There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, bubbling bake on a chilly evening. This Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, and that irresistible crispy stuffing topping. It’s like a big, cozy hug you can eat!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe hits all the comfort food notes—creamy, savory, and crunchy all at once. Honestly, it’s been one of my go-to dishes when I want a fuss-free meal that feeds a crowd and feels homemade.
- Simplicity: You only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry and fridge.
- One-dish meal: It’s all baked together, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your food.
- Versatility: You can easily swap veggies or add extras based on what you love or have on hand.
- Delicious texture: The buttery stuffing topping crisps up beautifully, contrasting the creamy filling underneath—pure magic.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe plays its part to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s why these staples come together so well and a few tips on selecting the best items.
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth: Using broth instead of water adds a depth of flavor right from the start. I prefer chicken broth for a richer taste, but veggie broth works great if you want a lighter option.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the broth to help moisten the stuffing mix and adds that wonderful buttery flavor we all crave.
- Stove-top stuffing mix: This shortcut is a lifesaver—preseasoned and ready to crisp, it guarantees that golden crust we associate with comfort food.
- Cream of chicken soup: Acts as a creamy base binding everything together. I find two cans give just the right balance without being too thick or too runny.
- Sour cream: I like how sour cream adds a subtle tang and creamy richness that cuts through the heaviness of the soup, keeping things light yet indulgent.
- Cooked and shredded chicken: Leftover roast chicken works perfectly here, making this recipe a great way to use up extras.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Convenient and nutritious, they add color, texture, and balance out the richness of the bake.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on the season or what I’m craving, and it never disappoints.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap the frozen mixed veggies for fresh broccoli or mushrooms to add a different texture and flavor. One time, I even tossed in some cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist—that was a hit!
- Dietary tweaks: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to keep that creaminess without extra heaviness.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika brings a subtle kick if you want to jazz up this classic.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Make the Stuffing Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spraying a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray—this helps keep the bake from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Next, melt the butter in the chicken broth over medium heat until fully combined. Pour this mixture into the stuffing mix, stir it gently, cover, and set aside to let it soak up all that buttery broth goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Base Filling
In a large bowl, blend the cream of chicken soup with sour cream until smooth. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. This creamy, hearty filling is the soul of the bake, so don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Then spoon the stuffing mixture on top, distributing it uniformly to cover the filling. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that beautiful golden-brown crust forming on top — it’s the hallmark of this dish!
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, give the casserole a few minutes to cool slightly. This resting step helps everything set up a bit, making it easier to serve. Then dig in and enjoy the comforting layers of flavor you’ve created!
Top Tip
After making this Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks to take it from tasty to unforgettable. These tips help make the process smooth and the final dish melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
- Don’t skip the butter in the broth: It makes all the difference in the stuffing texture, ensuring it crisps up perfectly rather than turning soggy.
- Use shredded chicken: I find shredding the chicken rather than chopping creates a better texture that blends nicely into the creamy base.
- Keep an eye on the baking time: If your oven runs hot, check at 25 minutes to avoid burning the stuffing topping.
- Let it rest before serving: Patience pays off—resting helps the filling thicken slightly and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that brightens the rich flavors. Sometimes, I add a few cracked black peppercorns or even a dash of smoked paprika for an extra layer of taste.
Side Dishes
Roasted or steamed green beans are my favorite side with this bake. The crunch and vegetal freshness contrast beautifully with the creamy casserole. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad work well, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or special occasions, I love serving individual portions in ramekins topped with fresh herbs and a little grated cheddar cheese before baking—makes it look fancy but keeps that homestyle comfort. You could also add a drizzle of gravy on the side for an extra cozy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to three days. The flavor actually deepens overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
This bake freezes really well! I portion it out in freezer-safe containers before baking and thaw them overnight in the fridge when ready to eat. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes to bring back the crispiness of the stuffing topping. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the topping a bit soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate flavor. Add them to the stuffing topping or mixed into the filling before baking for an aromatic touch.
I recommend cooked and shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. Dark meat works great if you prefer juicier bites, but I personally enjoy white meat for this recipe’s texture.
Yes! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure the canned soups you use are gluten-free. There are plenty of great gluten-free stove-top stuffing options available nowadays.
To lighten it up, swap out sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, use low-fat or fat-free soup options, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Baking without butter and using olive oil instead is a good option, too.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe has been one of those dishes I return to again and again because it’s dependable, delicious, and full of warmth. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this bake delivers comfort on a plate every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—there’s nothing like a homemade casserole that feels like a big welcome home!
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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
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A comforting Chicken and Stuffing Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy soup mixture, mixed vegetables, and a crispy stuffing topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Broth and Butter
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Stuffing
- 6 ounces stove-top stuffing mix
Sauce and Filling
- 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 with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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 package of stove-top stuffing mix, cover, and set aside to absorb the liquid.
- Mix Soup and Sour Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine two 10.75-ounce cans of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix thoroughly until well blended for a creamy base.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: To the soup mixture, add 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups of frozen mixed vegetables. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly across the bottom for an even layer.
- Add Stuffing Topping: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables to cover the entire top surface.
- 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 thoroughly heated.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking for easier serving. Dish out and enjoy your hearty meal!
Notes
- Use chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth to keep it lighter.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding to ensure safety.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be replaced with fresh vegetables if preferred; just increase cook time slightly.
- Cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking if you prefer a softer stuffing topping, then uncover to brown.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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