Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! This chicken and stuffing bake is not just easy; it’s a warm hug on a plate! Seriously, it’s become one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or when I’m just craving something comforting. I can whip it up in no time, and it’s always a hit with the family. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken fillets topped with a savory stuffing that’s creamy and cheesy. Yum! The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. I love how you can customize it with whatever veggies you have lying around, making it a versatile dish that fits any occasion. Plus, it all comes together in one baking dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, once you try this chicken and stuffing bake, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too! So let’s dive into how to make this deliciousness happen!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets
- 1 box of stuffing mix
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (I love using cheddar, but feel free to mix it up!)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This chicken and stuffing bake is super simple, and I’ll walk you through it step by step so you can impress your family with minimal effort.
- Preheat your oven: First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven ensures your chicken cooks evenly and your stuffing becomes that perfect golden brown.
- Prepare your baking dish: Grab a baking dish (9×13 works great) and place your boneless, skinless chicken fillets right in the center. You can give them a little room to breathe, but don’t worry too much about spacing.
- Season the chicken: Now, sprinkle the garlic powder and onion powder over the chicken. Feel free to be generous here! This will add a lovely flavor that seeps into the chicken while it bakes.
- Mix the stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. You want this mixture to be moist but not soupy; it should hold together nicely.
- Spread the stuffing: Carefully spread this stuffing mixture over the chicken fillets, making sure to cover them completely. This is where the magic happens, as the stuffing absorbs all those delicious chicken juices as it bakes.
- Add the cheese: Top it all off with your shredded cheese. Seriously, cheese makes everything better! I like to pile it on, but you can adjust according to your cheese-loving heart.
- Bake to perfection: Now, place your dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The stuffing should be bubbly and lightly browned on top.
Once it’s out of the oven, give it a few minutes to rest before serving. This dish is perfect served hot, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken and stuffing bake is a game changer in the kitchen! Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal in the oven, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one dish, so you won’t be left with a mountain of pots and pans to wash.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of tender chicken, creamy soup, and cheesy stuffing makes for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s comfort food at its finest!
- Customizable: You can add your favorite veggies or swap out seasonings to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
- Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not only satisfying but also nourishing for you and your family.
Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your home!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up this chicken and stuffing bake, here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time!
- Don’t skip the seasoning: Make sure to sprinkle enough garlic and onion powder on the chicken. It’s the key to infusing flavor, so don’t hold back!
- Watch your baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 30-minute mark. You want the chicken to be fully cooked, but you don’t want to dry it out. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
- Moisture level: When mixing the stuffing, ensure it’s moist but not too soupy. If it feels too dry, you can always add a splash more chicken broth.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious chicken and stuffing bake that your family will rave about!
Variations
One of the best things about this chicken and stuffing bake is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun variations to switch things up and keep it exciting:
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for added nutrition and color. Just make sure to pre-cook denser veggies like carrots a bit to ensure they’re tender when the dish is done!
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix up your cheese choice! Try pepper jack for a kick, mozzarella for a stretch, or even feta for a tangy twist. You can combine different cheeses too—yum!
- Herb It Up: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing mixture for a fragrant touch. Dried herbs work too, just adjust the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to awaken your taste buds!
These little tweaks can make your chicken and stuffing bake feel brand new every time you prepare it. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this chicken and stuffing bake! It’s always good to know what you’re putting on your plate. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But overall, this dish packs a nutritious punch while being incredibly satisfying!
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and stuffing bake is so hearty that it can stand alone, but if you want to take your meal to the next level, here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly:
- Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, green beans, or carrots adds a pop of color and nutrition to your plate.
- Simple Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy stuffing and chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you’re feeling indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting addition that complements the dish beautifully.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a lovely sweet-tart flavor that brightens the whole meal.
Choose one or two of these sides, and you’ve got a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this chicken and stuffing bake? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get:
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before using it. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it’s cooked through.
- What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup? If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce as a substitute. It’ll still be delicious!
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken and stuffing bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Just pop it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready!
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free stuffing mix and check your cream of chicken soup for any gluten-containing ingredients.
I hope these answers help you feel more confident about whipping up this easy chicken and stuffing bake! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your chicken and stuffing bake, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, there are a couple of ways to reheat them. For the best results, pop the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just be careful, as the stuffing can get hot quickly!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this ginger soy chicken breast recipe!
Print
Chicken and Stuffing Bake Easy: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious chicken and stuffing bake that is quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets
- 1 box of stuffing mix
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a baking dish, place the chicken fillets.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder over the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix the stuffing, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
- Spread the stuffing mixture over the chicken.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- You can add vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken and stuffing bake easy