Chicken Dressing Casserole

Chicken Dressing Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 10 ½ fluid ounces milk
  • 1 package (6 ounces) seasoned cornbread stuffing mix
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • Optional: 1/2 cup diced onion, 2 celery stalks chopped

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large saucepan with lightly salted water.
    • Bring the water to a boil and cook the chicken until thoroughly done, about 30 minutes.
    • Set the chicken aside and reserve the cooking broth.
  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and distribute them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  4. Prepare the Soup Mixture:
    • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and the condensed cream of celery soup.
    • Using one of the empty soup cans, measure out 10 ½ fluid ounces of milk.
    • Mix the milk with the condensed soups until well blended.
    • Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
  5. Prepare the Stuffing:
    • In a separate small bowl, mix the seasoned cornbread stuffing mix with the chicken broth until the stuffing is moistened.
    • If using, add the finely diced onion and the chopped celery to the stuffing and broth mixture. Thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
  6. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Spoon the stuffing mixture uniformly over the chicken and soup mixture in the baking dish.
  7. Bake:
    • Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the casserole is heated throughout and the top has turned a golden brown.
  8. Serve:
    • After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

20 Most Popular Questions and Answers Related to Chicken Dressing Casserole

  1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breast?
    • Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative.
  2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake when ready to serve.
  3. What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
    • You can use cream of mushroom soup or another can of cream of chicken soup.
  4. Can I use fresh herbs in the stuffing mix?
    • Yes, fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or sage can enhance the flavor of the stuffing.
  5. Is it possible to use a different type of stuffing mix?
    • Yes, you can use any type of stuffing mix, but cornbread stuffing adds a unique flavor.
  6. How do I store leftovers?
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  7. Can I freeze this casserole?
    • Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
  8. What sides go well with this casserole?
    • This casserole pairs well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce.
  9. Can I use low-fat or fat-free soups?
    • Yes, using low-fat or fat-free soups is an option, but it may alter the texture slightly.
  10. How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
    • Use dairy-free soups and a milk substitute like almond or soy milk.
  11. Can I add cheese to this casserole?
    • Yes, adding shredded cheese to the soup mixture or on top before baking can add extra flavor.
  12. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
    • You can use vegetable broth or even water with a bit of bouillon as a substitute.
  13. Can I add mushrooms to the casserole?
    • Yes, adding sliced mushrooms to the stuffing mix can provide extra texture and flavor.
  14. Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?
    • No, it is not necessary, but you can cover it with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  15. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
    • Yes, turkey is a great alternative, especially for post-Thanksgiving leftovers.
  16. How do I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?
    • Ensure the stuffing mixture is moist but not overly wet before adding it to the casserole.
  17. Can I add vegetables directly to the chicken layer?
    • Yes, adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans can make the casserole more nutritious.
  18. Do I need to grease the baking dish?
    • Greasing the baking dish is not necessary if it’s non-stick, but you can lightly grease it to ensure easy serving.
  19. Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of celery?
    • Yes, cream of mushroom soup is a good substitute.
  20. How do I reheat the casserole?
    • Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

By following these tips and answers, you’ll be able to create and enjoy the perfect Chicken Dressing Casserole!

Secrets and Tips to Achieve the Perfect Chicken Dressing Casserole

  1. Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts and fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Season the Chicken Well: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other favorite seasonings before cooking to infuse more flavor.
  3. Cook Chicken Properly: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked but not overdone. Boil until just tender to prevent it from becoming dry.
  4. Reserve Chicken Broth: Save the broth from cooking the chicken to use in the stuffing mix for enhanced flavor.
  5. Homemade Cream Soup: If possible, make your own cream of chicken and cream of celery soups for a richer, fresher taste.
  6. Moisture Balance: Ensure the stuffing mix is moist but not too wet. This prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
  7. Veggie Add-ins: Adding sautéed onions and celery to the stuffing mix can provide extra texture and flavor.
  8. Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even distribution and consistent texture.
  9. Layer Evenly: Spread the chicken pieces evenly in the baking dish to ensure every bite has chicken.
  10. Pre-mix Soups and Milk: Thoroughly mix the condensed soups and milk before pouring over the chicken to ensure an even, creamy sauce.
  11. Flavorful Broth: Use a rich chicken broth, possibly homemade, for the stuffing mix to add depth of flavor.
  12. Seasoning Layers: Season each layer lightly as you go, rather than relying on one heavy seasoning at the end.
  13. Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or thyme can enhance the flavor profile of the casserole.
  14. Crispy Bacon: Adding cooked, crumbled bacon to the stuffing mix can provide a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
  15. Cheese Option: A light sprinkle of cheese on top before baking can add a delicious golden crust.
  16. Cover While Baking: Cover the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to keep it moist, then uncover for the last 15 minutes to brown the top.
  17. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
  18. Right Baking Dish: Use a deep 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent overflow and ensure even cooking.
  19. Non-stick Spray: Lightly spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  20. Topping Crunch: Consider adding a crunchy topping like crushed crackers, panko, or additional stuffing mix mixed with butter for added texture.

By incorporating these tips and secrets, you’ll enhance the flavor, texture, and overall quality of your Chicken Dressing Casserole, making it a standout dish at any meal.

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