Chicken Dressing Recipe

Here’s a comforting and classic Chicken Dressing (or Chicken and Cornbread Dressing) recipe — a hearty Southern-style dish made with tender shredded chicken, cornbread, herbs, and a savory broth. It’s perfect as a holiday side or even a main course.

🍗 Chicken Dressing (Southern Style)

🔸 Ingredients

For the Cornbread (if making fresh):

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

Or use about 4 cups of day-old cornbread, crumbled

For the Dressing:

• 4 cups crumbled cornbread

• 2–3 slices of white or wheat sandwich bread, cubed and dried

• 2–3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2–3 celery stalks, diced

• 2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1–2 tsp poultry seasoning (or a mix of sage, thyme, and black pepper)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 can cream of chicken soup (for a richer, creamier texture)

🔹 Instructions

1. Prepare Cornbread (if not using pre-made):

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Mix all dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients and stir just until combined.

   • Pour into greased baking dish or skillet and bake 20–25 minutes. Cool and crumble.

2. Sauté vegetables:

   • In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion and celery until soft, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.

3. Assemble the dressing:

   • In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, sandwich bread cubes, sautéed veggies, and shredded chicken.

   • Add poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional cream of chicken soup.

   • Stir in beaten eggs.

   • Gradually pour in broth until the mixture is moist but not soupy (you may need a bit more or less than 2 cups).

4. Bake:

   • Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown on top and set in the middle.

✨ Tips:

• For more flavor, use broth from boiling your chicken.

• Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or chopped boiled eggs for variations.

• Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.

Would you like a version that’s gluten-free or without eggs?