Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Did you know that over 25 million home cooks prepare casserole-style dishes weekly? You'll want to discover why the chicken stuffing bake has become a weeknight dinner staple for busy families. This simple, hearty recipe transforms basic ingredients into a comforting meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you're about to unlock a foolproof dinner solution that balances convenience and taste. Curious how one dish can solve your mealtime challenges?
Recipe Highlights
- A Chicken Stuffing Bake requires 4 chicken breasts, 1 box of stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, and milk as primary ingredients.
- Prepare the dish by layering chicken in a greased 9×13 baking dish, covering with soup mixture, and topping with prepared stuffing.
- Bake the casserole covered at the recommended temperature for 35 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- The recipe offers a convenient one-dish meal that can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and serves as an easy weeknight dinner solution.
- Customize the Chicken Stuffing Bake by adding optional vegetables, different stuffing flavors, or cheese to enhance nutritional value and personal taste preferences.
History
Although stuffing has been a culinary staple for centuries, the chicken stuffing bake as we know it today emerged in mid-20th century American home cooking.
You'll find its roots in resourceful post-war kitchens, where cooks looked to transform leftover ingredients into hearty meals.
The casserole style became popular during the 1950s and 1960s, when convenience foods like boxed stuffing mixes hit supermarket shelves. Home cooks quickly adapted traditional holiday recipes into weeknight dinner solutions, combining pre-prepared ingredients with fresh proteins.
Women's magazines and community cookbooks played a crucial role in spreading these recipes, teaching home cooks how to create quick, satisfying meals.
Recipe
Chicken Stuffing Bake transforms a classic comfort food into an easy, satisfying dinner that brings warmth to any table. This one-dish meal combines tender chicken with seasoned stuffing, creating a hearty and flavorful experience that requires minimal preparation.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe offers a delicious solution to dinner planning. The combination of creamy soup, juicy chicken, and savory stuffing ensures a meal that will please the entire family.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lightly greasing it. Place the chicken breasts in the dish, then whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk, pouring the mixture evenly over the chicken.
Prepare the stuffing mix according to package directions using the butter. Spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken and soup mixture. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the stuffing is golden brown. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Chicken breasts of similar size will cook more evenly, and the dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. If baking directly from the refrigerator, add 10-15 minutes to the covered cooking time.
Cooking Steps
First, you'll want to grease your 9×13 baking dish and carefully place the chicken breasts inside, ensuring they're evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
Next, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk, pouring the creamy mixture over the chicken to create a rich, flavorful base that'll keep the meat tender during baking.
Finally, prepare your stuffing mix according to package instructions, then spread it generously over the chicken, creating a golden, crispy topping that'll transform this simple casserole into a comforting, satisfying meal.
Step 1. Grease Baking Dish
Butter's golden sheen can transform a plain baking dish into the perfect non-stick surface for your chicken stuffing bake.
You'll want to ensure complete coverage, preventing any potential sticking that could ruin your delicious meal.
Here's how to grease effectively:
- Use unsalted butter for best flavor
- Select a 9×13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish
- Hold a stick of butter, unwrap one end
- Gently glide the butter across the dish's bottom and sides
- Focus on corners and edges where food tends to stick
- Aim for a thin, even layer without thick butter pools
If you prefer, cooking spray works as an alternative.
Just ensure you coat every surface thoroughly, creating a seamless protective barrier that'll make serving and cleaning a breeze.
Step 2. Place Chicken Breasts
Four tender chicken breasts will form the hearty foundation of your delectable stuffing bake, so you'll want to position them strategically in your freshly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Space the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking, allowing about an inch between each breast. Select similarly sized pieces to promote consistent doneness and prevent undercooking or burning.
- Arrange chicken with smooth sides facing up
- Ensure no breasts are overlapping
- Position chicken in a single layer
When placing the chicken, look for plump, uniform breasts without visible discoloration or irregularities. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before positioning to help seasonings adhere and promote better browning.
This careful placement sets the stage for a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering main dish that'll have everyone eager to dig in.
Step 3. Mix Cream of Chicken Soup
Whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk in a medium mixing bowl, creating a smooth, creamy base that'll blanket your chicken with rich, savory flavor.
Use a wire whisk to break up any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth consistency that'll distribute evenly across the baking dish. You'll want to aim for a light, pourable sauce that won't be too thick or too thin.
Mix thoroughly, paying attention to completely incorporate the milk into the soup, creating a uniform liquid that'll help keep your chicken moist during baking.
The goal is a velvety mixture that'll add depth and richness to your chicken stuffing bake, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting, delicious meal.
Step 4. Spread Stuffing Over Chicken
Once the soup mixture is evenly distributed, gently spread the prepared stuffing across the chicken, creating a golden-brown blanket that'll transform your casserole into a mouthwatering meal.
You'll want to ensure complete coverage, using a spatula or spoon to distribute the stuffing evenly:
- Cover every inch of the chicken and soup layer
- Press lightly to help the stuffing adhere
- Create a slight mounding in the center for visual appeal
Aim for a uniform thickness of about 1/2 inch across the casserole. The stuffing will absorb moisture from the soup, becoming rich and flavorful during baking.
This layer not only adds incredible texture but also helps keep the chicken underneath incredibly moist and tender.
Take your time spreading, making sure no chicken peeks through the stuffing's protective layer.
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
Slide your chicken stuffing bake into the preheated 375°F oven, and prepare for a transformation that'll turn your casserole into a golden-brown masterpiece.
You'll want to keep the dish covered with foil for the first 35 minutes, trapping moisture and ensuring your chicken stays tender while the stuffing begins to set.
After the initial covered baking time, remove the foil to allow direct heat to work its magic.
Watch for visual cues: the stuffing's edges should turn a rich, toasty golden-brown, and the surface should develop a slightly crisp texture.
Your goal is an internal chicken temperature of 165°F, which you can confirm using a meat thermometer.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
Final Thoughts
Comfort food champions know that this chicken stuffing bake is more than just a simple dinner—it's a culinary hug that transforms basic ingredients into a memorable meal.
You'll find this recipe incredibly versatile, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, you can quickly create a satisfying dish that'll impress your family and friends.
Consider experimenting with different stuffing flavors or adding vegetables like carrots or peas to customize the recipe. Pro tip: always check your chicken's internal temperature to ensure food safety.
A meat thermometer is your best friend here, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every single time. Your dinner table will thank you for this delicious, comforting classic.
