Description
This Creamy Chicken Stuffing Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy sauce and a flavorful stuffing topping, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 296 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix (about 1 oz / 28 g)
- 1 box (6 oz) Stove Top stuffing mix, prepared according to package directions
- 2-3 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for crispier stuffing)
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (optional, to thin the cream of chicken soup)
Preparation:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk (if using) until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the cream of chicken soup layer.
- Step 5: Prepare the Stove Top stuffing mix according to the package directions. If desired, stir in the melted butter for a crispier topping.
- Step 6: Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken and soup mixture, pressing gently to cover.
- Step 7: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For thinner chicken breasts, check doneness after 30-40 minutes.
- Step 9: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy. You can also broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the stuffing, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 10: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients and steps.
- It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover stuffing.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
- It is very customizable!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad.
- Pair it with cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
- Serve over mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.
- Accompany with roasted vegetables such as carrots or brussel sprouts.
Tips:
- For a crispier stuffing topping, stir in melted butter before spreading it over the chicken.
- If the stuffing looks soggy after baking, remove the foil earlier or broil for a few minutes to crisp it up.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Feel free to add vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced celery to the stuffing mix for added flavor and texture.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
Total Time: 75-90 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken Stuffing Bake is a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful stuffing topping, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use different types of soup? Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cheddar cheese soup for the cream of chicken soup.
- Can I use bone-in chicken breasts? Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I add vegetables to the stuffing? Absolutely! Diced celery, onions, carrots, or mushrooms would be great additions.
- How do I prevent the stuffing from getting soggy? Make sure to remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking and broil for a few minutes to crisp the topping. Adding melted butter to the stuffing also helps.
