Chicken Stuffing Bake is the epitome of cozy, family-friendly comfort food—a wonderfully savory casserole that wraps everything you crave into one golden, bubbling dish. Imagine tender chicken and colorful veggies snuggled in a creamy sauce, all crowned with a crunchy layer of buttery stuffing. This recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavors of the holidays but is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, making it a go-to in my kitchen whenever only the heartiest, most satisfying meal will do.

Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Chicken Stuffing Bake are delightfully straightforward—each one brings something unique to the party, from creamy texture to savory flavor or a pop of color. Don’t underestimate how beautifully these humble items work together to create an irresistibly comforting meal!

Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie, grilled, or leftover chicken for tender bites and plenty of protein—shred or chop for easy layering.
Stuffing mix: The seasoned mix is a shortcut that becomes crunchy and golden on top, bringing a herby, savory note to the dish.
Hot water: Soaks into the stuffing mix and plumps it up for that perfect fluffy texture.
Cream of chicken soup: Forms the base of the creamy sauce and packs in loads of savory flavor.
Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness, making the sauce extra luscious.
Milk: Loosens and smooths out the sauce so each bite is velvety and comforting.
Frozen mixed vegetables (optional): A convenient way to sneak in color and nutrition; feel free to use your favorite blend.
Garlic powder: Enhances all the flavors with a mellow, aromatic kick.
Salt and black pepper: Adjust to your taste and really make the dish sing.
Melted butter (optional): Drizzle on top for an extra crisp and golden finish that’s pure bliss.

How to Make Chicken Stuffing Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the ideal bubbling, golden top. While the oven gets hot, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures easy serving and no sticking!

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Topping

In a medium bowl, combine your stuffing mix with hot water. Stir it all together and set it aside for about 5 minutes. The water will get soaked up, plumping the breadcrumbs for that irresistible fluffy crunch later on.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture

In a bigger mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mixture should be nice and smooth before adding in your cooked chicken and the frozen vegetables (if you’d like). Mix until everything is nicely coated and combined.

Step 4: Layer in the Baking Dish

Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You want an even layer so that every scoop includes chicken, veggies, and that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Add the Stuffing Topping

Take your now-fluffy stuffing and gently spread it out over the chicken layer. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle a tablespoon of melted butter over the top for more crunch and that classic, homey flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, hot, and golden brown top. Let it rest for five minutes once it’s out so the layers set up before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Bake

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chives ramps up the color and gives each serving of Chicken Stuffing Bake a fresh, lively finish. Add a quick grind of black pepper right before serving for an aromatic punch.

Side Dishes

Pair this cozy casserole with a crisp green salad or some roasted green beans to round out the meal. Fluffy mashed potatoes or simple steamed broccoli make delightful, classic sides that soak up that creamy sauce perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve Chicken Stuffing Bake in individual ramekins for charming, personalized portions. On a busy weeknight, take it potluck-style and let people scoop their own—this dish always draws a crowd and disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Chicken Stuffing Bake left, cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days—perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Chicken Stuffing Bake. Assemble the dish and wrap it tightly before baking; freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave until hot, or cover the whole dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of warming.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey works just as well in this recipe, making Chicken Stuffing Bake a great way to use up those holiday leftovers—just keep the meat quantity the same and everything else stays deliciously unchanged.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Feel free to swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. Both add richness and body to the sauce, keeping that creamy texture everyone loves.

Can I add cheese to the top?

Yes! For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar (or your favorite melty cheese) over the stuffing during the last 10 minutes of baking. It makes the casserole extra decadent.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Completely! Chicken Stuffing Bake is mild, creamy, and has enough familiar flavors and textures that kids typically love it. You can chop veggies small or leave them out as needed.

How should I adjust the recipe for a smaller household?

You can easily halve all the ingredients and bake the casserole in an 8×8-inch dish. It’s a great solution when you want comfort food without mountains of leftovers.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about Chicken Stuffing Bake that just feels like home. It’s warm, creamy, and so satisfying—one bite and you’ll understand why it’s on repeat in my kitchen. Give it a try and watch everyone around your table ask for seconds!

Kimberly