Chicken and Dressing Casserole Recipe

Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a comforting, Southern-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful cornbread dressing. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s an all-in-one meal that brings together classic flavors in a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.

Equipment:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 1 package (8 oz) cornbread mix (prepared according to package directions)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (additional, if needed)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a large mixing bowl, crumble the prepared cornbread into small pieces.
   • Add the sautéed onions and celery, sage (if using), thyme, poultry seasoning, and chicken broth. Mix until the dressing is moistened but not soggy. If it seems too dry, add a bit more chicken broth.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Spoon the dressing mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly.
   • Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the dressing for added richness.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil (optional) to prevent over-browning, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve warm, with a side of green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Cornbread: For added flavor, you can use homemade cornbread instead of a mix. Make sure it’s not too sweet, as savory works best in this dish.
• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe, or you can cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that captures the comforting essence of Southern cooking. With its savory flavors and hearty texture, this casserole is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!