This Chicken Dressing Casserole is a cozy dish packed with tender chicken and tasty dressing, all baked together for a warm and comforting meal. Perfect for family dinners!
I love how easy it is to throw together. Just mix everything in one dish and let the oven do the work. Plus, it makes the whole house smell amazing! Who needs fancy restaurants?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite for this dish. It’s tender and flavorful. You can use leftover chicken or even turkey if you have it on hand!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought works just fine for convenience. If you’re looking to cut down on sodium, low-sodium broth is a great choice.
Cream of Chicken Soup: You can swap it for homemade cream of chicken (blend cooked chicken with cream and spices) or use cream of mushroom if you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor will slightly change.
Herb Stuffing Mix: If you can’t find herb stuffing mix, you can create your own with dry bread cubes, herbs like sage and thyme, and seasoning. Just toss it together and you’re good to go!
Celery and Onion: Fresh vegetables enhance the dish, but you can substitute with frozen mixed veggies for convenience and still keep it tasty.
Frozen Peas: If you’re not a fan of peas, you can leave them out or replace them with corn or chopped green beans.
How Do I Ensure the Casserole is Well-Mixed and Moist?
Mixing the casserole properly is key for a delicious outcome. Combine ingredients gently to avoid breaking down the chicken too much. Here are steps for success:
- In a large bowl, blend chicken, broth, and soups to create a smooth base.
- Add veggies—celery, onion, peas—and mix. This adds texture.
- Carefully fold in the stuffing mix until just moistened. Don’t over-mix; it should be slightly lumpy.
This way, each bite is packed with flavor and the stuffing cooks evenly, giving you a comforting casserole everyone will love!
Chicken Dressing Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups herb stuffing mix
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Dressing Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of around 50 minutes. It’s a quick and hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready when you bake the casserole!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
3. Add the Vegetables and Stuffing:
Next, stir in the chopped celery, onion, and frozen peas. Once those are mixed in, add the herb stuffing mix. Combine everything gently until the stuffing is just moistened. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the chicken and stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly across the dish so it bakes evenly.
5. Add the Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. This will help create a delicious golden brown crust!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be golden brown and the casserole bubbly around the edges.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, and then dig in! Enjoy your delicious and comforting Chicken Dressing Casserole!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces, then follow the recipe as directed. This is a great way to repurpose holiday turkey!
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use a homemade version by mixing equal parts of milk and sour cream or Greek yogurt, thickening it with some flour. Alternatively, any cream-based soup like cream of mushroom or even a white sauce could be used as a substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Additional Vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach to the casserole. Just make sure they’re diced small enough to cook through in the baking time. Sautéing firmer vegetables first can also enhance their flavor.
