There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dressing casserole, isn’t there? It’s like a big hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you just need a little pick-me-up. This dish combines tender, shredded chicken with savory stuffing, all baked together in a creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, this chicken and dressing casserole is not just any ordinary meal; it’s an experience! It’s simple to make, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious. Let’s dive into my favorite recipe that brings warmth and joy to every table!
Ingredients for Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful chicken and dressing casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use leftover chicken for a quick prep!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (this adds that creamy goodness)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for extra moisture and flavor)
- 2 cups prepared stuffing mix (your choice of flavor, but I love the classic)
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped (for a nice crunch)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped (adds a great savory base)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (to season it just right)
Make sure to prep everything ahead of time, so you can whip this casserole up in no time! Trust me, having everything laid out and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother.
How to Prepare Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Now, let’s get cooking! Making this chicken and dressing casserole is super straightforward, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas in no time. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential because we want that glorious golden top when it’s done baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. This is where the magic begins!
- Add in the chopped celery, onion, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything until it’s evenly distributed. You want those flavors to mingle!
- Now, gently fold in the prepared stuffing mix. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep some texture in there!
- Next, transfer this delicious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
- Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and the top is golden brown and inviting!
And there you have it! A comforting chicken and dressing casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dressing Casserole
This chicken and dressing casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm reminder of home and comfort. It’s truly a dish that brings everyone together, and here are just a few reasons why I absolutely adore it:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken, this is a fantastic way to use it up without any fuss.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy sauce and fluffy stuffing create a cozy, satisfying meal that warms the soul.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors, making it a hit for family dinners.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for an easy weeknight dinner.
Trust me, once you try this chicken and dressing casserole, you’ll be coming back for seconds! It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Tips for Success with Chicken and Dressing Casserole
To make your chicken and dressing casserole truly shine, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step; it’s crucial for that perfect golden crust. If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it finely for even distribution in the dish. For added flavor, sauté the celery and onion in a little butter before mixing them in—this enhances their sweetness beautifully. Also, feel free to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or your favorite herbs for an extra flavor kick! Lastly, let it sit for a few minutes after baking before serving; this helps everything set up nicely. Happy cooking!
Variations of Chicken and Dressing Casserole
One of the best things about this chicken and dressing casserole is how versatile it is! You can easily mix things up to keep it exciting. For a fun twist, try adding different vegetables like peas, carrots, or even mushrooms to the mix. They bring in extra flavor and color! If you want a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Want to elevate the flavor? Consider using a flavored stuffing mix, like cornbread or herb stuffing, which can really change the game. You could also add some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy finish. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information for Chicken and Dressing Casserole
While this chicken and dressing casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings, it’s important to keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following estimates are based on the recipe as provided:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
As you can see, this casserole packs a good punch of protein while being super comforting! Just remember, these numbers are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re indulging in a hearty dish!
FAQ about Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time while still delivering great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it in—easy peasy!
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even make a homemade version using a roux. Just mix equal parts of butter and flour with chicken broth and a bit of seasoning until thickened.
Can I freeze chicken and dressing casserole?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It should be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this chicken and dressing casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure that your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free. There are plenty of great options available now!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Enjoy the convenience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Chicken and Dressing Casserole
After enjoying your delicious chicken and dressing casserole, you might find yourself with some leftovers—lucky you! To store them properly, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, it freezes beautifully! Just transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish and it will stay good for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze! If frozen, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in the oven, covered with foil, for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s heated through. Remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes to allow the top to get that lovely golden color again. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry; just make sure to cover them to retain moisture, heating for 1-2 minutes or until hot. Easy peasy!
Z nadrukami
Chicken and Dressing Casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets Unveiled
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A comforting chicken and dressing casserole perfect for family meals.
Składniki
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups prepared stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, celery, onion, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Fold in the stuffing mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Uwagi
- You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Słowa kluczowe: chicken, casserole, dressing, comfort food
