Description
This Creamy Chicken Stuffing Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole combining tender seared chicken breasts, savory stuffing, mixed vegetables, and a rich homemade creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, this dish bakes to bubbly golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Stuffing
- 6 ounce box stuffing mix
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups hot water
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika evenly to build a flavorful base for the dish.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside; chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Prepare Stuffing: In the same skillet, bring butter and hot water to a boil. Stir in the stuffing mix until fully combined. Turn off heat and let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt 4 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook until it smells nutty and slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in chicken stock, milk, minced garlic, black pepper, and onion powder. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to creamy consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Veggies: Dice the seared chicken into half-inch pieces. Add the chicken and frozen mixed vegetables directly into the sauce, stirring gently until everything is combined evenly.
- Assemble Bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the creamy chicken mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce, then top with prepared stuffing.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and golden brown on top, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Just Brown: Sear chicken on medium-high heat only until golden brown; it will finish cooking in the oven to stay juicy and tender.
- Add Them Frozen: Use frozen vegetables without thawing; they will cook perfectly during baking without adding extra moisture.
- Making the Roux: Cook the butter and flour until it smells nutty but do not overcook to avoid a burnt flavor; this ensures the sauce is rich and smooth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
