Thanksgiving Casserole
A hearty Thanksgiving casserole blending tender chicken, creamy soups, and buttery cornbread dressing for a comforting, savory dish perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Stew the chicken breasts until fully cooked; do not sauté.
- Remove the cooked chicken from any bones and set aside.
- Reserve the cooking broth.
- Melt the margarine and stir it into the cornbread dressing.
- Grease a casserole dish and lay a layer of the dressing.
- Add a layer of the shredded or chopped chicken.
- Pour mushroom soup diluted with one can of the reserved broth over the chicken.
- Add another layer of dressing, then spread the remaining chicken.
- Pour cream of chicken soup diluted with one more can of the reserved broth on top.
- Top with the remaining dressing.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or celery to the dressing mixture. If you want to make this dish healthier, you can substitute half of the margarine with olive oil. Feel free to use homemade cream of mushroom or chicken soups for a more natural taste. Using Pepperidge Farm Dressing ensures a classic taste that complements the chicken perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This Thanksgiving Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside cranberry sauce for a festive touch. For an added crunch, consider topping the casserole with fried onions before baking for extra flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Casserole contains roughly 631 calories, with 9g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 938mg per serving (41% 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 other types of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute turkey or even cooked ham for the chicken if desired. Just ensure the meat is shredded or chopped into small pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and opt for a vegetarian cream soup to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's going in cold.
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).