This Chicken & Stuffing Casserole has been a cornerstone of our easy weeknight dinners for years. I discovered this combination one busy autumn evening when I wanted something comforting that could feed a crowd without hours in the kitchen. The crunchy, buttery stuffing topping contrasts beautifully with tender seared chicken and a creamy herb sauce — a texture trio that always brings people back for seconds. It’s the sort of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate: simple, reliable, and deeply satisfying.

I first made it when company unexpectedly stayed for dinner; I had pantry staples on hand and a few chicken breasts in the fridge. The result was so popular that it earned an instant spot in my rotation of go-to meals. What makes this dish special is how accessible the ingredients are and how little hands-on time it requires — a quick sear, a simple mixing bowl, assembly in a single 9x13-inch pan, and the oven does the rest. The golden, crisp top is irresistible, while the interior stays creamy and comforting.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4): Choose even-sized breasts, about 6 ounces each, so they cook uniformly. If breasts are large, pound to an even thickness or halve them for faster searing. Fresh or thawed, not frozen.
• Salt and black pepper (1 tsp each): Simple seasoning highlights the chicken. Use kosher salt for a cleaner, milder saltiness; adjust if using table salt.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): A neutral olive oil works well for searing; you can substitute avocado oil for higher smoke point if desired.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The canned soup forms the creamy base; go for a brand you like since it impacts flavor. For lighter texture, choose reduced-sodium varieties.
• Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and creaminess. Full-fat gives the richest mouthfeel; low-fat works but the dish will be slightly less velvety.
• Milk (1/4 cup): Thins the mixture for better coverage over the chicken; use whole milk for creaminess or 2% for a lighter finish.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (1/2 tsp each): These pantry spices deliver warm, savory notes. Fresh minced garlic can be used (1 clove) but reduce garlic powder accordingly.
• Boxed stuffing mix (1 box, 6 oz): Classic seasoned cubed stuffing provides crunch and buttery flavor; use chicken-flavored if you want more savory depth.
• Chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): Prepare the stuffing with warm broth for deeper flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
• Butter, melted (2 tbsp): Drizzled on top of stuffing to encourage browning and richness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): Sharp cheddar adds color and a melty finish; use mild cheddar if you prefer a subtler cheese flavor.
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Chopped parsley brightens the plate and adds a fresh herbal note.

Instructions

Preheat and season: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pat the four chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Drying the chicken helps achieve a golden sear rather than steaming. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown; they do not need to be cooked through. Use visual cues: a deep golden crust indicates good Maillard reaction; reduce heat slightly if browning too quickly. Remove the chicken and set aside. Mix the creamy sauce: In a large mixing bowl combine 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Whisk until smooth and season to taste — if your broth or stuffing is low-sodium, you might add a pinch more salt. Prepare the stuffing: Prepare the boxed stuffing according to package directions but use 1 1/2 cups chicken broth instead of water for richer flavor. Stir in the melted 2 tablespoons butter, then fluff the stuffing with a fork and set aside. If you prefer a crispier top, let the stuffing sit uncovered for a few minutes to dry slightly. Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the soup mixture along the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top, spacing them evenly. Pour the remaining creamy mixture over the chicken, spooning it to coat each breast evenly. Top and bake: Evenly spoon the prepared stuffing over the top of the sauced chicken. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese across the top if using. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the stuffing to encourage browning. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Finish and rest: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the stuffing is crisp and golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F when checked at the thickest part. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Storage Tips

Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes, or microwave single portions until steaming. If freezing, cool completely and wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transfer servings into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered at 350°F for 25-35 minutes, removing foil to brown the top during the last 10 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer to lighten the dish, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream at a 1:1 ratio or use low-fat sour cream. Swap the boxed stuffing for seasoned Panko (about 2 1/2 cups) mixed with 3 tablespoons melted butter for a crisper topping. For gluten-free adaptations, use a certified gluten-free stuffing mix or crushed gluten-free crackers and check the soup label for gluten-free certification. To shorten time, use two cups shredded rotisserie chicken in place of searing breasts; reduce bake time by about 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices alongside steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad to offset the richness. A tart apple slaw or vinegar-based coleslaw adds bright contrast, while mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles make the meal heartier. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for color. For a special occasion, add a simple cranberry relish on the side to introduce a sweet-tart element that complements the savory layers.

Cultural Background

This layered casserole draws on classic American comfort-cooking traditions where convenience meets homestyle flavor: a creamy binder, protein, and a crunchy carbohydrate topping. Stuffing as a topping evolved from practices of using seasoned breadcrumbs or bread cubes to add texture and soak up juices, while canned condensed soups became kitchen staples in mid-20th-century American homes for their convenience. This recipe blends both traditions into a modern, streamlined dish that nods to heritage flavors while remaining practical.

Seasonal Adaptations

In fall and winter, fold in 1 cup diced roasted butternut squash into the stuffing for earthy sweetness. In spring, toss in blanched asparagus tips or swap thyme for fresh tarragon. For summer gatherings, use diced tomatoes (drain excess liquid) and fresh basil in the creamy layer, and opt for a lighter breadcrumb topping. Holiday versions can include chopped cooked sage sausage mixed into the stuffing for a celebratory twist.

Meal Prep Tips

Prepare the creamy mixture and pre-cook the stuffing up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Sear the chicken just before assembly for best color, or use pre-cooked shredded chicken to eliminate searing. Portion into individual oven-safe dishes for grab-and-go lunches; bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. Use shallow, insulated containers for freezer meals so portions defrost and reheat evenly.

This casserole is a reassuring, flexible dish that rewards small techniques — even searing briefly makes a big difference — and welcomes improvisation. Make it once, and you’ll have a new staple for both busy nights and casual get-togethers. Enjoy the comfort and share it with people you love.