Chicken and Dressing Casserole

Healthy homemade comfort food? Doesn’t get better than that!

Before you reach for a takeout menu or pull out your phone to order in, let me tell you why you should try this chicken and dressing casserole! Not only does it taste absolutely incredible. but it’s also easy to prepare, good for you, and beloved by even the pickiest eaters!

Why Should I Go for a Chicken and Dressing Casserole?

We know how important it is to maintain your health, but we’re also aware how busy life can get. Sure, you can find a healthy option on just about any restaurant menu, but nothing beats the satisfaction of creating your own meals from scratch. You can make this casserole as healthy as you want, or turn it into a cheat-day dream if you feel like it! 

Cooking at home is more environmentally conscious than ordering in or grabbing takeout; you minimize the use of packaging and waste. As an added benefit, cooking at home also reduces the carbon emissions associated with food delivery and transportation. 

This chicken and dressing casserole also feeds SO many people! You could totally take it to a potluck, barbecue, or cookout, and there’ll be enough to go around. You may even end up with leftovers to enjoy the following day!

With the addition of stuffing and soup, this casserole has a nostalgic taste and smell, and the crispy top layer makes it look even more amazing! Thanks to the smooth, slightly crumbly, creamy textures and mouthwatering taste of this chicken and dressing casserole you’ll never need to order in again!

I’m Sold, What Do I Need?

You can certainly make some substitutions for the chicken and dressing casserole, but for our core recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 split chicken breasts, or 2 whole breasts (bone-in with skin)
• 1 (14-ounce package) cornbread stuffing mix (Stove Top was used in this recipe)
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of celery soup
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cups chicken broth (broth from cooking the chicken can be used or any other broth of choice)

Substitutions for the Chicken and Dressing Casserole

If you’re not feeling certain ingredients and want to swap or omit them, or you’d rather add a little something extra to the dish, you certainly can! We’ve got some substitution ideas to help you out!

Chicken: If you’re a little bit pressed for time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to help speed up the process. Otherwise, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. 

Cornbread Stuffing Mix: If you don’t have cornbread stuffing mix on hand, you can use regular bread stuffing mix or yummy homemade bread crumbs seasoned with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. You can also use cubed stale bread or cornbread as a base for the stuffing.

Cream of Chicken or Cream of Celery Soup: If using canned soup makes you feel a little iffy, you can try making your soup homemade; this is not only healthier but will bring out the flavors of the soup even more. If using canned soup doesn’t bother you much but the flavor does, then you can use cream of mushroom, cream of potato, or a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream.

Butter: For a healthier option or to avoid dairy, you can go with something like olive oil instead.

Chicken Broth: Instead of store-bought, try your hand at homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also use water enriched with bouillon stock cubes or granules for added flavor.

Vegetarian and Vegan Substitutions: To make the chicken and dressing casserole vegetarian or vegan, use plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and a vegan-friendly cream of chicken and cream of celery soup. You’ll also need to use olive oil instead of butter.

Add-Ons: More wholesome veggies such as diced onions, celery, carrots, peas, and mushrooms will enhance the flavor and make the dish even more filling. A plethora of herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chives, dill, chili flakes, or even parsley, will add extra flavor.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Leftover Chicken and Dressing Casserole

For meal prep, or simply putting leftovers away for later use – we’ve got a guide on properly storing, freezing, and reheating our chicken and dressing casserole.

Storage and Refrigeration Instructions

If you plan on eating your leftovers over the next couple days:

1. Make sure the chicken and dressing casserole is completely cool, before putting it away.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or foil (or both).
3. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
4. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions

If you plan to freeze the casserole for later:

1. Let it cool down entirely.
2. Wrap the dish with plastic or foil. Put individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
3. Don’t forget to label the container with the date and what’s inside.
4. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Guidelines

For reheating a refrigerated casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cover the casserole with foil and heat in the oven for 20-30 minutes until well-cooked.
3. Alternatively, you can microwave servings until heated through.

To reheat frozen chicken casserole leftovers:

1. Take it out of the freezer and thaw it overnight in the fridge.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
3. If not already, put it in an oven safe dish before heating.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. 
5. Heat it for 30 to 40 minutes.
6.  If it wasn’t fully thawed it might need a bit more time, around 45 to 60 minutes. Make sure the inside reaches a temperature of 165°F before serving.

Side Dishes for the Chicken and Dressing Casserole

Even though a casserole can be quite a heavy dish on its own, if you’re entertaining or having a party with a bunch of friends, some side dishes will be just what you need! Here are some side dish option we’re sure you’ll love:

• Garlic Ginger Green Beans – Who can resist a side of yummy green beans? Even better when they’re crisp and have the punchy flavor of garlic and ginger.
• Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, smooth, a little bit of tang, and super healthy, this recipe for buttermilk mashed potatoes has it all! Drizzle a little bit of butter and sprinkle on some salt and pepper and you’re good to go!
• Gluten Free, Grain Free Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower Bread Sticks – Cheese and garlic make one killer combo, and these gluten-free breadsticks are sure to please. Serve them up nice and warm!
• Roasted Broccoli with Red Peppers – We really think you should give this perfectly crisp, caramelized broccoli and red pepper side a try. You’ll thank us later!

Now you’re all ready to crush this creamy chicken and dressing casserole! Have fun with it and let us know in the comments how it goes.

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