chicken and dressing casserole

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dressing:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the herb-seasoned stuffing mix, melted butter, chopped onion, chopped celery, garlic powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. In a separate small saucepan, heat the chicken broth until hot but not boiling. Pour the hot chicken broth over the stuffing mixture and stir until all the liquid is absorbed.

2. Assemble the casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In another mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, the condensed cream of celery soup, and the sour cream. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the cooked chicken to the soup mixture and stir until the chicken is well coated.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the prepared dressing mixture evenly across the bottom.
5. Next, layer the chicken and soup mixture on top of the dressing layer.
6. Finish by spreading the remaining dressing mixture over the chicken and soup layer.

3. Make the topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), and grated Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake the casserole:

1. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole.
2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
4. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

5. Garnish and serve:

1. If desired, garnish the casserole with chopped, fresh parsley for a pop of color.
2. Serve the chicken and dressing casserole hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this timeless dish.

Tips:

• Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken is excellent for this recipe, making it even easier to prepare.
• You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the chicken and soup mixture for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free stuffing mix and checking that your soup and breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

Variation:

For a touch of extra flavor, you can sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and create a cheesy crust.

Cook’s Note:

Leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days and reheated in the oven or microwave. Enjoy the taste of home-cooked comfort whenever you like!