Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty savory chicken and dressing casserole to bring the family together! This dish is like a comforting hug on a plate, filled with tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce that just sings with flavor. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the smiles around the table were priceless! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel at home, perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too!
Ingredients for Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this delicious casserole. Having all your ingredients ready makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package stuffing mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go. This way, you can focus on whipping up a delightful meal without any hiccups. Trust me, once you see how easy it is to pull this all together, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
How to Prepare Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part! I promise, making this savory chicken and dressing casserole is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown top. So, go ahead and get that oven fired up while you mix everything else!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the stuffing mix with the chicken broth. This is where the magic begins! Stir it well so that all the stuffing gets nicely moistened. Next, add in the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chopped celery, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to see those ingredients all mingling together in harmony!
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Now it’s time to transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish for this recipe. Make sure to spread it out evenly; you want every bite to be just as tasty as the last! Don’t worry if it feels a bit thick—it’s supposed to be hearty!
Step 4: Baking Time
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and then dig in. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Packed with comforting flavors, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy.
- One-dish meal means less cleanup—just one baking dish to wash after all that deliciousness!
- Versatile enough to adapt; you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or even use turkey instead of chicken.
- Great for leftovers! It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
- With its hearty ingredients, it’s filling and satisfying, keeping everyone happily fed.
- Perfect for potlucks and gatherings—everyone will be asking for your secret recipe!
Tips for Success
To help you create the ultimate savory chicken and dressing casserole, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that’ll ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference!
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a huge time-saver, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and packed with flavor, making your prep even quicker!
- Customize Your Veggies: Don’t be afraid to add in your favorite veggies! Spinach, peas, or even carrots can add a pop of color and extra nutrition. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the spices! If you love a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes, or if you want a herby flavor, sprinkle in some dried thyme or rosemary.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking.
- Let It Rest: After pulling it from the oven, let your casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which I doubt will happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It reheats wonderfully in the oven or microwave!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a savory chicken and dressing casserole that not only tastes amazing but brings everyone to the table with smiles! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! I know many of us are curious about what we’re putting into our bodies while still wanting to enjoy a delicious meal. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this savory chicken and dressing casserole:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, you’re looking at a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Now that you know what’s in it, you can enjoy every comforting bite even more!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! Trust me, you won’t want to waste a single bite of this savory chicken and dressing casserole. Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro.
First off, if you have any leftovers (which I bet you’ll want to save!), let the casserole cool completely. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents any fridge odors from sneaking in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when it’s time to enjoy again!
When you’re ready to dig back into that comforting goodness, reheating is super simple. You can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Cover it with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just heat it in a microwave-safe dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Whatever method you choose, just make sure it’s heated through and steaming hot before serving again. Enjoy your leftovers as if they were a brand new meal—because they totally are! Trust me, this savory chicken and dressing casserole just might taste even better the next day!
FAQ about Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked frozen chicken—it works like a charm!
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries at all! You can easily substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For leftovers, I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with aluminum foil to keep it moist. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies like peas, carrots, or even spinach. Just make sure they’re chopped small enough to mix well with the other ingredients. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition!
Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole: 7 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty savory chicken and dressing casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package stuffing mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the stuffing mix with chicken broth.
- Add cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, celery, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Can substitute turkey for chicken.
- Add vegetables for extra 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: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: savory chicken and dressing casserole
