Chicken and Dressing Bake – The Ultimate Southern Comfort Food!

Warm, savory, and packed with homestyle flavor, this Chicken and Dressing Bake is the ultimate comfort food made lighter. With juicy chicken, wholesome seasonings, and a perfectly moist cornbread stuffing, this dish delivers all the nostalgia of a traditional casserole without weighing you down.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: A classic dish with all the flavors you love.
Lightened-Up Ingredients: Smart swaps keep it balanced while still tasting rich.
One-Pan Wonder: Simple to prepare with minimal cleanup.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for making ahead and reheating for easy dinners.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Layer:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Dressing:

• 3 cups cornbread crumbs (or whole wheat bread crumbs)
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

For the Gravy (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 cup reduced-fat cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Season the Chicken:

• In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
• Spread the chicken evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

Make the Dressing:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine cornbread crumbs, celery, onion, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Stir in the chicken broth, almond milk, and beaten egg until everything is moistened.
• Spread the dressing mixture over the chicken in an even layer.

Add the Gravy (Optional):

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and black pepper.
• Pour evenly over the dressing layer.

Bake the Casserole:

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dressing is set.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 220
• Carbs: 24g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

Tips for Success

Use Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saving hack for quick preparation.
Don’t Over-Mix: Stir the dressing just until moistened for a light and fluffy texture.
Make Ahead: Assemble everything a day before and refrigerate; bake when ready.
Pair with a Side: Serve with steamed green beans or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

Why This Recipe Works

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of broth and seasonings keeps everything juicy.
• Balanced and Wholesome: Uses lighter ingredients while maintaining rich taste.
• Great for Gatherings: Perfect for holiday meals or cozy family dinners.

This Chicken and Dressing Bake is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a classic Southern-style dish in a healthier way. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, it’s the perfect addition to your comfort food lineup without the guilt!