If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that blends the savory goodness of chicken with the cozy, homey taste of dressing, you’re in for a delightful experience.
Our Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a simple yet impressive dish that promises to bring joy to your palate.
Whether you’re whipping up a meal for a quiet weekend with family or hosting a dinner gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious dish.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
This Chicken and Dressing Casserole is ideal for:
Families: A satisfying dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Busy Individuals: It’s quick to make and can be prepared ahead of time, perfect for those with a busy lifestyle.
Food Enthusiasts: If you love the rich, comforting flavors of Southern cooking, this casserole is a must-try.
Why This Casserole Stands Out
What makes this Chicken and Dressing Casserole truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, savory dressing, and rich, creamy gravy come together in a dish that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable—whether you like a hint of sage or a little extra spice, you can make it your own.
Let’s take a closer look at the elements that make this dish so remarkable:
- Flavorful Chicken Starting with four cups of shredded chicken ensures that your casserole is not only protein-packed but also bursting with flavor. Poultry seasoning and dried sage infuse the chicken with a warm, savory taste.
- Comforting Dressing At the core of this casserole is the cornbread or dried bread stuffing, offering that familiar, comforting texture and flavor. The chopped celery and onions add a satisfying crunch and aromatic depth.
- Rich Gravy The creamy gravy is what elevates this dish to the next level. A blend of unsalted butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, and flour, seasoned to perfection, creates a luscious sauce that ties all the components together beautifully.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready:
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Chicken & Dressing Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 4 cups cubed cornbread or other dried bread
- ⅓ cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 can cream of onion soup
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gravy:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
First Step:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to melt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the chopped onions and celery in the melted butter until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Mix and Grease
- In a large bowl, combine the cornbread (or dried bread), shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, dried sage, poultry seasoning, cream of onion soup, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Mix thoroughly.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Bake
- Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is fully cooked.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
- In a skillet, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter.
- Whisk in ¼ cup of flour to form a roux, cooking until it begins to brown slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining chicken broth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer until the gravy thickens.
- Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream and continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Once the casserole is out of the oven, pour the gravy over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness and color.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Time-Saver: Use rotisserie chicken and pre-made cornbread stuffing mix to cut down on prep time.
- Flavor Twist: Substitute the cream of onion soup with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy for a little heat.
