Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake is just what it sounds like—a deliciously simple dish combining tender chicken breasts with a crispy, flavorful stuffing topping. It’s one of those meals that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours making it. The stuffing gets golden brown and crunchy while the chicken stays juicy and satisfying.
I love making this recipe when I want comfort food without a ton of fuss. It’s so handy to have everything bake in one dish, which means less cleanup for me. My favorite trick is adding a little extra seasoning to the stuffing mix to boost the flavor, and sometimes I toss in some veggies like chopped carrots or celery for a bit of color and crunch.
This bake is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal on the table fast. I like serving it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to keep things fresh. It’s one of those dinners that everyone at my table enjoys, and somehow there’s never any leftovers because it’s just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay juicy. You can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer more flavor and tenderness.
Herb Stuffing Mix: This adds great seasoning and texture. If you can’t find herb-flavored stuffing, plain stuffing with added dried herbs like sage and thyme works great.
Chicken Broth: It makes the stuffing moist and flavorful. For a lighter option, use low-sodium broth or vegetable broth.
Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch, but feel free to skip or replace with cooked sausage or smoked turkey for different tastes or dietary needs.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mild and melty, mozzarella is perfect here. Swiss or Monterey Jack are tasty alternatives if you want a slightly different flavor.
How Can I Ensure Juicy Chicken and Crispy Stuffing?
The trick is balancing moisture and cooking time. Covering the dish with foil first keeps the chicken juicy and allows flavors to meld.
- Start by seasoning and placing chicken in the baking dish evenly.
- Spoon the moist stuffing mix over the chicken but don’t press too hard; leaving some air helps the top get crispy.
- Tightly cover with foil for the first part of baking to trap moisture and gently cook the chicken.
- Remove the foil near the end and add cheese to let the stuffing crisp up and the cheese melt golden.
- Check the chicken with a meat thermometer; 165°F (74°C) ensures it’s cooked but not dry.
Following these steps means tender chicken beneath a perfectly browned, flavorful stuffing topping every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for spreading chicken and stuffing evenly so everything cooks well together.
- Mixing bowl – for combining stuffing mix, veggies, and broth without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – easy to get the broth, butter, and seasonings just right.
- Foil – to cover the dish while baking, keeping the chicken juicy and stuffing moist.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – great for checking chicken is cooked safely without drying out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
- Add chopped apples or dried cranberries to the stuffing for a sweet twist that balances savory flavors.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add earthy depth and extra veggies.
- Use cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a sharper or spicier taste.
Easy Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box (approx. 6 oz) herb-flavored stuffing mix
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mild white cheese)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp dried thyme (plus a few fresh sprigs for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 45 to 50 minutes to bake. You’ll spend time combining the stuffing and veggies, layering everything in the baking dish, then baking it covered and finally uncovered to get that melty, golden cheese on top. A total of about an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready and Mix the Stuffing:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, diced celery, diced yellow bell pepper, and chopped cooked bacon. Pour in the chicken broth and melted butter, stirring gently. You want the stuffing to soak up the liquid but not become too soggy.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Arrange:
Season each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Place them evenly spaced across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over and around the chicken breasts, pressing lightly to pack it down just a bit.
3. Bake and Add Cheese:
Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Feel free to add fresh thyme sprigs on top for a little extra color and flavor before serving. Dig in while warm and enjoy your tender chicken with deliciously herbed stuffing and gooey cheese!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before using. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy in the bake.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake covered for about 40-45 minutes, then uncover, add cheese, and bake until bubbly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Serve With This Chicken and Stuffing Bake?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Roasted carrots or green beans are tasty, easy options.
