Chicken And Dressing Casserole

The Chicken and Dressing Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting embrace in the form of food. This Southern classic combines tender chicken with a savory dressing (or stuffing), creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that evoke a sense of home and tradition.

The Essence of the Casserole

At its core, the Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a testament to the simplicity and richness of Southern cuisine. The dish typically involves layers of cooked, shredded chicken beneath a moist and flavorful dressing, baked until golden and slightly crispy on top. The dressing, often made from cornbread or breadcrumbs mixed with herbs, broth, and sometimes a creamy soup, adds depth and character to the casserole.

For those interested in exploring more about the essence and variations of casseroles, the article on Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole provides insights into another beloved dish that shares the comforting and hearty nature of casseroles.

Variations and Personal Touches

While the basic recipe for Chicken and Dressing Casserole is straightforward, many cooks enjoy adding their personal touches to the dish. Some popular variations include:

• Sautéing the chicken with onions, garlic, and spices for added flavor.
• Incorporating vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans for a nutritional boost and color.
• Using different types of soup (such as cream of mushroom) for a unique taste.
• Adding a layer of cheese or a sprinkle of herbs for extra flavor and texture.

For more creative ideas on how to personalize your casserole, the article on Easy Butter Southern Biscuits can provide inspiration for a delightful side that complements the rich flavors of the casserole.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken tenderloins
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 10.5 ounce can cream of celery soup
• 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
• ¼ cup milk
• 6-ounce box Stove Top chicken stuffing mix
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (see notes below)
• fresh or dried parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside.
• Cut 2 pounds of chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces and place them into the baking dish.
• Toss the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• In a small bowl, whisk together 10.5 ounces can cream of celery soup, 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken soup, and 1/4 cup milk until smooth.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces and smooth it out, so all of the chicken is covered.
• Evenly sprinkle the 6-ounce box Stove Top chicken stuffing mix on top.
• Pour 1 1/2 cups chicken broth on top of the stuffing mix, and make sure that all of the stuffing is moistened by the broth.
• Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Take the foil off and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the top.
• Garnish with fresh or dried parsley (optional) and serve. When serving, scoop up some of the gravy at the bottom and drizzle it over each serving.