Description

This Chicken and Cornbread Stuffing Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken with a rich and creamy sauce, all topped with a flavorful cornbread stuffing. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is a hearty dish that brings together the classic flavors of a holiday meal in a convenient, one-pan recipe. The addition of optional onions and celery gives it an extra layer of flavor and texture, making it even more satisfying. Simple to prepare and absolutely delicious, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of celery soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 10 ½ fluid ounces of milk (use one of the empty soup cans for measurement)
• 1 package (6 ounces) of seasoned cornbread stuffing mix
• 1 ½ cups of chicken broth
• Optional: 1/2 cup diced onion, 2 celery stalks chopped

Preparation Method

Cook the Chicken: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large saucepan filled with lightly salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the chicken until it is thoroughly cooked, about 30 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the water and set it aside to cool. Reserve the cooking broth for later use.

Prepare the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Distribute the chicken evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and the condensed cream of celery soup. Using one of the empty soup cans, measure out 10 ½ fluid ounces of milk and mix it into the soups until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken pieces in the baking dish.

Prepare the Stuffing: In a small bowl, mix the seasoned cornbread stuffing mix with the chicken broth until the stuffing is moistened. If you’re using the optional diced onion and chopped celery, add them to the stuffing mixture and stir until all the ingredients are well combined.

Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken and soup mixture in the baking dish. Make sure the stuffing covers the entire surface, pressing it down lightly to ensure it adheres to the creamy layer underneath.

Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to serve.

Tips and Conclusion

Tip
For added flavor, you can stir some shredded cheese into the chicken mixture before adding the stuffing topping. Additionally, you can use different variations of stuffing mix or add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the stuffing mixture for a more aromatic dish.

Conclusion
This Chicken and Cornbread Stuffing Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful stuffing come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress with its rich flavors and homey appeal. Enjoy the taste of a holiday feast any time of the year with this delicious casserole!