This Chicken and Mushroom Stuffing Bake is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It combines tender chicken tenderloins with a creamy mushroom sauce and a savory stuffing topping, all baked to golden perfection.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Easy and Convenient: It uses pre-made stuffing mix, making it quick and easy to assemble.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and stuffing creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s a comforting and familiar dish that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables or using different types of stuffing mix.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients:
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 6 white mushrooms, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 boxes (6 oz each) chicken stuffing mix
- 10 chicken tenderloins, thawed
- 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tbsp sour cream
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. This ensures that the chicken and stuffing bake evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the dish. Use cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to grease the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the yellow onion and the white mushrooms. Smaller pieces will cook more evenly and incorporate better into the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Sautéing the vegetables brings out their natural flavors and adds depth to the dish. You want the onions to become translucent and the mushrooms to release their moisture and slightly brown.
Step 4: Make the mushroom sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and the sautéed onions and mushrooms. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. The sour cream adds a slight tanginess and richness to the sauce, balancing the earthiness of the mushrooms and the savory flavor of the soup. This creamy mixture will envelop the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful during baking.
Step 5: Prepare the stuffing mix. Prepare the chicken stuffing mix according to the package directions. Typically, this involves adding water or broth and butter or oil to the mix and letting it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure the stuffing is properly hydrated and has the right consistency. If you prefer a slightly drier stuffing, use a little less liquid. If you prefer a moister stuffing, add a bit more liquid.
Step 6: Assemble the bake. Place the chicken tenderloins on the bottom of the greased baking dish, spacing them evenly. Spread the mushroom soup mixture over the chicken, covering it completely. Top with the prepared stuffing, spreading it evenly over the mushroom sauce. Make sure the chicken is fully covered with the mushroom mixture.
Step 7: Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and is cooked through, and the stuffing is golden brown and slightly crispy on top. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken. If the stuffing starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Chicken and Mushroom Stuffing Bake with a side of steamed green beans, a fresh salad, or cranberry sauce for a complete and satisfying meal. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of dried thyme or rosemary to the mushroom sauce or stuffing mix.
- You can use different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, for a more complex flavor.
- If you don’t have chicken tenderloins, you can use chicken breasts, cut into smaller pieces.
- To make this dish ahead of time, assemble it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- For a richer flavor, use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
60 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 450-550 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 600-800 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Chicken and Mushroom Stuffing Bake is a delicious, easy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a dish that even novice cooks can master. The combination of tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and savory stuffing is sure to please everyone at the table. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of stuffing mix?
A: Yes, you can definitely use different types of stuffing mix to customize the flavor of this dish. Consider using a savory herb stuffing, a cornbread stuffing, or even a wild rice stuffing. Just be sure to adjust the liquid according to the package directions for the specific stuffing mix you are using.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Consider adding chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers to the sautéed onion and mushroom mixture. You could also add frozen peas or green beans to the baking dish along with the chicken.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option if you’re short on time during the week. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While you can freeze this dish, it’s best eaten fresh for optimal texture and flavor. Freezing and thawing can sometimes affect the texture of the stuffing and the creaminess of the sauce. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn, and thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q5: What can I serve with this Chicken and Mushroom Stuffing Bake?
A: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Some popular options include steamed green beans, a fresh green salad, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables (such as carrots or Brussels sprouts), or mashed potatoes. For a more substantial meal, you could also serve it with a side of rice or quinoa.
