If you’re searching for an easy dinner recipe that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to the table, this Creamy Chicken & Stuffing Bake is a must-try. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy sauce, topped with buttery stuffing, and baked until golden brown. The result is the ultimate family comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
This dish is the definition of simple family cooking. You only need a few pantry staples—stuffing mix, chicken, and cream of chicken soup—to create a meal that tastes like a Sunday dinner but takes just minutes to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting guests, this budget-friendly meal delivers restaurant-level comfort without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and ready in under an hour.
- Family Favorite: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with classic comfort food flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples that stretch your dollar.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: Great for meal prep or freezing for later.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your favorite flavors or dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults—ideal for potlucks, parties, or cozy family dinners.
This recipe checks all the boxes for healthy weeknight dinners, meal prep ideas, and easy comfort food recipes that fit right into your busy lifestyle.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (4): Lean and protein-rich, these serve as the hearty base for the casserole. You can also use boneless thighs for a juicier option.
Stuffing
- Stuffing Mix (1 box, 6 oz): Adds texture, seasoning, and that signature buttery crunch. Choose traditional herb flavor for classic taste or cornbread stuffing for a Southern twist.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Softens and hydrates the stuffing, adding depth and moisture.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Enhances flavor and helps the stuffing crisp beautifully on top.
Sauce
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz): The creamy foundation that brings everything together. It creates that rich, velvety texture we love in easy baked dinner recipes.
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds tang and creaminess, balancing the savory stuffing and tender chicken.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (½ teaspoon each): Infuse flavor into the sauce and enhance the overall depth of the dish.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): A subtle kick that balances the creamy texture.
Optional Toppings
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gooey topping for added richness and flavor—because every cheesy comfort food is better with cheese.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness, giving the dish that final restaurant-quality touch.
These healthy ingredients and budget-friendly groceries work together to create a perfectly balanced casserole that’s both indulgent and nourishing.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overbake the Chicken: Remove from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F for tender, juicy results.
- Hydrate Stuffing Just Right: Too much broth can make the stuffing soggy—add just enough to moisten.
- Add Veggies: Mix in cooked broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a complete healthy family dinner.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe works beautifully with leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.
- Top with Cheese for Extra Comfort: Cheddar or mozzarella adds a gooey layer of indulgence.
These healthy cooking tips and easy meal prep hacks ensure perfect results every time.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the stuffing and top with cauliflower rice or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb dinner idea.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup for a comforting meat-free casserole.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free stuffing mix or homemade cornbread crumbs.
- Add Veggies: Mix in peas, corn, or spinach to boost nutrients.
- Creamy Upgrade: Add a splash of heavy cream or sprinkle of Parmesan to the sauce for extra richness.
These variations make the recipe flexible for healthy recipes for families and budget-friendly substitutions that fit any dietary need.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Chicken & Stuffing Bake pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans complement the creamy texture.
- Mashed Potatoes or Rice: Add even more comfort to your plate.
- Simple Garden Salad: Lightens the meal with fresh greens.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness reminiscent of holiday dinners.
Whether you’re serving this as a holiday dinner recipe or a quick weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Make Ahead:
Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge 20 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
To Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
To Freeze:
Prepare the casserole without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, or until heated through.
These meal prep ideas and freezer meal hacks make it a perfect choice for busy families.
Cultural or Historical Notes
This dish draws inspiration from classic American comfort food traditions, where casseroles symbolize family, warmth, and togetherness. The combination of chicken, cream sauce, and stuffing has been a staple in home kitchens for generations, often appearing at holiday dinners and Sunday meals. The modern twist of creamy sauce and optional cheese makes this a timeless favorite that bridges nostalgic flavor with modern convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes! Simply reduce the baking time by 10–15 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.
4. Can I make this healthier?
Yes. Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup for a lighter version of this healthy weeknight dinner.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Add cooked broccoli, green beans, or peas to make it a complete healthy family recipe.
Creamy Chicken & Stuffing Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well until liquid is absorbed and let sit to hydrate.
- In another bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Arrange chicken breasts evenly in prepared baking dish. Spread sauce over chicken, then spoon hydrated stuffing on top. Drizzle melted butter over stuffing.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese if desired, and bake uncovered 10–15 minutes more until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and top is golden.
- Remove from oven and rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
