Chicken and Dressing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy chicken, flavorful dressing, and a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a holiday meal, or simply a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
4 cups crumbled cornbread
4 large chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
4 boiled eggs, diced
1 small onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 stalk of celery, diced
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Gravy:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 quart chicken stock
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Chicken: If not already cooked, boil or bake the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Dice into bite-sized pieces.
Boil the Eggs: Hard boil the eggs, then dice them after they have cooled.
Step 2: Make the Casserole
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, diced eggs, onion, celery, poultry seasoning, black pepper, chicken broth, and melted butter.
Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is lightly browned.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add Flour: Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
Add Chicken Stock: Gradually add the chicken stock while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the gravy thickens slightly.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the gravy is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Serve
Top with Gravy: Serve the casserole hot, with the gravy poured over the top.
Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Options:
Turkey: Perfect for using Thanksgiving leftovers.
Ham: Adds a pleasant smoky flavor.
Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with a mushroom mixture, tofu, or a meat substitute.
Dressing Alternatives:
Bread Stuffing: Use leftover bread stuffing for a different texture and flavor.
Rice: Cooked rice with herbs and vegetables can replace the cornbread for a gluten-free option.
Soup and Broth Substitutions:
Vegetable Broth: Swap out chicken broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
Additional Ingredients:
Vegetables: Add peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
Spices: Customize the flavor with garlic powder, thyme, sage, or rosemary.
Healthier Options:
Lean Meat: Use skinless turkey breast or chicken for a lower fat content.
Low-Fat Soup: Opt for low-fat cream of mushroom soup.
Butter Substitutes: Use margarine or reduce the amount of butter to cut down on calories.
Gluten-Free:
Gluten-Free Cornbread or Bread: Use gluten-free options for the cornbread or bread stuffing.
Gluten-Free Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend when making the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken and Dressing Casserole with the following sides for a complete meal:
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or steamed asparagus add a fresh, healthy contrast.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich casserole.
Potatoes: Serve with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for added comfort.
Conclusion
Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a versatile, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or experimenting with variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Customize it to fit your tastes and dietary needs, and enjoy the comforting flavors with your loved ones.
Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Don’t Miss this Recipe
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread
- 4 large chicken breasts cooked and cubed
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning optional
- 4 boiled eggs diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 stalk of celery diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Gravy:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 quart chicken stock
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Chicken and Eggs:
- Cook and dice the chicken breasts if not already cooked. Boil and dice the eggs.
Make the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, diced eggs, onion, celery, poultry seasoning, black pepper, chicken broth, and melted butter. Mix well and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is lightly browned.
Prepare the Gravy:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until golden. Gradually add chicken stock while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-6 minutes until thickened. Stir in heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until smooth.
Serve:
- Serve the casserole hot, topped with the creamy gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
