Easy Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Easy Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and hearty one-dish meal that combines tender chicken with savory, herb-infused stuffing, all baked to golden perfection. This simple, family-friendly casserole is perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings, with plenty of room to customize according to your taste and dietary needs.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Offers gluten-free option if gluten-free stuffing and broth are used
Proteins
- 2 to 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
Base and Binder
- 1 package (about 6 oz) stuffing mix or dressing
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream or 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
Fats and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook your chicken by poaching, roasting, or use pre-cooked chicken. Then shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and celery, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, stuffing mix or dressing, sautéed onions and celery, sour cream or cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, stirring gently to moisten the mixture without making it too soupy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a casserole dish and evenly spread the mixture inside, pressing lightly to distribute it uniformly.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling hot throughout. For added moisture retention, cover with foil for the first 20 minutes and then uncover to brown.
Notes
- Use day-old bread dressing for better flavor absorption and ideal texture.
- Add broth gradually to avoid a soggy casserole; the mixture should be moist but not wet.
- Tent foil over the casserole during the first 20 minutes of baking to maintain moisture, then remove to brown the top.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or sage just before serving for a fresh flavor boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, dressing casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal, one dish meal, baked chicken casserole