Chicken Dressing Casserole: A Southern-Style Comfort Classic

Introduction

This Chicken Dressing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—tender shredded chicken, savory cornbread dressing, and a creamy, herb-infused sauce baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re craving a taste of Southern tradition or need a hearty dish for holiday gatherings, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, comforting flavors – Like Thanksgiving dressing, but heartier
Easy to make ahead – Perfect for potlucks or busy weeknights
Versatile – Use leftover chicken or rotisserie for convenience
Crowd-pleasing – A guaranteed hit with family and friends

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dressing Base:

• 6 cups crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 cups cubed day-old French or white bread
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

For the Chicken & Creamy Layer:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs, beaten

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Bread Mixture

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread and cubed bread.

2. Sauté the Veggies

1. In a skillet, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until soft (5-6 minutes).
3. Stir in poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, and pepper.

3. Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour sautéed veggies over the bread mixture.
2. Add chicken broth and toss until evenly moistened.
3. In another bowl, mix chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and eggs.
4. Layer half the dressing mixture in the baking dish, top with all the chicken mixture, then the remaining dressing.

4. Add the Topping & Bake

1. Drizzle with ¼ cup melted butter and sprinkle with crushed crackers.
2. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

Expert Tips for the Best Casserole

Flavor Variations

• Thanksgiving twist: Add 1 cup dried cranberries to the dressing
• Spicy kick: Mix in 1 diced jalapeño with the veggies
• Extra creamy: Use 1 cup shredded cheddar in the chicken layer

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Prep ahead: Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate for 1 day (add 10 mins baking time).
• Freeze: Bake, cool completely, and freeze for 2 months (reheat at 350°F until warm).
• Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for 4 days (reheat with a splash of broth to refresh).

Troubleshooting

Problem: Dressing too dry?
Solution: Add ½ cup more broth before baking.

Problem: Too soggy?
Solution: Use stale bread and don’t overmix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boxed cornbread mix?

Yes! Prepare as directed, then crumble once cooled.

What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?

Substitute 1 tsp each sage and thyme + ½ tsp rosemary.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth and replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas.

How do I prevent a dry topping?

Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes, then uncover to crisp.

Why This Casserole is a Southern Staple

Comfort in every bite – Warm, savory, and satisfying
Holiday-worthy yet easy – No stuffing a bird required!
Leftovers taste even better – Flavors meld beautifully overnight

Chicken Dressing Casserole: A Southern-Style Comfort Classic

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• Author: Lara Smith

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Description

Enjoy a comforting and hearty meal with this Chicken Dressing Casserole. This delicious dish combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy sauce, making it the perfect easy dinner for any night of the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 cup butter, melted

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the melted butter, diced celery, and diced onion. Stir until the stuffing mix is evenly coated.

In another bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until well combined.

Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly.

Top with the stuffing mixture, spreading it out to cover the chicken and sauce completely.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This Chicken Dressing Casserole is a cozy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With its savory stuffing and creamy chicken filling, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal!