Pan Dressing
A hearty baked chicken and dressing casserole with savory herb flavors, creamy chicken soup, and tender bread cubes, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the chicken bouillon cubes in boiling water and set aside to create broth.
- Stew the chicken, then remove bones and place the meat in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Pour the undiluted cream of chicken soup over the chicken in the baking pan.
- Mix the bread cubes with finely chopped onion, ground sage, melted butter, salt, and pepper to prepare the dressing.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken and soup in the baking pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water for dissolving the bouillon. You can also swap out the bread cubes for cornbread for a different texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well in place of stewing your own. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference, and feel free to add vegetables like celery or carrots for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This pan dressing is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or gravy to enhance the comfort food experience. For a twist, try it with a side of cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast. Explore more American recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dressing in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pan Dressing contains roughly 127 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1676mg per serving (73% 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 prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble everything in the baking pan and bake when you're ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for holidays or gatherings.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce. Combine equal parts of butter, flour, and chicken broth, then whisk until thickened. This will give you a similar creamy texture without the canned ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure that the chicken bouillon and cream of chicken soup are also gluten-free. There are many brands available that cater to gluten-free diets.
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).