This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe is the epitome of comfort food, blending tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, colorful veggies, and a perfectly golden stuffing topping into one irresistible casserole. Each bite is pure nostalgia, making it both a weeknight lifesaver and a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and gatherings. Whether you’re using up leftover chicken or just craving a hearty, family-friendly meal, this dish promises warmth, heartiness, and flavor packed into every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic that happens when simple, familiar ingredients come together. Each one in this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe plays a key role in creating layers of taste and texture, coming together for a dish that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The juicy, tender base that soaks up all the creamy goodness—rotisserie or home-cooked both work great!
- Stuffing mix: Brings that signature herby crunch and savory flavor—choose your favorite variety for a personal touch.
- Cream of chicken soup: The creamy backbone that binds everything together and adds a comforting richness.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness and keeps the casserole moist.
- Milk: Helps thin out the sauce just enough, ensuring every bite is luscious, not heavy.
- Chicken broth: Infuses both the stuffing and the casserole with deep, savory flavor.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Colorful, nutritious pops of texture and taste—thawed or lightly steamed for best results.
- Garlic powder: Subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the overall savoriness.
- Onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Black pepper: Just enough kick to perk up the casserole without overwhelming it.
- Melted butter (optional): Drizzled on top, it gives the stuffing a golden, crisp finish that’s irresistible.
How to Make Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a touch of butter. This keeps the casserole from sticking and makes serving (and cleaning up!) a breeze.
Step 2: Moisten the Stuffing Mix
In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the chicken broth. Stir gently until all the stuffing is evenly moistened. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften—this ensures the topping bakes up fluffy and flavorful, not dry.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Chicken Layer
In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and thawed or lightly steamed vegetables. Once it’s all well combined, gently fold in the shredded chicken so every piece gets coated in that creamy, savory sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then, carefully spoon the softened stuffing mix over the top, spreading it into an even layer. If you crave a golden, crispy finish, drizzle the top with melted butter.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, so the casserole sets up perfectly and is easy to slice.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herby freshness—or a little shredded cheese for extra indulgence. A grind of black pepper or even a handful of crispy fried onions can make this classic casserole feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe shines alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or buttery green beans. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce bring out the homey, holiday-style flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties or potlucks. Or, bake the mixture in muffin tins for grab-and-go portions—perfect for lunchboxes or a unique brunch spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe should be cooled to room temperature, then transferred to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a delicious next-day lunch or easy dinner.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream! Simply wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot throughout (about 20 minutes). Individual portions can be microwaved—just add a splash of chicken broth to keep things moist!
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose holiday turkey or rotisserie chicken—just swap in equal amounts of cooked, shredded turkey and you’re good to go.
What kind of vegetables work best?
Mixed frozen vegetables are super convenient, but feel free to use corn, peas, diced carrots, or even sautéed mushrooms. Just make sure they’re thawed or lightly cooked before adding to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cook time to ensure it heats through evenly.
How can I make this dish lower in sodium?
Opt for low-sodium chicken soup and broth, and choose a reduced-salt stuffing mix if available. You can also make your own homemade soup to control the salt content even more.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe has become a favorite in so many kitchens—it’s cozy, satisfying, and so easy to make. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it your own, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting family gathering. Dig in and enjoy every delicious, golden forkful!
Print
Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Stuffing Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines tender shredded chicken with flavorful stuffing, creamy soup, and mixed vegetables. Perfect as a family dinner or for using up leftover chicken, it bakes to a golden, bubbling perfection with a crispy topping option.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 2 large breasts or 3 thighs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (thawed or lightly steamed)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Stuffing
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (any variety)
- 1½ cups chicken broth
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for crispy topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is moistened and set it aside to soften.
- Mix Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and thawed mixed vegetables. Fold in the shredded chicken until everything is well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top the chicken mixture with the softened stuffing, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing if you’d like a crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken, making this recipe perfect for using up leftovers.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before baking for a cheesy variation.
- Use homemade or low-sodium cream of chicken soup to reduce the sodium content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
