Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake

Imagine sinking your fork into a comforting casserole where tender chicken meets savory stuffing in perfect harmony. That’s what this Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake delivers—a warm, aromatic dish that fills your kitchen with the nostalgic scent of home-cooked goodness. This family-friendly dinner combines convenience and flavor in one dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without the fuss. You’ll learn how to create a deliciously moist and flavorful chicken stuffing casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake is the definition of comfort food made simple. The beauty lies in its contrasting textures—crispy, golden stuffing on top with moist, tender chicken underneath, all bathed in a creamy sauce that brings everything together. You’ll appreciate how the herb-infused stuffing creates a delightful crust while sealing in the chicken’s juices.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and convenience. Using pre-cooked chicken and boxed stuffing mix means you can have this hearty meal ready for the oven in just 10 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for transforming leftover chicken into something completely new and exciting. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and requires minimal cleanup since everything bakes in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for comforting meal prep options, this chicken and stuffing casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For this soul-warming Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake, you’ll need:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (about 1 pound)
• 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth, divided
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

The key to this recipe is using good quality chicken broth, which infuses the stuffing with rich flavor. The combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream creates that irresistible creamy texture that makes this stuffing chicken bake so comforting. Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for added convenience and flavor.

Pro Tips

Use the right baking dish: Choose a 9×13-inch baking dish for this Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake to ensure even cooking. Spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This size allows the perfect ratio of stuffing to chicken in each serving.

Perfect your stuffing texture: For the ideal texture, don’t overmix your stuffing. Gently fold the stuffing mix with melted butter and broth just until combined. Some dry spots are actually good—they’ll create those desirable crispy bits on top during baking. If you prefer a moister stuffing, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth, but a drier mix creates a better contrast with the creamy chicken layer.

Enhance flavor depth: For a more complex flavor profile, sauté 1/2 cup each of diced onions and celery in 2 tablespoons of butter until soft before adding them to the chicken mixture. This extra step adds aromatic depth to your chicken and stuffing casserole that elevates it from good to great. Another option is adding 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning to the chicken mixture for that classic holiday flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, take a moment to prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray. This ensures your Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake won’t stick and will come out perfectly.

Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth and the melted butter. Stir gently just until the stuffing is moistened—remember, overmixing can make it dense. Set this aside to allow the stuffing to absorb the liquid while you prepare the chicken mixture.

Step 3
In a separate bowl, create your creamy chicken base by whisking together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. Fold in your cooked chicken pieces and frozen vegetables (if using) until everything is well coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4
Now it’s time to assemble your chicken stuffing bake. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates the moist, flavorful foundation of your casserole.

Step 5
Top the chicken layer with your prepared stuffing mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. If you’re using cheese, hold off on adding it for now—it comes later. The stuffing will form a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.

Step 6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This initial covered baking period allows the flavors to meld while keeping everything moist.

Step 7
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top if you’re using it. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy on top and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8
Once baked, let your Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve while still keeping it hot.

Variations

Turkey Stuffing Bake: Easily transform this into a post-holiday meal by substituting shredded turkey for chicken. This variation is perfect for using up Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers. The turkey brings a slightly different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the stuffing, creating a comforting dish that extends the holiday feeling.

Vegetable-Packed Version: Boost the nutritional value by adding 2 cups of additional vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or broccoli florets work wonderfully in this chicken and stuffing casserole. Simply fold them into the chicken mixture before assembling. The vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients while still maintaining the comfort food essence of the dish.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: For those avoiding dairy, substitute the butter with olive oil, use dairy-free cream soup (or homemade cream sauce using plant milk), and omit the sour cream and cheese. Instead, add 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast to the chicken mixture for a savory, cheesy flavor without the dairy. This version still delivers on comfort while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

This Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

For freezing, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Serve this comforting chicken stuffing casserole with a side of cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. For a complete meal that feels like Sunday dinner any day of the week, add roasted green beans or steamed broccoli on the side.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
No, this recipe specifically calls for cooked chicken to ensure proper cooking time and food safety. Using raw chicken would require significantly longer baking time and could result in dry stuffing or undercooked chicken.

How can I make this recipe from scratch without boxed stuffing?
To make this Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake without boxed stuffing, substitute with 6 cups of dried bread cubes tossed with 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, 1/4 cup dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Then proceed with the recipe as written.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time since you’ll be starting with a cold dish.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
Make a homemade alternative by whisking together 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of flour in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this chicken stuffing bake freezes well. For best results, assemble but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Stuffing Bake is comfort food at its finest — a creamy, savory casserole that combines tender chicken and herb-infused stuffing in one satisfying dish. It’s the kind of meal that transforms ordinary weeknights into special occasions while still being simple enough for busy schedules. Whether you’re looking for ways to use leftover chicken, need a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or simply crave something warm and comforting, this casserole delivers on all fronts. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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