There’s something truly heartwarming about a dish that wraps you in comfort, and that’s exactly what you get with my chicken and dressing casserole. It’s one of those cozy meals that feels like a big hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner when you need something hearty and satisfying. I love how simple it is to make, yet it delivers big flavor and nostalgia. With tender shredded chicken, savory stuffing, and the creaminess of chicken soup, this chicken and dressing casserole is bound to become a beloved favorite at your table, just like it is at mine!
Ingredients for Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is one of my favorite parts of cooking! It gets me excited to start creating something delicious. For this chicken and dressing casserole, you’ll need the following:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (using leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully!)
- 4 cups prepared stuffing mix (I usually go for a classic herb flavor)
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, whatever you have on hand!)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (this adds such creaminess, trust me)
- 1 cup celery, chopped (for that nice crunch)
- 1 cup onion, chopped (it brings so much flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
These ingredients come together to create a comforting dish that’s sure to make your kitchen smell heavenly! Get ready to dive into this easy and satisfying recipe!
How to Prepare Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Getting this chicken and dressing casserole ready is a breeze! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping it up in no time. Let’s dive right into the steps!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important for getting that lovely, even cooking throughout the casserole, so don’t skip this step!
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, prepared stuffing mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped celery, chopped onion, black pepper, and garlic powder. I like to use a spatula to gently fold everything together until it’s well mixed, making sure all those tasty ingredients are evenly distributed. The smell is already mouthwatering!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and pour that delicious mixture right in. Spread it out evenly with the spatula so it cooks uniformly. You want every bite to be just as good as the last!
Bake the Casserole
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and has a beautiful golden-brown top. Just wait until that aroma fills your kitchen—so good!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This little break allows the flavors to settle, making every bite even more delicious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s always nice to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of my chicken and dressing casserole. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use.
- 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
This hearty dish not only warms the soul but also provides a good boost of protein, making it a satisfying meal for your family. Enjoy every bite without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this comforting casserole ready to go in no time!
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love. Perfect for family dinners!
- Comforting and Hearty: This dish wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, making it a go-to during chilly nights.
- Great for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day! Just reheat and enjoy for a hassle-free meal.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch!
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, making it kind to your wallet.
Tips for Success
Want to make your chicken and dressing casserole even more amazing? Here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by!
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken sittin’ in your fridge, this is the perfect time to use it! It makes prep a breeze and adds that wonderful homemade flavor.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some extra nutrition by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or even corn. You can toss them in with the other ingredients for that added crunch and color.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the mix. It’s a great way to customize the dish just the way you like it!
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor beautifully. Just chop up a handful and mix them in before baking for a fresh burst of taste.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Just mix everything up, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—no need to thaw!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on it while it bakes! You want that lovely golden top, but don’t let it go too far. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a chicken and dressing casserole that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my chicken and dressing casserole, there are plenty of delicious options to complement this comforting dish! Here are some of my favorite side ideas that will elevate your meal:
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the rich casserole. It’s refreshing and balances out the flavors beautifully!
- Steamed Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots make for a colorful and nutritious side. Just steam them lightly to keep their crunch and vibrant color.
- Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love a warm slice of garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the casserole. Plus, it adds a delightful crunch!
- Mashed Potatoes: For a true comfort food overload, serve some creamy mashed potatoes alongside. They pair wonderfully with the stuffing and chicken, creating a heartwarming plate.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a nice crunch and a pop of flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the casserole. It’s a great way to bring in some texture!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: If you’re feeling fancy, roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze bring a gourmet touch to your meal without much extra effort.
Whatever you choose, these sides will surely enhance your chicken and dressing casserole experience, making it a meal that everyone will remember! Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures as you dig in!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from my chicken and dressing casserole? Yes, please! Storing them properly is key to enjoying this delicious dish later on. Here’s how I do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Once the casserole has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to retain all that yummy flavor!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save it for a future meal, this casserole freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Now, let’s talk about reheating! I want you to enjoy every bite as if it were freshly made:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. This method gives you that lovely, crispy top again!
- Microwave Method: For a quicker option, you can microwave individual portions. Just place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking to see if it’s warmed throughout. Be careful, as it can get hot quickly!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor the comforting goodness of chicken and dressing casserole even on busy nights. Enjoy every delicious bite, my friend!
Drucken
chicken and dressing casserole: 5 reasons you’ll love it
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A comforting chicken and dressing casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for family meals.
Zutaten
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups prepared stuffing mix
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, stuffing mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, celery, onion, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra flavor.
- Use leftover chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Casserole
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, casserole, dressing