Best Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe

Savory Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting a delightful chicken stuffing bake promises comfort and warmth on chilly evenings.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with irresistible temptation.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among herbs and crusty bread cubes create a hearty meal.

Layered textures and rich flavors merge beautifully in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal preparation.

Seasonings like thyme and sage dance through each delectable bite, making memories around the dinner table.

You’ll want seconds of this crowd-pleasing classic that delivers pure, homestyle deliciousness in every forkful.

Chicken Stuffing Bake Is Packed With Comfort

  • Quick Family Dinner Solution: Whip up this chicken stuffing bake in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when everyone craves a satisfying meal without complicated cooking steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fiesta: Packed with zesty enchilada sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, this dish delivers bold southwestern flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime exciting.
  • Versatile Meal Prep Champion: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe allows quick substitutions like using rotisserie chicken, gluten-free tortillas, or adding extra vegetables for a personalized touch.
  • Minimal Cleanup Comfort Dish: Utilizing just one baking dish and minimal prep tools, this recipe reduces kitchen mess and saves precious time on dishwashing, letting you enjoy a delicious meal with minimal post-cooking stress.

Basic Chicken Stuffing Bake Components

Protein Base:
  • Shredded Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that forms the main body of the casserole, great with leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.
  • Sour Cream: Adds rich creaminess and smooth texture to the dish.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Provides tangy flavor and mild heat to the casserole.
  • Frozen Corn: Adds sweet crunch and extra vegetable element.
  • Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that enhances Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers consistent, aromatic seasoning throughout the dish.
Binders and Toppings:
  • Enchilada Sauce: Delivers authentic Mexican-style sauce that binds ingredients together.
  • Corn Tortillas: Provides structure and traditional Mexican base for the casserole, best when slightly stale.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, rich cheesy flavor.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb for garnishing and adding final flavor boost.

Chicken Stuffing Bake Preparation Plan

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for a flavor-packed chicken adventure.

Step 2: Mix Magical Chicken Filling

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Sour cream
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Corn kernels
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder

Stir everything together until the ingredients become best friends and create a mouth-watering mixture.

Step 3: Layer Your Culinary Masterpiece

Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and start building delicious layers:
  • Spread tortillas as the first foundation
  • Spoon the chicken mixture generously
  • Sprinkle cheese like delightful snow

Repeat these layers to create a tower of tasty goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Pull out your masterpiece and crown it with fresh cilantro.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Chicken And Stuffing Combo Tricks For Best Results

  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quick preparation and added flavor depth.
  • Ensure even distribution of ingredients by spreading each layer carefully to create a balanced bite every time.
  • Adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce, or add jalapeños for extra kick.
  • Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, use whole wheat tortillas, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
  • Prepare the casserole in advance and freeze before baking; thaw overnight and bake when ready to serve.

Chicken Stuffing Bake: Storing Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken stuffing bake fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the dish for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using fresh cilantro garnish.
  • Warm refrigerated portions at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Heat individual servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Stuffing Bake

  • Pair Zesty Mexican Margaritas: Craft a tangy lime margarita that complements the spicy chicken enchilada layers, balancing the rich cheese and bold cumin flavors.
  • Create Fresh Avocado Salsa: Whip up a cool, creamy avocado salsa with diced onions and lime juice to cut through the casserole's warmth and add refreshing texture.
  • Match Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cleanse the palate and enhance the dish's southwestern spice profile.
  • Serve Cilantro-Lime Rice: Prepare a bright, herbal rice side dish that echoes the recipe's cilantro garnish and provides a light, complementary base for the hearty casserole.

Chicken Stuffing Bake New Topping Options

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a meatless version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortillas with thin sliced zucchini or cauliflower rice as a base layer.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese shreds, and swap sour cream with coconut yogurt.

FAQs

  • What makes this chicken stuffing bake different from traditional casseroles?

This recipe blends Mexican-inspired flavors with a classic casserole structure, using enchilada sauce and cumin to create a unique, zesty dish that’s more exciting than standard chicken bakes.

  • Is this recipe considered spicy?

The recipe has mild heat from enchilada sauce and cumin, making it family-friendly. If you prefer more kick, you can add jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient protein option that works perfectly in this bake. Just shred the meat and mix it with other ingredients as directed.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat sour cream, reduce cheese quantity, add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and opt for whole wheat tortillas to boost nutritional value.

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Best Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe

Chicken Stuffing Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this hearty Chicken Stuffing Bake, blending savory poultry with classic bread-based goodness. Rich layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and herbed stuffing promise a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Spices:

  • 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Tortillas and Garnish:

  • 10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F, ensuring a perfectly warm environment for the casserole.
  2. Create a flavorful base by mixing shredded chicken with sour cream, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and corn, enhancing the mixture with cumin and garlic powder for depth of flavor.
  3. Construct layers in a 9×13-inch baking dish, alternating between crisp tortillas, the seasoned chicken mixture, and generous sprinklings of melty cheese.
  4. Continue building layers until the dish is filled, making sure each stratum is evenly distributed for consistent taste and texture.
  5. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
  6. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle and cheese to slightly firm up.
  7. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, which adds a bright, herbal note to the rich, comforting casserole.
  8. Serve immediately while the dish is hot, ensuring maximum enjoyment of the melted cheese and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Choose tender, rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and easiest shredding technique.
  • Drain canned tomatoes completely to prevent excess liquid making the dish watery.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting cumin and adding jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Substitute corn tortillas with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower wraps for keto-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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