Escalloped Chicken With Dressing
A comforting baked chicken dish with flavorful dressing, featuring tender diced chicken, celery, green pepper, and a savory seasoned sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken or turkey, diced in 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oleo
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 6 oz dry bread cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon diced pimento ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook celery and green pepper in oleo until partially cooked.
- Add flour and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and milk; cook until thickened.
- Add seasonings and diced pimento to the sauce.
- Set aside the sauce and prepare the dressing with bread cubes, onions, and additional seasonings.
- Combine the chicken with the sauce and dressing mixture.
- Bake until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of breast meat. If you want to reduce calories, substitute half of the oleo with a healthier oil like olive oil. You can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms or carrots for extra nutrition. Use gluten-free bread cubes if needed to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or rice make excellent side options as they can soak up the delicious sauce. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving Day Wild Rice Stuffing for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and dressing in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Escalloped Chicken With Dressing contains roughly 996 calories, with 18g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1179mg per serving (51% 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 use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Just reduce the cooking time for the sauce, as you’ll only need to heat everything together until warmed through. This can help maintain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water can work in a pinch. Just be aware that using water may result in a less flavorful dish, so consider adding extra seasoning if you go that route.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're cooking it straight from the fridge. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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).