Effortless Chicken and Stuffing Bake: A Comfort Food Classic
Are you craving a comforting and satisfying meal that’s incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Chicken and Stuffing Bake recipe! This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner option, combining juicy chicken with flavorful stuffing in a single, convenient bake. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
This recipe is designed for simplicity, using readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe a breeze to follow. The result is a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Comfort food classic:** Chicken and stuffing is a timeless combination that everyone loves.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
* **Budget-friendly:** This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for families on a budget.
* **One-dish meal:** Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken and Stuffing Bake:
* **Chicken breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* **Stuffing mix:** 6 ounces (about half of a standard box) of your favorite stuffing mix (I prefer herb-seasoned)
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup, melted
* **Chicken broth:** 1 1/2 cups
* **Cream of chicken soup:** 1 can (10.75 ounces)
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
* **Celery:** 1/2 cup, chopped (optional, adds texture and flavor)
* **Dried herbs:** 1 teaspoon (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage)
* **Salt and pepper:** To taste
* **Vegetables:** 1 cup of your favorite vegetables (such as broccoli florets, green beans, or carrots), optional
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Chicken and Stuffing Bake:
**Step 1: Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the dish cooks evenly and the chicken is cooked through.
**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken**
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared dish. Season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage). Don’t overcrowd the pan; ensure the chicken pieces are evenly spaced.
**Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing**
In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, melted butter, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well to combine. The stuffing mix should be moistened but not soggy. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the stuffing to absorb the liquid.
**Step 4: Sauté Vegetables (Optional)**
If you’re using onions and celery, sauté them in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the bake.
**Step 5: Mix the Soup and Milk**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. This mixture will create a creamy sauce that ties the entire dish together.
**Step 6: Assemble the Bake**
If you sautéed vegetables, spread them evenly over the chicken breasts. Then, spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Gently press the stuffing down to help it adhere to the chicken.
**Step 7: Pour the Sauce**
Pour the cream of chicken soup mixture evenly over the stuffing. This will keep the chicken moist and add flavor to the stuffing.
**Step 8: Add Remaining Chicken Broth and Vegetables (Optional)**
Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth over the entire bake. If you’re adding vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots, sprinkle them over the top of the stuffing and soup mixture. Adding vegetables increases the nutritional value and visual appeal of the bake.
**Step 9: Bake**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the chicken moist and prevent the stuffing from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the stuffing is golden brown and slightly crispy.
**Step 10: Rest and Serve**
Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to retain its juices. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Stuffing Bake
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of the final dish. Choose fresh chicken breasts and a stuffing mix that you enjoy.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Adjust the seasoning to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference. Taste the stuffing mixture before baking and add more seasoning if needed.
* **Add extra vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the bake, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
* **Use different types of stuffing:** Experiment with different types of stuffing mix, such as cornbread stuffing or sourdough stuffing. Each type will add a unique flavor to the dish.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
* **Use rotisserie chicken:** For an even quicker meal, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. Simply skip the chicken preparation step and add the shredded chicken to the baking dish before adding the stuffing and sauce.
* **Add cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack) over the top of the bake during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
* **Add cranberries:** For a festive touch, add dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture. This will add a sweet and tart flavor to the dish.
## Variations on the Recipe
This Chicken and Stuffing Bake recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to create a variety of delicious variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Cranberry Chicken and Stuffing Bake:** Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture for a festive and flavorful twist.
* **Mushroom Chicken and Stuffing Bake:** Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions and celery for an earthy and savory flavor.
* **Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Stuffing Bake:** Add 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bake for a cheesy and nutritious meal.
* **Spicy Chicken and Stuffing Bake:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture and a dash of hot sauce to the cream of chicken soup mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Italian Chicken and Stuffing Bake:** Use Italian-seasoned stuffing mix and add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture. You can also add sliced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage to the bake.
* **Southwestern Chicken and Stuffing Bake:** Use cornbread stuffing mix and add 1/2 cup of black beans, 1/2 cup of corn kernels, and 1/4 cup of chopped green chilies to the stuffing mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
* **Lemon Herb Chicken and Stuffing Bake:** Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the cream of chicken soup mixture. Use a generous amount of fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley, in the stuffing mixture. The lemon and herbs will brighten up the flavors of the dish.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken and Stuffing Bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of side dishes to create a more elaborate feast. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the richness of the bake.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes, are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken and stuffing.
* **Gravy:** Serve with your favorite gravy for extra richness and flavor.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the bake.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
**Storage:**
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Chicken and Stuffing Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, you can freeze the bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
**Reheating:**
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bake in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to the dish to prevent it from drying out.
* **Microwave:** Place a portion of the leftover bake on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken dry.
## Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-50 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 6 ounces stuffing mix (herb-seasoned)
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
* 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
* 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)
* 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup vegetables (broccoli, green beans, carrots), optional
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Place chicken breasts in the dish. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. In a bowl, combine stuffing mix, melted butter, and 1 cup chicken broth. Let sit for a few minutes.
4. Sauté onion and celery until softened (optional).
5. Whisk together cream of chicken soup and milk.
6. Spread sautéed vegetables over chicken (optional).
7. Spoon stuffing mixture over chicken and vegetables.
8. Pour cream of chicken soup mixture over stuffing.
9. Pour remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth over the bake. Add vegetables (optional).
10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and stuffing is golden brown.
11. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Chicken and Stuffing Bake! It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different variations and ingredients to create your own unique version of this classic dish.