Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe for Any Occasion

Craving a cozy, home-cooked dish that delivers comfort and flavor? This Chicken & Dressing Casserole has it all!

Tender chicken, savory cornbread, and a rich, creamy gravy combine to make a perfect main course for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Let’s explore how you can easily prepare this classic casserole and customize it to suit your tastes.

What is Chicken & Dressing Casserole?

Chicken & Dressing Casserole is a heartwarming dish that blends shredded chicken with cornbread or dried bread in a flavorful stuffing-like base.

Topped with creamy gravy, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, creating a savory, one-pan meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying.

Ingredients for Chicken & Dressing Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred your own.
• 4 cups cornbread or dried bread cubes: A flavorful base that absorbs all the seasonings.
• 1 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth.
• ⅓ cup chopped celery: Provides a fresh, crunchy texture.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of onion soup: A creamy binder for the casserole.
• 1½ cups chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist.
• 2 tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness.
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning: Enhances the savory, herbaceous flavor.
• ½ tsp dried sage: A warm, earthy touch.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: For extra color and nutrition.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy twist.
• Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and added flavor.

Gravy Ingredients:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions and Variations

• Bread Options: Swap cornbread with white bread, sourdough, or even stuffing mix.
• Protein: Use turkey instead of chicken for a festive twist.
• Soup Choices: Substitute cream of onion soup with cream of chicken, celery, or mushroom.
• Herbs: Experiment with rosemary, thyme, or parsley for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Sauté Vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened and aromatic (about 5 minutes).

3. Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cornbread cubes, sautéed vegetables, cream of onion soup, chicken broth, poultry seasoning, and sage. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.

5. Bake

Bake the casserole, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

6. Prepare the Gravy

While the casserole bakes, melt ¼ cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly browned. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve

Once baked, drizzle the casserole with the creamy gravy. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing: Combine ingredients just until mixed to prevent a dense texture.
• Not Enough Moisture: Ensure the mixture is moist before baking to avoid a dry casserole.
• Skipping the Foil: Covering the dish for the first part of baking helps retain moisture and ensures even cooking.
• Burnt Gravy: Cook the roux on medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Family Style: Serve directly from the casserole dish for a casual, inviting meal.
• Elegant Plating: Cut into squares and plate individually, garnished with parsley or thyme.
• Accompaniments: Pair with roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or a fresh side salad.

Chicken & Dressing Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded chicken
• 4 cups cornbread or bread cubes
• 1 cup chopped onion
• ⅓ cup chopped celery
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of onion soup
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• ½ tsp dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gravy:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sauté onion and celery in melted butter until softened.
3. Combine chicken, bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, soup, broth, butter, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix gently.
4. Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, remove foil, and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden.
6. For gravy, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned. Gradually add broth and cream, whisking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve casserole with gravy drizzled on top. Garnish as desired.

Tips for Success

• Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free cornbread or bread and substitute the flour in the gravy with a gluten-free alternative.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or green beans work well.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

Conclusion on Chicken & Dressing Casserole

Chicken & Dressing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory flavors, creamy textures, and a golden-brown crust.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, this dish is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.

Gather your ingredients and treat your family to the cozy, delicious goodness of this timeless casserole tonight!