Thanksgiving Casserole

Thanksgiving Casserole

This would make a perfect dish for leftovers, even so, it can be made using chicken and great for anytime of the fall and winter season.

Ingredients (leftover recipe follows):

• 1 Box stovetop stuffing -sage, chicken, or turkey
• 1-1/2 lbs. cooked turkey or chicken, left whole or broken into pieces or shredded 
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1-1 1/2 sticks butter
• 1 pouch onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (optional)
• Chicken or Turkey gravy
• 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:

 

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. Cut chicken or leave whole, place in the oil/soup mix and coat generously.
3. Cook chicken over medium heat in a pan on the stove, 7-8 minutes each side (if the chicken is cut, place lid on top and cook 10-12 minutes, until cooked thru). 
4. Tun off the heat. Place chicken to the side.
5. Prepare stuffing according to the box, using chicken stock instead of water and 1 stick of butter. 
6. Mix cut or shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese in with the stuffing. Set aside.
7. Rinse and wipe out the pan used for the chicken. Place back onto stove, melt butte over medium heat.
8. Once butter is melted, place chopped onions and celery into the pan and cook till softened. Mix in with the stuffing and chicken.



1st time made, placed chicken on top of stuffing mix

9. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons homemade or bought gravy on the bottom of a casserole dish (this was 9x13). Pour the stuffing mix into the pan and flatten out to the corners. Drizzle or Pour 1/4 cup gravy on top and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, covered with tin foil or uncovered.

 

Leftover Casserole Recipe

 

Ingredients:

 

• 2-3 cups shredded or chopped cooked turkey
• 3-4 cups Stuffing
• 1 cup gravy
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 stick of butter
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

 

Preheat oven to 400°. Rub 1/3 of the butter around the bottom and sides of a casserole dish, then pour half cup of gravy onto the bottom. Mix turkey, chicken stock, and stuffing together, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mix into the casserole dish and flatten out to the edges. Cut the rest of the butter and place on top of the stuffing mix, if desired pour the rest of the gravy on top or drizzle on top. Cook 30-35 minutes, covered or uncovered.

 

If there are leftover mashed potatoes, those can be used on the op or bottom of the stuffing as well, sprinkled with finely chopped cilantro and parsley or parsley, sage, and thyme. This is a very versatile recipe, perfect for getting leftovers eaten and overall delicious. Happy Fall!!!