Chicken and Stuffing Bake is a comforting, all-in-one meal that brings together tender, juicy chicken and fluffy, flavorful stuffing in a simple, cozy dish. The bread-based stuffing soaks up all those delicious chicken juices, making every bite tasty and satisfying. It’s the kind of classic recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I love making this dish when I want something easy but still really hearty. The best part is that it’s all cooked together in one pan, so there’s less cleanup and more time to relax. Plus, it’s pretty forgiving—if you want to add some extra veggies or swap up your favorite stuffing mix, it’s easy to make it your own.
My favorite way to serve this is with a simple side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad to balance out the richness. It’s perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers that taste just as good the next day. Whenever I make this bake, it reminds me of cozy family dinners and easy weekends spent together in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts cook evenly and stay tender. You can use thighs if you prefer juicier meat—they’re great for this dish and stay soft during baking.
Stuffing Mix: The herb-flavored boxed stuffing is a time-saver and adds great taste. If you want, you can make your own with cubed bread, dried herbs, and sautéed veggies for a fresher feel.
Chicken Broth & Milk: These liquids keep the stuffing moist and flavorful. For a dairy-free option, swap milk for more broth or use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Herbs & Seasoning: Thyme, sage, and parsley bring classic flavor. Feel free to try rosemary or marjoram if that’s what you have on hand—it will work nicely too.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and the Stuffing is Perfectly Moist?
To get juicy chicken and moist stuffing, it’s important not to overcook the chicken before baking. Here’s my approach:
- Brown the chicken just until it changes color—it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Mix broth, milk, and butter well with the stuffing so it has enough moisture.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to trap steam and keep everything tender.
- Remove the foil near the end to let the top crisp up—this adds a nice contrast to the soft stuffing.
Following these steps means tender chicken inside a flavorful, moist stuffing with a golden brown top every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I like to use it for cooking the chicken and onions; it’s versatile and saves on dishes.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining the stuffing mix with broth, milk, and seasonings.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – provides enough space for even baking and a crispy top.
- Foil – keeps the dish covered during the first bake, helping everything stay moist.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurement of liquids and seasonings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for cooked turkey or leftover roast chicken for a different meat flavor.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or ham to give it a smoky, salty kick.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or chopped spinach to add some veggies and earthiness.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top in the last 5 minutes for a cheesy crust—cheddar or mozzarella work well.
Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 box (about 6 oz) herb-flavored stuffing mix
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and cook the chicken and onions. The baking takes about 35-40 minutes in total, including covered and uncovered baking, for a total of roughly 50-55 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Sauté:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Cook Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are lightly browned but not fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage for a nice flavor base.
3. Combine Stuffing Mix:
In a large bowl, mix the stuffing mix with chicken broth, milk, and the remaining melted butter. Stir in the cooked onions, garlic, chicken pieces, and fresh parsley if using.
4. Bake:
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let flavors meld and moisture stay.
5. Finish Baking:
Take off the foil and bake an extra 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Rest and Serve:
Let the bake cool a little before serving. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or easy weeknight meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or milk when reheating helps keep it moist.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve With This Bake?
Steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides. They add freshness and balance to the rich, comforting flavors of the chicken and stuffing bake.
