There’s something so heartwarming about a big dish of chicken and dressing casserole, isn’t there? It’s the kind of meal that brings back memories of family gatherings around the dinner table, laughter echoing off the walls, and the comforting smell wafting through the house. I remember my grandma making this on chilly evenings, her kitchen filled with love and the promise of a delicious meal. The tender chicken, savory dressing, and creamy sauce create a perfect blend that just wraps you in a cozy hug. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your home too. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chicken and dressing casserole come to life! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 4 cups stuffing mix (I love using a savory herb blend for extra flavor)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz – this adds that creamy goodness)
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, whatever you have on hand)
- 1 cup celery, chopped (for that lovely crunch)
- 1 cup onion, chopped (adds such a nice depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious dinner in no time!
How to Prepare the Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making that delicious chicken and dressing casserole! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready to go in no time.
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your casserole to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2 – Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, chopped celery, chopped onion, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix it all together until everything is well blended. The aroma of those veggies will have you feeling all cozy inside!
Step 3 – Combine Chicken
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show! Toss in your shredded chicken and mix it well with the stuffing mixture. You want every bite to have that delicious chicken flavor, so make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4 – Prepare the Sauce
In another bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy sauce is what binds everything together, so take a moment to get it just right!
Step 5 – Combine Mixtures
Pour the smooth soup mixture over your chicken and stuffing mix. Now, stir everything together until it’s well combined. You want all those flavors to mingle, so give it a good mix!
Step 6 – Transfer and Bake
Transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish—make sure to spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and the top is golden and bubbly. Just imagine that wonderful smell filling your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken and dressing casserole turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Use Quality Chicken: If you can, opt for juicy rotisserie chicken or chicken that’s been cooked with love. The better the chicken, the tastier your casserole will be!
- Don’t Skip the Preheating: Seriously, preheating your oven is crucial. It ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and helps achieve that delightful golden top.
- Mix Gently: When combining your ingredients, be gentle but thorough. You want everything well mixed without turning the stuffing into mush. A light hand goes a long way!
- Customize It: Feel free to throw in some of your favorite veggies or herbs. Peas, carrots, or even a sprinkle of thyme can elevate the flavors beautifully!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. If it’s golden and bubbly, it’s likely ready. If you’re unsure, use a food thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the magic number!
- Let It Rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything firm up a bit and makes for neater servings.
- Leftovers Are Gold: Don’t worry if you have leftovers! This casserole reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be ready for a quick meal later!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this comforting dish. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! This chicken and dressing casserole is not only delicious but also packs a decent amount of protein and comfort in every bite. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like the type of chicken or whether you opt for low-sodium broth. So, feel free to mix and match as you see fit! It’s all about making this dish your own while enjoying the comforting flavors it brings to your table.
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about making this chicken and dressing casserole, so let’s tackle those common queries together! Here are some answers that I hope will help you on your cooking journey.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
While I recommend using cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture, you can use raw chicken if you prefer! Just make sure to cook it through in the casserole for about 45-50 minutes, checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries! You can easily substitute it with homemade white sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup. This will maintain that creamy goodness while adding a different flavor twist!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going into the oven cold.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing it up!
What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat your chicken and dressing casserole is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out.
Can I add different vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to throw in any veggies you love—peas, carrots, or even green beans work wonderfully. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well with the stuffing.
Is it gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free stuffing mix and check your cream of chicken soup for gluten-free options, then yes, this casserole can easily be gluten-free! Always read labels to ensure the ingredients fit your dietary needs.
If you have any other questions that pop up while you’re cooking, don’t hesitate to reach out! Happy cooking, and enjoy every comforting bite of your chicken and dressing casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: This chicken and dressing casserole is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a breeze to make—even on busy weeknights!
- Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect option for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. Think peas, carrots, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top!
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it fantastic for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Gluten-Free Option: With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor!
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids, thanks to its creamy texture and delicious chicken flavor, so you can please even the pickiest eaters.
Chicken and Dressing Casserole: 7 Comforting Reasons to Savor
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A comforting chicken and dressing casserole made with tender chicken, savory dressing, and creamy sauce.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups stuffing mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, celery, onion, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the shredded chicken and mix well.
- In another bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and stuffing mix, and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through and golden on top.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for more flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: chicken and dressing casserole, casserole recipes, chicken recipes
