Description
This Chicken and Dressing Casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining moist shredded chicken, savory cornbread, and a flavorful gravy. It’s an easy, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or even potlucks. The tender chicken is mixed with a blend of seasoned bread, sautéed vegetables, and creamy onion soup, all baked to perfection. Top it off with a rich, homemade chicken gravy for a dish that is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. If you’re a fan of classic Southern flavors, this Chicken and Dressing Casserole will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 4 cups cornbread (or other cubed dried bread)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 can cream of onion soup
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (reserve 1 cup for mixing and gravy)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gravy:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing them until softened, about 5-7 minutes. These vegetables will add both texture and flavor to your dressing.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients for the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread (or dried bread), shredded chicken, sautéed onions and celery, 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, ½ teaspoon of dried sage, and 1 can of cream of onion soup. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, reserving the rest for the gravy. Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with either butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once greased, pour the chicken and dressing mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The even distribution will ensure the dressing cooks uniformly.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. This baking process allows the flavors to meld while the edges crisp slightly.
Gravy Preparation:
Step 6: Start the Gravy
While the casserole is baking, prepare the chicken gravy. In a medium skillet, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add ½ cup of all-purpose flour, whisking continuously. Cook this roux until it begins to brown slightly, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor to the gravy.
Step 7: Add Chicken Broth
Slowly whisk in the 2 cups of chicken broth, adding it gradually to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the gravy begins to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy appears too thick, you can thin it with a little more broth or water.
Step 8: Stir in Heavy Cream
Once the gravy has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the gravy to thicken further. This creamy gravy is the perfect finishing touch for your casserole.
Final Assembly:
Step 9: Serve the Casserole
After the casserole has baked and your gravy is ready, remove the casserole from the oven. Pour the warm gravy generously over the top of the casserole. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
Notes
- Shredded Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. If you’re cooking your chicken from scratch, simply boil or bake boneless chicken breasts or thighs until tender and easy to shred.
- Cornbread: For a more traditional Southern flavor, use cornbread as the base. You can also use any leftover bread you have, such as dinner rolls, or a mix of the two.
- Soup: Cream of onion soup adds extra flavor and creaminess, but you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
Serving Suggestions:
- This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
- Serve alongside cranberry sauce for a holiday-inspired meal.
- To elevate the dish, you can top the casserole with crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs before baking for added crunch.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and make the gravy fresh.
- Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. After assembling the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, increase the amount of sage or add some thyme and rosemary.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 870mg
- Protein: 24g