One-Dish Chicken and Stuffing Bake: A Comfort Food Classic

Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than this one-dish chicken and stuffing bake! This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with savory stuffing in a single pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal cleanup, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your meal.

This recipe is designed to be adaptable and forgiving. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or stuffing mix. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This One-Dish Chicken and Stuffing Bake

* **Easy Cleanup:** The beauty of a one-dish meal is the minimal cleanup required. Everything cooks together in a single pan, saving you time and effort.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** Chicken and stuffing are a classic combination for a reason. This bake brings together the best of both worlds in a satisfying and flavorful dish.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Use your favorite stuffing mix, add different vegetables, or experiment with various herbs and spices.
* **Perfect for Weeknights:** With minimal prep time and a quick bake, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and easy meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken and stuffing are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a budget-friendly option for feeding your family.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* **Stuffing Mix:** 6 ounces stuffing mix (such as Stove Top or Pepperidge Farm)
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons), melted
* **Celery:** 1/2 cup, finely chopped
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, finely chopped
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 1/2 cups
* **Dried Herbs:** 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary (or your favorite poultry seasoning)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, 1/4 cup chopped cranberries, or other vegetables of your choice.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the stuffing.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious one-dish chicken and stuffing bake:

### Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

1. **Melt the Butter:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
2. **Add Herbs and Seasoning:** Stir in the dried sage, dried thyme, dried rosemary (or poultry seasoning), salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
3. **Combine with Stuffing Mix:** Add the stuffing mix to the bowl and toss to combine. Make sure the stuffing mix is evenly coated with the butter and seasonings.
4. **Add Chicken Broth:** Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring until the stuffing mix is moistened. Do not over-saturate the stuffing; it should be damp but not soggy. Allow the stuffing to sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the broth.
5. **Add Optional Ingredients:** If desired, stir in chopped mushrooms, cranberries, or other vegetables.

### Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Baking Dish:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the chicken and stuffing from sticking.
3. **Season Chicken:** Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like (such as paprika or garlic powder).

### Step 3: Assemble the Bake

1. **Spread Stuffing:** Spread the prepared stuffing evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
2. **Arrange Chicken:** Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the stuffing, spacing them evenly apart.
3. **Optional: Add Extra Broth:** If you prefer a moister stuffing, you can drizzle a little extra chicken broth over the chicken and stuffing.

### Step 4: Bake

1. **Cover and Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent the stuffing from drying out.
2. **Bake for 30 Minutes:** Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
3. **Remove Foil and Bake Longer:** Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. **Check for Doneness:** To ensure the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If it registers 165°F (74°C), the chicken is safe to eat.

### Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. **Rest:** Once the chicken and stuffing bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. **Serve:** Serve the one-dish chicken and stuffing bake hot. You can garnish it with fresh parsley or a dollop of cranberry sauce, if desired.

## Tips for the Best One-Dish Chicken and Stuffing Bake

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Make sure the chicken breasts are spaced evenly apart in the baking dish. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the accuracy of your oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful dish. Choose organic chicken breasts and a good quality stuffing mix.
* **Don’t Over-Saturate the Stuffing:** Be careful not to add too much chicken broth to the stuffing mix. Over-saturated stuffing will be soggy and unappetizing.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the chicken and stuffing bake to rest for a few minutes before serving is crucial for juicy chicken and flavorful stuffing.
* **Consider Browning the Chicken:** For extra flavor and visual appeal, sear the chicken breasts in a skillet with a little oil before placing them on top of the stuffing. This will create a nice golden-brown crust.
* **Add Vegetables for More Flavor:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as chopped carrots, peas, or green beans. This will add more flavor and nutrients to the dish.
* **Use Different Types of Stuffing:** Experiment with different types of stuffing mix to find your favorite flavor combination. Cornbread stuffing, herb stuffing, and sourdough stuffing are all great options.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Turkey:** Substitute chicken breasts with turkey cutlets for a Thanksgiving-inspired dish.
* **Sausage:** Add cooked and crumbled sausage to the stuffing for a heartier meal.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken broth for a richer, creamier stuffing.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a gluten-free version.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with vegetable protein crumbles or tofu for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Different Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or parmesan cheese over the top of the bake during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy topping.

## Serving Suggestions

This one-dish chicken and stuffing bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with some complementary side dishes:

* **Cranberry Sauce:** A classic pairing for chicken and stuffing, cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** Another Thanksgiving favorite, green bean casserole is a creamy and comforting side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect complement to the savory chicken and stuffing.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the chicken and stuffing.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This one-dish chicken and stuffing bake can be prepared ahead of time, making it even more convenient for busy weeknights.

1. **Assemble the Bake:** Prepare the stuffing and assemble the bake according to the recipe instructions.
2. **Cover and Refrigerate:** Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. **Bake:** When ready to bake, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the dish cook more evenly.
4. **Bake as Directed:** Bake according to the recipe instructions, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover chicken and stuffing bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 35-45 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

## Conclusion

This one-dish chicken and stuffing bake is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and customizable flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!

Enjoy!