The Chicken and Dressing Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s comfort in a casserole dish. This Southern staple combines juicy chicken with a savory dressing, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings to mind the warmth of home and tradition.
The Essence of the Casserole
The Heart of the Casserole At its heart, the Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a celebration of the simple yet rich flavors of Southern cooking.
The dish is usually composed of layers of tender, shredded chicken topped with a moist, flavorful dressing, baked to a golden brown with a slight crunch.
The dressing, often crafted from cornbread or breadcrumbs mixed with herbs, broth, and sometimes a creamy soup, infuses the casserole with depth and character.
If you’re curious to explore more about the essence and variety of casseroles, check out the article on Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, another cherished dish that embodies the same comforting and hearty qualities of casseroles.
Variations and Personal Touches
Customizing Your Chicken and Dressing Casserole Although the basic Chicken and Dressing Casserole recipe is simple, many cooks enjoy putting their own spin on the dish. Here are some popular ways to customize it:
- Sauté the chicken with onions, garlic, and your favorite spices to enhance the flavor.
- Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to boost the nutritional value and add a splash of color.
- Experiment with different types of soup, such as cream of mushroom, to introduce a new flavor profile.
- Top the casserole with a layer of cheese or a sprinkle of herbs for added texture and richness.
For more inspiration on how to elevate your casserole, check out the article on Easy Butter Southern Biscuits, which offers ideas for a perfect side that pairs beautifully with the casserole’s rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 10.5 ounces cream of celery soup
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup milk
- 6-ounce box chicken stuffing mix (Stove Top preferred)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (see notes below)
- Fresh or dried parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cut the chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Season the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper, tossing to ensure even coverage.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken, spreading it out to ensure all the pieces are covered.
- Evenly distribute the stuffing mix over the top of the chicken and sauce.
- Pour the chicken broth over the stuffing mix, ensuring that all of the stuffing is moistened.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the top.
- If desired, garnish with fresh or dried parsley before serving. When serving, be sure to scoop up some of the gravy from the bottom of the dish to drizzle over each portion.