Chicken Dressing Casserole Recipe: A Thanksgiving (and Everyday!) Classic
This creamy, comforting Chicken Dressing Casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, but it's so delicious you'll want to make it all year round! This recipe is optimized for search engines, packed with flavor, and easy to follow, even for novice cooks. Let's get started!
What is Chicken Dressing Casserole?
Chicken dressing casserole, sometimes called chicken stuffing casserole, is a baked dish combining savory chicken, fluffy bread dressing (or stuffing), and a creamy sauce. It's a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight meal. The best part? Leftovers are amazing!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous cooking session.
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a time-saver!)
- Bread Dressing/Stuffing: 4 cups, homemade or store-bought (cubed bread works best)
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Celery: 1/2 cup, finely chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, sage (adjust to your taste!)
- Topping: Optional – crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or shredded cheese
Instructions for a Perfect Chicken Dressing Casserole:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
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Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked chicken, bread dressing, cream of mushroom soup, milk, eggs, celery (if using), onion (if using), and seasonings. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. Don't overmix; you want to maintain some texture in the bread dressing.
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Pour into the prepared baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly.
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Add an optional topping: Sprinkle crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or shredded cheese over the top for added texture and flavor. This step is totally optional but highly recommended!
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Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier slicing.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Get creative with vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans.
- Use different soup: Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can also be used instead of cream of mushroom.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
FAQs about Chicken Dressing Casserole
Q: Can I use leftover Thanksgiving stuffing? A: Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover stuffing.
Q: How long can I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking or the baked casserole after it has cooled completely.
This delicious Chicken Dressing Casserole recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #ChickenDressingCasserole on social media!
