Making the following Chicken and Dressing Casserole is the ultimate comfort table fare! It is one lip-smacking dish consisting of soft chicken, seasoned dressing, and a rich, creamy sauce, all in a sumptuously filling casserole. Perfect for a hectic weeknight dinner or Sunday supper, this shall be a hit when needing the shortest way to feed a tedious crowd. Having layers of different flavors – wondrously good in every bite-do-we doubt not but think it will be a family favorite. So, come on to the recipe and make a heartwarming meal that everyone will enjoy!
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Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken (3 cups, shredded or cubed)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Celery (2 stalks, diced)
- Butter (½ cup, divided)
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
- Chicken broth (1 ½ cups)
- Poultry seasoning (1 tsp)
- Black pepper (½ tsp)
- Sage (½ tsp, optional)
- Stuffing mix (1 package, about 6 oz or 3 cups)
- Eggs (2 large, beaten)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Melt ¼ cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and ½ cup of chicken broth. Add the poultry seasoning, black pepper, and optional sage. Stir in the sautéed onions and celery, mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, mix the stuffing with 1 cup of chicken broth and ¼ cup of melted butter. Add the beaten eggs and stir until the stuffing is well-moistened but not soggy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the stuffing mixture on top, spreading it evenly to cover the chicken completely.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Serving and Storage Tips
For a full meal, serve the casserole with green beans, mashed potatoes, or a small green salad.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The casserole can be frozen after cooling completely. Wrap it well with various layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the dish is heated through.
Helpful Notes
Use leftover turkey instead of chicken in this post-holiday meal.
Add extra taste by sautéing garlic with mushrooms, bell peppers, and some more.
If you want a creamier casserole, then add ½ cup chicken broth or milk in the chicken mixture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Paula Deen suggests giving the chicken mixture a little Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Trisha Yearwood recommends using a mixture of white and dark meats for more flavor and moisture.
Ree Drummond suggests tossing a good amount of grated Parmesan over the top before baking for a cheesy, crispy crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Would cornbread stuffing be good in lieu of the plain stuffing mix?
Yes! The casserole will taste richer and diffidently original because of the cornbread stuffing.
How can I make the casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free creamy soups and gluten-free stuffing mix.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
What if I do not have cream of mushroom soup?
Use a can of cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup as a delicious change from the latter.
Is it okay to add cheese when preparing the casserole?
Feel free! Add 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, or top the casserole with shredded cheese before placing it in the oven.
How can I significantly enhance the crispiness of the stuffing?
To achieve this, cook the casserole exposed for the entire time for the crispy crust, or broil it for a few minutes (2-3), just be extra vigilant, to prevent scorching.
Does it not make more sense to use fresh herbs as opposed to dried ones?
I like to use fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley since fresh herbs intensify the flavor; double the amount of fresh herbs when using dried herbs.
What if I don’t want it to turn very dry?
Ensure enough broth covers the stuffing to keep it moist during baking; do apply a lid for most of the baking time.
Can it be made with a different meat?
Chicken is ground turkey or ground pork.
What can I serve with that casserole?
That recipe is delicious with a bit of homemade cranberry sauce, a quick side of roasted vegetables, or a piece of slaw.
Relish your Chicken and Dressing Casserole! This dish will undoubtedly bring all the comforts of home cooking right to your dinner table!
