Welcome, friend! I’m so excited to share my recipe for the *savory chicken and dressing casserole*! This dish has a special place in my heart because it brings back memories of cozy family dinners around the table, where laughter and love filled the air. There’s just something so comforting about a hearty casserole, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy goodness. I remember one holiday season when I made this for a gathering, and everyone went back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s so easy to whip up, and it definitely satisfies a crowd. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too! Let’s dive into making this delightful dish together!
Ingredients for Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this savory chicken and dressing casserole a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups prepared stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, but oh so good!)
Make sure your chicken is nice and shredded—this helps it blend beautifully with the stuffing mix and gives that lovely, comforting texture. You can use leftover chicken, which is a fantastic way to save time and reduce waste! And if you want a little extra crunch, don’t hesitate to throw in some diced carrots or peas. They add color and nutrition. Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of preparing this comforting casserole. I promise, it’s straightforward and oh-so-rewarding!
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a properly preheated oven ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden-brown top. You don’t want to rush this part—trust me, your casserole will thank you later!
Mix Ingredients
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine all your ingredients. Start with the shredded chicken, then add in the prepared stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Toss in the chopped celery and onion, along with the garlic powder and black pepper. Here’s a little tip: use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix everything together, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor! Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is nicely combined. It should look like a hearty, comforting mixture that makes your mouth water!
Spread and Bake
Now that your mixture is ready, it’s time to transfer it to a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but feel free to adjust based on what you have. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish—you want it to cook consistently, so take a moment to smooth it out with your spatula. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle that shredded cheese on top; it adds a delightful melty layer! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and your kitchen smells heavenly. If you give it a little jiggle and the center is set, you’re good to go! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the warmth of this delicious casserole with your loved ones!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, this savory chicken and dressing casserole not only satisfies your cravings but also provides a hearty meal. Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
These values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so keep that in mind as you prepare this delicious dish. It’s a filling meal that balances flavor and nourishment, perfect for sharing with family!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into baking this savory chicken and dressing casserole, here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your dish! First, if you’re looking for a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mixture. They bring a lovely depth to the casserole!
If you want to mix things up, feel free to swap the prepared stuffing mix for cornbread or even a wild rice blend for a different texture. And don’t shy away from veggies—carrots, peas, or even some chopped spinach can add nutrition and color!
Lastly, if you’re a cheese lover like me, try using a blend of cheeses for a cheesy twist; mozzarella and cheddar work wonders together! Just have fun with it and make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and satisfying, making it a family favorite.
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Highly customizable—add your favorite veggies or swap out seasonings!
- One-pan dish means easy clean-up, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal.
- Delicious leftovers that are just as good the next day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your savory chicken and dressing casserole, you might find yourself with some delicious leftovers (if there are any!). To store them properly, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy that comforting warmth all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use raw chicken in this casserole?
While I recommend using cooked chicken for ease, you can certainly use raw chicken! Just chop it into small pieces and increase the baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through—about 45-50 minutes should do the trick. Just make sure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If cream of chicken soup isn’t on hand, you can easily use cream of mushroom soup or make a simple homemade version with sour cream and chicken broth mixed together. This keeps the casserole creamy and delicious!
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like peas, carrots, or even spinach. They not only add nutrition but also color and texture to the dish. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly.
How do I serve this casserole?
This savory chicken and dressing casserole is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal. It’s warm, filling, and sure to please your family!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier!
Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole: Comforting Delightful Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful chicken and dressing casserole perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups prepared stuffing mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, celery, onion, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- If using, sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for more nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: savory chicken and dressing casserole
