When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and satisfaction of a Chicken Dressing Casserole. This dish, steeped in Southern tradition, brings together tender chicken, savory cornbread stuffing, and a creamy, comforting sauce—all baked together in one delicious, hearty casserole. It’s a recipe that has graced many a family gathering and holiday feast, and it’s easy to see why. With its rich flavors and homey appeal, it’s a dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart.
Perfect for cozy dinners or when you’re hosting a crowd, this casserole is a breeze to prepare and versatile enough to complement a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a new family favorite, this Chicken Dressing Casserole is sure to become a staple at your table.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring this classic Southern dish to life:
- 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast: The foundation of the casserole, providing tender, juicy bites of chicken.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of celery soup: Adds a subtle celery flavor that enhances the overall creaminess.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup: A rich, savory base that ties all the flavors together.
- 10 ½ fluid ounces of milk: Use the empty soup can to measure—this helps create the perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 package (6 ounces) of seasoned cornbread stuffing mix: The stuffing adds a flavorful, textured top layer.
- 1 ½ cups of chicken broth: Moistens the stuffing and adds depth to the dish.
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced onion, 2 celery stalks chopped: For extra flavor and texture in the stuffing.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Chicken Dressing Casserole
Let’s dive into how to make this classic comfort food step by step.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Boil the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large saucepan and cover them with lightly salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the chicken until it’s thoroughly done—about 30 minutes. This step ensures that your chicken is tender and juicy.
Reserve the broth: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the water and set it aside to cool slightly. Don’t discard the cooking broth—you’ll use it later to moisten the stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Preheat the Oven
Cut the chicken: After the chicken has cooled enough to handle, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Spread these pieces evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating the base layer of your casserole.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Mix the soups and milk: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and the condensed cream of celery soup. Using one of the empty soup cans, measure out 10 ½ fluid ounces of milk and stir it into the soup mixture. This creates a smooth, creamy sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Pour over chicken: Evenly pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the baking dish, making sure all the chicken is well coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing
Moisten the stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the seasoned cornbread stuffing mix with 1 ½ cups of chicken broth (you can use the reserved broth from cooking the chicken). Stir until the stuffing is moistened.
Add optional veggies: If you’re using diced onion and chopped celery, stir them into the stuffing mixture now. These add extra flavor and texture to the stuffing layer.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the stuffing: Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken and soup mixture in the baking dish. This will form the delicious, savory top layer of the casserole.
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Cool slightly and serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to slice and ensures you don’t burn your tongue on the first bite!
Variations & Tips: Make It Your Own
This Chicken Dressing Casserole is delicious as-is, but there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste:
Mix Up the Meat
Use turkey or ham: If you have leftover turkey or ham from a holiday meal, swap out the chicken for these meats. It’s a great way to make use of leftovers while creating a comforting dish.
Add Extra Flavor
Incorporate fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage can be added to the stuffing or sprinkled over the top before baking to enhance the flavor.
Spice it up: For a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup mixture.
Go Gluten-Free
Substitute the stuffing mix: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cornbread stuffing mix or make your own using gluten-free bread.
Make It Healthier
Lighten up the dish: Use reduced-fat soups and milk to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor. You can also bulk up the casserole by adding more vegetables like chopped carrots, mushrooms, or peas.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Casserole
This Chicken Dressing Casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal:
Fresh Green Salad
Light and crisp: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps to balance the richness of the casserole, adding a refreshing element to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables
Colorful and nutritious: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans make a great side that complements the savory flavors of the casserole.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Indulgent and filling: If you’re looking to make this meal even more comforting, serve the casserole with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The combination is pure comfort food heaven.
Buttery Cornbread
A Southern classic: Serve a slice of warm, buttery cornbread on the side to soak up any extra sauce—it’s the perfect Southern touch.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Dressing Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of Southern comfort food that brings people together. With its tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, it’s a dish that delivers warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of love.
Chicken Dressing Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of celery soup
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 10 ½ fl oz milk use soup can for measuring
- 1 package 6 oz seasoned cornbread stuffing mix
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced onion 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large saucepan, cover with lightly salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook until thoroughly done, about 30 minutes. Reserve the cooking broth and set the chicken aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Chicken and Oven: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and spread evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the condensed cream of celery soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, and milk until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the seasoned cornbread stuffing mix with 1 ½ cups of chicken broth (use the reserved broth). Stir until the stuffing is moistened. Add diced onion and chopped celery if using.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken and soup mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!