Chicken and Dressing Casserole is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort. This Southern classic delivers a perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken and savory dressing, baked to a golden, slightly crispy finish. It’s more than just a casserole—it’s a nostalgic taste of home that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday feast, or cozy weeknight meal, this dish brings people together in the most delicious way.
Imagine the rich flavors of seasoned chicken nestled under a moist, herbed dressing. The best part? You can customize it to suit your taste and add your own personal touch. It’s an easy dish to prepare, and the ingredients come together to create something special. The balance of textures and flavors makes each bite irresistible, while the savory aroma will fill your home as it bakes to perfection.
What makes this casserole even better is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, changing up the seasoning, or even using a different kind of soup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the details of how to make this comforting classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward, so you don’t have to be a master chef to make this dish.
- Flavorful: With layers of tender chicken, creamy soups, and savory stuffing, this casserole is packed with flavor and will have your taste buds dancing.
- Versatile: You can customize this dish to fit your preferences by adding different vegetables, soups, or seasonings.
Ingredients Overview
The Chicken and Dressing Casserole uses a mix of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Chicken tenderloins provide the perfect protein base, while the cream of celery and cream of chicken soups create a rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together. The Stove Top chicken stuffing mix forms the crispy top, adding a comforting texture that contrasts beautifully with the moist chicken and creamy base. To round out the flavor, a touch of milk and chicken broth are added to make everything come together perfectly.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven is heating up, take an 11×7-inch baking dish and spray it with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking. Set the dish aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the 2 pounds of chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces. Once cut, arrange the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and provides an even distribution throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the chicken to coat the pieces evenly with the seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and give it a savory base.
Step 4: Make the Soup Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the 10.5-ounce can of cream of celery soup, the 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, and ¼ cup of milk. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth. This mixture will form the creamy base for the casserole.
Step 5: Pour the Soup Mixture Over the Chicken
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken pieces in the baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the mixture out, ensuring all the chicken is covered by the creamy sauce. This helps the chicken stay moist while baking.
Step 6: Add the Stuffing Mix
Sprinkle the 6-ounce box of Stove Top chicken stuffing mix evenly over the top of the chicken and soup mixture. The stuffing will absorb the flavors from the chicken and soup while adding a delicious crispy top as it bakes.
Step 7: Pour the Chicken Broth
Pour 1 ½ cups of chicken broth over the stuffing mix. Ensure the broth moistens all of the stuffing so it cooks properly and doesn’t dry out. The broth adds moisture and richness to the casserole.
Step 8: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This will allow the casserole to cook evenly and the flavors to meld together. The foil helps retain moisture during the cooking process.
Step 9: Brown the Top
After 40 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley for a pop of color and added flavor (optional). Serve hot, and be sure to scoop some of the gravy at the bottom of the dish and drizzle it over each serving for an extra touch of richness.
Tips for the Best Recipe
- For a crispy top: Don’t skip the last step of baking without foil. It adds a golden, crispy finish to the casserole.
- Add veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, try adding peas, carrots, or green beans to the chicken mixture before baking.
- Use homemade stuffing: If you prefer, you can swap the Stove Top mix for homemade cornbread stuffing for a more rustic touch.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy twist: Add a layer of shredded cheese on top of the stuffing for an extra cheesy, melty finish.
- Different soups: Swap the cream of celery and cream of chicken soups for cream of mushroom soup or even a creamy onion soup for a different flavor.
- Spicy option: Add a bit of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to give the casserole a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken if you prefer. This will cut down on prep time and still provide great flavor. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to add a little extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. To reheat, bake it from frozen, adding extra time as needed. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure the soups you use are gluten-free to accommodate any dietary restrictions. - What side dishes go well with this casserole?
Green beans, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad are great sides to serve with Chicken and Dressing Casserole.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftover Chicken and Dressing Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Conclusion
Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a perfect comfort food dish that will satisfy everyone at the table. The combination of tender chicken, creamy soup, and crispy stuffing makes each bite irresistible. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just a simple weeknight dinner, it’s a meal that brings warmth and joy. Try adding your own personal touches to this classic recipe and make it your own!
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