Denise'S Prize-Winning Chicken
A creamy, savory chicken casserole with a delightful dressing crust, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings that crave rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the dry dressing and melted butter.
- Spread half of this mixture in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan.
- Mix together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
- Spoon the soup mixture over the dressing layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining dressing mixture over the entire dish.
- Pour chicken broth evenly over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. You can also swap the cooked chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. To enhance the dish, add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the soup mixture for extra depth. This recipe can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, serve with mashed potatoes or rice. Explore other comforting favorites like To Die For Chicken or Georgia Squash Casserole for more delicious options.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, microwaving in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Denise'S Prize-Winning Chicken contains roughly 300 calories, with 2g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 29g fat.
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 use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Simply cook and shred the chicken before following the recipe. Boil, bake, or sauté the chicken until fully cooked, then debone and shred it. This will give you a fresh flavor, but be mindful to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade version by combining equal parts of chicken broth and heavy cream, thickened with a bit of flour or cornstarch. This will give you a creamy consistency similar to cream of chicken soup while allowing for more control over ingredients.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and adjust the cooking time as needed, since it may take a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
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).