Chicken and Dressing Casserole is the epitome of Southern comfort food—a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings together tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and a buttery, herb-infused stuffing topping. This casserole is the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something cozy, filling, and family-approved. It uses simple, classic ingredients like canned soup, chicken broth, and stuffing mix, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering all day in Grandma’s kitchen.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings, this dish is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, and with two layers—creamy chicken on the bottom and golden, slightly crispy dressing on top—it’s a full meal baked into one comforting casserole. The sautéed onions and celery add depth and texture, while poultry seasoning and sage give it that nostalgic Thanksgiving-like flavor, even in the middle of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• All-in-one comfort food that’s both creamy and savory
• Great use for leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken
• Simple pantry ingredients with big flavor
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
3 cups cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
½ cup butter, divided
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1½ cups chicken broth, divided
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon sage (optional)
1 package (about 6 oz or 3 cups) stuffing mix
2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of butter.
Add the diced onion and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and ½ cup of chicken broth.
Stir in poultry seasoning, black pepper, and sage if using.
Add the sautéed onion and celery and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with 1 cup of chicken broth and the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter.
Add the beaten eggs and stir until the stuffing is well-moistened. It should be soft but not soggy.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spoon the stuffing mixture on top of the chicken, gently spreading it to cover the surface in an even layer.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
Serve warm, preferably with a side of green beans or a simple salad to complete the meal.
Tips for Success
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time: It adds flavor and cuts down on prep. Leftover roasted or poached chicken also works well.
• Stuffing mix varies: Some brands include seasoning, so you may want to reduce or omit added sage or poultry seasoning if yours is highly seasoned.
• Don’t skip the eggs in the stuffing: They help bind the topping so it holds together as it bakes.
• Let it rest before slicing: This helps the layers firm up, making it easier to serve neatly.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before baking, or add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.
Storage Options
This casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven, covered with foil, until hot.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the full casserole without baking and refrigerate it overnight. Bake as instructed when ready, adding 5–10 minutes to compensate for the cold start.
Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Chicken and Dressing Casserole hits all the right notes. It brings together the best parts of a traditional holiday meal in a dish that’s simple enough to enjoy any night of the week. Whether served to family or brought to a potluck, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your comfort food collection.
