of the sour cream for a tangier twist.

How do I prevent the stuffing from getting too soggy?

If you like a crisper topping, sprinkle a little extra dry stuffing or crumbs over the cheese before baking. Baking uncovered will also help the top firm up nicely while the interior stays creamy and tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a warm, crowd-pleasing dish that guarantees smiles, Chicken Stuffing Bake is always a winner. Give it a try—you might just find yourself coming back to this easy casserole again and again, whether it’s for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special family gathering!

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Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe

Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken Stuffing Bake that combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or holiday meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stuffing Bake Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, stuffing mix, chicken broth, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and thyme. Stir until well combined.
  4. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, top with additional stuffing mix or breadcrumbs before baking.
  • Substitute turkey for chicken for a holiday twist.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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