In the hustle and bustle of modern life, what’s the one question that always seems to loom at the end of the day? “What’s for dinner?” Sometimes you don’t need a gourmet, multi-step recipe. You need a simple, reliable, and deeply comforting meal that the whole family will love without any fuss.

Enter the hero of busy weeknights: the classic Chicken and Stuffing Bake. This recipe is a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, a beloved casserole that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts, a savory cream sauce, and a perfectly golden, crunchy stuffing topping. Using just four simple pantry staples, you can assemble a hearty and satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients

You truly only need four main ingredients to create this masterpiece of comfort food. It’s the perfect recipe for a well-stocked pantry.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	4 (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total)
Cream of Chicken Soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Dry Onion Soup Mix	1 package (1 oz)
Boxed Stuffing Mix (like Stovetop)	1 box (6 oz), prepared
Aluminum Foil	For covering

Timing

This dish is the definition of “low effort, high reward.” The prep time is incredibly quick, letting your oven do all the hard work.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready for the easiest dinner you’ll make all week. This simple layering process results in a perfectly cooked, flavorful casserole every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dish

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch (or similar 3-quart) baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Actionable Tip: Taking a moment to grease the dish properly is a small step that makes a huge difference. It prevents the creamy soup from sticking and burning, ensuring easy serving and a much quicker cleanup.

Step 2: Assemble the Chicken Base

Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, spread the cream of chicken soup evenly over the top of the chicken. Finally, sprinkle the entire packet of dry onion soup mix over the soup layer.

Actionable Tip: Don’t just plop the soup on top! Spreading it evenly from edge to edge ensures that every single bite of chicken is moist, tender, and protected from the oven’s dry heat.

Step 3: Prepare and Layer the Stuffing

Prepare your box of Stovetop stuffing (or your favorite brand) according to the package directions. Once it’s ready, gently spoon the prepared stuffing over the chicken, creating an even top layer.

Actionable Tip: For the best texture, prepare the stuffing right before you’re ready to use it. Layering it while it’s still warm and moist helps it meld with the creamy soup layer below.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.

Actionable Tip: Covering the dish is a crucial step. The foil traps steam inside, which gently cooks the chicken all the way through, keeping it incredibly juicy and tender while allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Bake Uncovered to Crisp the Top

After one hour, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Actionable Tip: This final, uncovered bake is where the magic happens! The direct heat of the oven transforms the moist stuffing into a beautifully golden-brown and delightfully crunchy crust, providing a perfect textural contrast to the creamy chicken below.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest on a heatproof surface for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the chicken to reabsorb its juices.

Actionable Tip: Just like a Thanksgiving turkey, even a simple chicken breast benefits from a short rest. This brief pause guarantees the most tender and flavorful result possible.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate for one serving (one chicken breast and a quarter of the topping), but will vary based on the specific brands of soup and stuffing used.

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 40 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Sodium: 1400 mg

Healthier Alternatives

This recipe is a comforting classic, but you can easily make a few adjustments to lighten it up.

Healthier Soup: Look for low-sodium or “Healthy Request” versions of cream of chicken soup to significantly reduce the sodium content.
Whole Grains: Opt for a whole wheat or whole grain stuffing mix to add a bit of extra fiber and nutrients.
Add Vegetables: This is a fantastic way to boost the nutrition. Add a layer of steamed or frozen green beans, broccoli florets, or a can of drained corn to the bottom of the dish before adding the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty Chicken and Stuffing Bake is practically a meal in itself, so it doesn’t need much to complete the plate.

Simple Greens: Serve alongside a simple side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness provides a lovely contrast to the rich, savory casserole.
Holiday Feel: A side of glazed carrots or a scoop of cranberry sauce can make this simple weeknight meal feel festive enough for a special occasion.
Presentation: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For a perfect result every time, be sure to avoid these simple mistakes.

Using Frozen Chicken: Cooking the chicken breasts from frozen can release excess water into the dish, which can make the sauce thin and the stuffing soggy. Solution: Always use fully thawed chicken breasts.
Skipping the Foil: If you bake the casserole uncovered for the entire time, the chicken is likely to dry out and the stuffing topping can burn before the chicken is cooked through. Solution: Don’t skip the crucial first hour of covered baking.
Overbaking: Even with the creamy soup, it’s possible to overcook the chicken. Solution: For guaranteed juicy results, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Storing Tips

Leftovers are fantastic for a quick and easy lunch the next day!

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: The best way to reheat this casserole is in the microwave for individual portions or in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Note that the stuffing will soften upon storage but will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Stuffing Bake is a true testament to the power of simple, comforting ingredients. In a world of complicated recipes, this four-ingredient wonder stands out as a reliable, delicious, and stress-free meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening, a busy weeknight, or any time you need a little taste of home.

We hope this easy recipe becomes a new family favorite! If you make it, please come back and leave a comment and a rating below to let us know how you liked it. We love hearing from you! For more simple and satisfying recipes, don’t forget to subscribe.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use a different “cream of” soup?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of cheddar soup would all be delicious alternatives and would pair wonderfully with the onion soup mix.

Q2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken pieces. If using bone-in chicken, you will likely need to increase the covered baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe temperature of 165°F.

Q3. Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time since it’s starting from cold.

Q4. What other vegetables can I add?

This casserole is a great canvas for adding extra veggies. A 1- to 2-cup layer of frozen corn, peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables can be added to the bottom of the dish before the chicken. A can of drained French-style green beans also works wonderfully.