This chicken and stuffing bake is the kind of dinner you can pull together on a busy weeknight with four ingredients and one baking dish. Chicken breasts go in the pan, a layer of cream of chicken soup goes on top, and a blanket of boxed stuffing bakes up golden and crisp.
It tastes a lot like a holiday plate without the holiday workload. Prep takes about 10 minutes, the oven does the rest, and dinner is ready in around 45 minutes total. It makes 4 servings, so it works well for a small family or for two people who like leftovers.
Why This Chicken and Stuffing Bake Works
The soup does two jobs at once. It keeps the chicken from drying out in the oven, and it turns into a creamy sauce that soaks into the bottom of the stuffing. The top layer of stuffing stays crunchy, so each bite has soft and crisp parts.
Mixing the stuffing with broth before it goes on also matters. The broth softens the bread cubes just enough so they bake up tender underneath and toasted on top, instead of dry and dusty.
Ingredients and Easy Swaps
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds): Thin breasts or chicken tenders cook more evenly. Boneless thighs also work and stay extra juicy.
- Cream of chicken soup (one 10.5 ounce can): Cream of mushroom or cream of celery are easy swaps. Use a reduced-sodium can if you are watching salt.
- Stuffing mix (one 6 ounce box): Chicken flavor is classic. Cornbread or herb stuffing mix gives it a different spin.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Water works in a pinch, but broth adds more flavor. Low-sodium broth keeps the dish from getting too salty.
How to Make It at a Glance
- Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in the dish.
- Spread the cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
- Stir the stuffing mix with the broth and spoon it evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F.
The full amounts and steps are in the recipe card below.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using very thick chicken breasts. Big breasts can still be raw in the middle after 35 minutes. Slice them in half the long way or pound them to about 3/4 inch thick.
- Skipping the thermometer. Chicken is safe at 165°F in the thickest part. If the stuffing browns before the chicken is done, cover the dish loosely with foil and keep baking.
- Packing the stuffing down. Spoon it on loosely. Pressing it flat makes the top dense instead of crisp.
- Adding extra salt. Canned soup, stuffing mix, and broth are all salty already. Taste before seasoning.
Variations to Try
- Add vegetables: Scatter a cup of frozen green beans, peas, or mixed vegetables around the chicken before adding the soup.
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle a cup of shredded Swiss or cheddar over the soup layer before the stuffing goes on.
- Use leftover turkey: Swap in 3 to 4 cups of cooked, chopped turkey and bake for about 25 minutes, just until hot.
- Thin the sauce: Stir a splash of milk or sour cream into the soup for a looser, creamier sauce.
What to Serve With It
Since the starch is already baked in, keep the sides simple. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad all balance the creamy casserole. Cranberry sauce on the side makes it feel like a small Thanksgiving dinner. Warm dinner rolls are nice if you have big eaters at the table.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Make ahead: Put the chicken and soup in the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Mix the stuffing with broth right before baking so it does not turn soggy. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time since the dish starts cold.
Storage: Let leftovers cool, then keep them covered in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm single portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. For a larger amount, cover with foil and heat at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top. Reheat to 165°F.
Freezing: You can freeze baked leftovers for up to 2 months. The stuffing will be softer after thawing, but the flavor holds up well.
Chicken and Stuffing Bake FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Thaw them first. Frozen chicken releases water, which makes the sauce thin, and it takes much longer to reach a safe 165°F.
Should I cover the dish while it bakes?
No. Baking it uncovered lets the stuffing brown. Only add foil if the top gets dark before the chicken is done.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use two 9×13 dishes instead of one deeper pan so everything cooks evenly.
Can I use homemade stuffing?
Yes. Use about 4 cups of prepared stuffing and skip the broth step if it is already moist.
Chicken and Stuffing Bake
4
servingsKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix
1 cup chicken broth
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Place chicken in the dish and spread cream of chicken soup on top.
- Mix stuffing mix with chicken broth and spread over the chicken.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
Equipment
Casserole Baking DishCasserole Baking Dish
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