Chicken Or Turkey Dressing Casserole
A hearty poultry dressing casserole combining deboned chicken or turkey with cornmeal, seasoned bread crumbs, vegetables, and a creamy topping, perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the fryer or turkey and debone the meat.
- Reserve 2 quarts of broth from the cooked poultry.
- Prepare white cornmeal as directed, using the reserved broth.
- Add chopped onions and celery to the cornmeal mixture.
- Bake this mixture as directed on the corn bread mix package.
- Crumble the baked cornbread and combine with Pepperidge Farm crumbs, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chopped boiled eggs.
- Spoon half of the dressing mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
- Layer with the cooked chicken or turkey, then add the remaining dressing on top.
- Cover the top with cream of chicken soup and add a little water.
- Bake until bubbly at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or garlic to the onion and celery mixture. If you don't have Pepperidge crumbs, use crushed crackers or stale bread for a similar texture. You can also substitute the poultry seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme and sage for a more vibrant taste. To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken or Turkey Dressing Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce for a traditional touch. It also makes a great addition to potlucks or holiday gatherings, offering a comforting side dish that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, you can use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Or Turkey Dressing Casserole contains roughly 123 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1277mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of white cornmeal?
If you don't have white cornmeal, you can use yellow cornmeal or even a cornbread mix. Each option will provide a slightly different flavor and texture, but they'll all work well in this casserole.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months. To cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. If baked, cool the casserole completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).