Description
Chicken and Dressing Casserole Recipe: Comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole with juicy chicken, savory dressing, and creamy sauce. Easy to make and oh-so delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 pound or 450g)
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: 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.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 calories per serving
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 150 mg