Chicken and Dressing Casserole Recipe

The aroma of savory herbs and golden-brown, buttery bread crumbs wafting through your kitchen is just the beginning of what makes this Chicken and Dressing Casserole Recipe so irresistible. This comforting dish combines tender shredded chicken with a perfectly seasoned stuffing mixture, creating a hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate. A true Southern classic reimagined for easy weeknight cooking, this Chicken and Dressing Casserole delivers all the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner without the fuss. You’ll learn how to create layers of flavor, achieve the perfect texture, and master a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Dressing Casserole stands apart from ordinary weeknight meals for several compelling reasons. First, it’s the ultimate comfort food that combines two beloved classics—juicy chicken and homestyle stuffing—into one magnificent dish. The contrasting textures are what make this casserole truly special: tender, succulent chicken pieces nestled beneath a layer of stuffing that’s simultaneously crisp on top and moist underneath.

The convenience factor cannot be overstated. Unlike traditional Thanksgiving dressing that requires hours of preparation, this casserole comes together in just minutes of active time. The ingredients are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, making it perfect for those evenings when you need something satisfying but don’t want to make a grocery run.

Perhaps most importantly, this Chicken and Dressing Bake offers incredible versatility. It works equally well for a cozy family dinner or as an impressive contribution to a potluck. The casserole also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or planned leftovers that taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Dressing Casserole, you’ll need:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 pound or 450g) – Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here
• 2 cups chicken broth (480ml), preferably low-sodium
• 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) cream of celery soup
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/160g)
• 3 celery stalks, finely diced (about 1 cup/100g)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 cups (400g) dried bread cubes or 1 package (8 oz/225g) herb-seasoned stuffing mix

The bread cubes form the foundation of this Chicken Stuffing Casserole, absorbing the savory flavors and creating that classic dressing texture we all crave. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried at a ratio of 3:1 for an even more aromatic dish.

Pro Tips

Master the Moisture Balance: The key to perfect Chicken and Dressing Casserole lies in getting the right consistency. If your stuffing mixture seems too dry after combining all ingredients, add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time until it’s moist but not soggy. Conversely, if it seems too wet, add a few more bread cubes. Remember that the mixture should be moist enough to hold together when lightly pressed but not so wet that it’s soupy.

Develop Deeper Flavor: For an elevated version of this Chicken Stuffing Bake, sauté the celery and onions in butter until translucent before adding them to your mixture. This simple step caramelizes their natural sugars, developing a complexity that raw vegetables simply can’t provide. Additionally, consider toasting your bread cubes in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before using them in the recipe to enhance their nutty flavor and ensure they maintain some texture in the finished dish.

Create Textural Contrast: For that irresistible combination of crispy and tender textures, leave the casserole uncovered for the last 15 minutes of baking. This allows the top to develop a golden-brown crust while maintaining moisture underneath. For even more texture, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top before this final uncovered baking period.

Instructions

Prepare Your Components

Begin your Chicken and Dressing Casserole by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This preparation ensures even heating throughout the casserole and prevents sticking. If you’re starting with uncooked chicken, poach chicken breasts in simmering water with a bay leaf and peppercorns until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then shred with two forks once cool enough to handle.

Create the Binding Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and one cup of the chicken broth until smooth. This creamy foundation will bind your Chicken and Dressing Casserole together and provide rich flavor throughout. Add the beaten eggs and melted butter, stirring well to incorporate. These ingredients add richness and help the stuffing achieve that perfect texture—moist inside with a slightly crisp top.

Season and Combine

Fold in your finely diced onions and celery, then sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, sage, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that proper seasoning is crucial for a flavorful Chicken Stuffing Casserole. Gently fold in the shredded chicken until it’s well coated with the creamy mixture. The chicken should be evenly distributed to ensure every bite contains that perfect balance of meat and dressing.

Prepare the Stuffing

Place your bread cubes or stuffing mix in a very large bowl. Gradually add the chicken mixture, gently folding everything together until well combined. Add the remaining chicken broth as needed to achieve a moist but not soggy consistency. The stuffing should be wet enough to hold together when pressed but not dripping with liquid. This balance is the secret to perfect Chicken and Dressing Casserole.

Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly without compressing it too much. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow your Chicken and Dressing Casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and make it easier to portion.

Variations

Cornbread Chicken and Dressing Casserole: For a Southern twist, replace half or all of the bread cubes with crumbled cornbread. This variation adds a subtle sweetness and distinctive texture that pairs beautifully with the savory elements. The cornmeal also provides a lovely golden color to your finished dish. To enhance the Southern flavors, consider adding a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh sage and a dash of cayenne pepper.

Holiday Harvest Chicken Casserole: Transform this Chicken and Dressing Casserole into a festive treat by adding 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1 cup of diced apple to the stuffing mixture. The cranberries provide bursts of tartness while the apples add pleasant sweetness and texture. For additional depth, incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. This variation makes a perfect bridge between everyday dinners and special holiday meals without requiring significant extra effort.

Vegetable-Loaded Healthy Option: For a more nutritious version, reduce the chicken to 2 cups and add 2 cups of roasted vegetables such as butternut squash, brussels sprouts, or bell peppers. Use whole grain bread for the stuffing base and reduce the butter to 1/4 cup, supplementing moisture with extra broth as needed. This variation maintains all the comfort of the original Chicken Stuffing Bake while incorporating more vegetables and fiber.

Storage and Serving

Your Chicken and Dressing Casserole can be refrigerated for up to 4 days when properly stored in an airtight container. For best results, allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation that could make the stuffing soggy. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For single portions, microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel over the top to help retain moisture.

For freezing, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Serve your Chicken Stuffing Casserole with cranberry sauce on the side for a touch of tangy sweetness that complements the savory flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, pair with green beans almondine or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If serving for a special occasion, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or sage and offer gravy on the side for guests who enjoy extra moisture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken and Dressing Casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver that adds fantastic flavor. Simply remove the skin and shred the meat to yield approximately 4 cups.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire Chicken and Dressing Casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

How can I make this recipe with less sodium?
Use low-sodium or no-salt-added cream soups and broth. You can also make your own cream soup substitute by creating a roux with butter and flour, then adding milk and chicken broth with your own seasonings.

Is there a gluten-free version of this casserole?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure your cream soups are gluten-free (several brands now offer this option). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?
Make your own by combining 1/2 teaspoon each of dried sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary, plus 1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg and black pepper.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Dressing Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender chicken and herb-infused stuffing that creates a meal greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable family gatherings and makes excellent use of leftover chicken or holiday turkey. Whether you’re craving the flavors of Thanksgiving in July or looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this casserole delivers satisfaction in every bite with its perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and savory herbs.

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