A comforting and classic Southern dish featuring tender chicken enveloped in a savory cornbread dressing, all baked together in a creamy, flavorful casserole. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 8 cups cornbread, crumbled (day-old preferred)
- 4 cups dried bread cubes (or stuffing mix)
- 3 cups chicken broth (more if needed)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing:
In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, dried bread cubes (or stuffing mix), sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. This forms the base of your delicious dressing.
Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor:
Add the beaten eggs, melted butter, and chicken broth to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is moist but not soupy. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely diced onion and celery in a small amount of butter until they soften (about 5 minutes). This step enhances the overall flavor of the dressing. Add the sautéed vegetables to the dressing mixture and stir well to combine.
Step 5: Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In another bowl, mix the shredded or diced cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. The sour cream adds a wonderful tanginess and creaminess.
Step 6: Add Chicken Broth:
Add the chicken broth to loosen slightly.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole:
Spread half of the dressing mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. This forms the first layer of your casserole.
Step 8: Layer the Chicken:
Layer the chicken mixture over the dressing. Distribute it evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 9: Top with Remaining Dressing:
Top the chicken layer with the remaining dressing. Spread it evenly to cover the chicken completely. If the mixture seems dry, pour an extra ½ cup of chicken broth over the top to ensure it stays moist during baking.
Step 10: Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. This helps to keep the casserole moist. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the casserole is heated through.
Step 11: Rest and Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Familiar: This chicken and dressing casserole evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.
- Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this chicken and dressing casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of cranberry sauce for a classic holiday pairing.
- Accompany with green beans, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Drizzle with turkey gravy or chicken gravy for added richness and flavor.
Tips:
- Use day-old cornbread for the dressing as it holds its shape better and prevents the casserole from becoming too mushy.
- If you don’t have cornbread, you can substitute with more dried bread cubes or stuffing mix.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth in the dressing to achieve the desired consistency. It should be moist but not soupy.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- To prevent the top from browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil during the first part of baking.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving (estimated)
- Protein: Varies depending on the amount of chicken used
- Sodium: Varies depending on the ingredients used
Conclusion:
This Chicken & Dressing Casserole recipe is a timeless classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its comforting flavors, easy preparation, and customizable nature make it a winner for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal that will leave everyone feeling content.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use stuffing mix instead of bread cubes in the dressing?
A: Yes, you can definitely use stuffing mix instead of dried bread cubes. Just be sure to adjust the amount of seasoning accordingly, as some stuffing mixes already contain herbs and spices.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to the chicken mixture?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Q5: What can I serve with this casserole besides cranberry sauce and gravy?
A: This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides, such as green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
