Easy Chicken and Dressing Casserole
A warm, hearty, and comforting casserole combining tender cooked chicken, flavorful herby dressing, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal features layers of textures and homestyle flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free dressing mix or bread)
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 box (6 oz) dressing mix or 4 cups homemade dressing crumbs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Prep and Cook Your Chicken: Start with cooked chicken, using shredded or cubed pieces from leftover rotisserie, poached breasts, or grilled chicken to ensure tender chunks perfect for the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, to add depth and a slight crunch to the casserole.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth, stirring until smooth to create a creamy base that keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
- Combine Dressing and Chicken: In a large bowl, gently mix together the cooked chicken, sautéed onions and celery, dressing mix, and the prepared sauce until everything is evenly coated and ready for baking.
- Assemble and Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. Dot the top with remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, or sprinkle buttered bread crumbs or extra dressing mix for a crispy topping. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for homemade dressing crumbs to absorb moisture without becoming mushy.
- Gently fold ingredients to keep dressing fluffy and avoid a dense casserole.
- Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, herbs) after mixing the sauce to taste before baking.
- Let casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up and make serving easier.
- Add crunchy toppings like breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy fried onions for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, dressing casserole, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner, creamy chicken bake