Easy Chicken Dressing Recipe for Homestyle Meals

Last updated on March 30th, 2025 at 02:37 pm

The Recipe

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Classic Chicken Dressing Recipe

This chicken dressing is a comforting, homestyle dish with a crispy top, tender interior, and delicious flavor, perfect for family meals and gatherings.

Type: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken dressing, Southern dressing, homemade chicken dressing, baked chicken dressing, chicken stuffing, Thanksgiving dressing

Recipe Yield: 8-10 servings

Calories: 239 kcal

Preparation Time: PT30M

Cooking Time: PT60M

Total Time: PT90M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 recipe Classic Southern Buttermilk Cornbread (crumbled, 1-2 days old, about 6 cups)
• 5 slices stale white sandwich bread, cubed
• 1 tablespoon ground sage
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 3 – 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 2 chicken breasts)
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Step By Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Bake a batch of Southern Buttermilk Cornbread if you don’t have leftover cornbread (about 6 cups). Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces. Also, crumble 5 slices of stale white bread into cubes.
3. In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, bread cubes, and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Add ground sage, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and 3-4 cups of chicken broth. Add the mixture to the dry ingredients. Then, gently stir in 2 beaten eggs until everything is well combined.
6. Fold in the cooked and shredded chicken into the mixture.
7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Add a few thin pats of butter on top for extra flavor and a golden crust. Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
9. Let the dressing rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

Summary

This chicken dressing is a comforting, homestyle dish with a crispy top, tender interior, and delicious flavor, perfect for family meals and gatherings.

Tips

• Use stale bread for the best texture.
• Adjust the broth quantity for the desired moisture level.
• Make ahead for convenience and refrigerate overnight.
• For a crispy top, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
• Feel free to experiment with sausage, bacon, or mushrooms.

Listen to the Podcast

November 2, 2024 · Season 2 : Chop and Pop · Episode 26

10 Min · By Sorrel Calver

Our classic chicken dressing recipe that's perfect for family gatherings and holidays. Enjoy a comforting dish with simple ingredients and rich flavors!

For The Reading Lovers

Ever wondered what makes chicken dressing so special? Is it the savory herbs, the tender chicken, or the crispy edges? Let’s explore the magic of homemade chicken dressing. It’s easy to make and adds comfort and flavor to your meals.

This article will show you how to make an easy chicken dressing recipe. It’s perfect for your family’s favorite dishes. Whether for holidays or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will be a hit!

Key Takeaways

• This classic chicken dressing recipe is easy to follow, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Prepare a dish that combines comfort and flavor, suitable for both holidays and weeknight dinners.
• Utilize simple, everyday ingredients for a heartwarming meal.
• Explore optional ingredients to customize your chicken dressing to your taste.
• Learn valuable tips for making, storing, and reheating chicken dressing.

Introduction: What is Chicken Dressing?

Chicken dressing is a warm, traditional dish loved by many, mainly in the Southern United States. It’s a key part of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other family gatherings. This dish brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to every table.

Its recipe is popular for making a moist and flavorful dish. People of all ages can enjoy this dish.

Unlike stuffing, which is cooked inside a bird, chicken dressing is made separately. It’s baked in a casserole dish. This way, it gets a golden-brown crust with a mix of textures and flavors.

The main parts of chicken dressing are crumbled cornbread, sautéed veggies, hard-boiled eggs, and shredded chicken. Each part is important for making this tasty dish. It can be a main course or a delicious side dish.

This chicken dressing recipe is a favorite at family feasts and holiday meals. The mix of savory ingredients offers comfort and warmth. It creates lasting memories at the dinner table. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to Southern dishes, making traditional chicken dressing is a great skill to learn.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Dressing Recipe

Making a tasty chicken dressing needs a mix of key and extra ingredients. Here’s a full list to make your dish both rich and delicious:

Main Ingredients

1. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2. 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
3. 1 cup celery, chopped
4. ½ cup green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 recipe Classic Southern Buttermilk Cornbread, 1-2 days old, crumbled
7. 5 slices stale white sandwich bread, including end pieces, cubed
8. 1 tablespoon ground sage
9. 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
10. 1 teaspoon salt
11. 1 teaspoon black pepper
12. ½ teaspoon onion powder
13. ½ teaspoon garlic powder
14. ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
15. 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
16. 3 – 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
17. 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken from 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 2 chicken breasts
18. 2 large eggs, beaten

Optional Ingredients

• 1 can cream of onion soup
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 large stalks of celery, chopped
• 4 large cloves of garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon peppercorns
• 2 ½ tablespoons low sodium chicken bouillon
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 large stalks of celery, diced
• Extra 3 ½ – 4 cups chicken broth if needed
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 3 cups buttermilk cornbread mix
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups buttermilk or milk
• ¼ cup oil
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 4 leg quarters (3-3.5 lbs)

With this detailed list, you can easily make a flavorful chicken dressing. Adjust the ingredients to fit your family’s taste. The right mix of essential and optional items is key.

Step-by-Step Chicken Dressing Recipe

Making a savory chicken dressing is easier than you think. This easy chicken dressing recipe simplifies the process. With basic ingredients and patience, you’ll create a tasty dish for any event.

Preparation

First, heat your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to avoid sticking. Then, cook and crumble a full pan of cornbread, about 6 cups. Also, crumble 4 slices of toasted sandwich bread for texture.

Next, sauté 1 medium chopped onion and 1 cup of chopped celery in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter. Add kosher salt, ground black pepper, poultry seasoning, and a 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for flavor. Let it cool before mixing with the bread.

Combining the Ingredients

In a big bowl, mix the cornbread and toasted bread crumbs. Add the sautéed vegetables and seasonings. Then, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and let it sit for 5 minutes. This step is key for the right consistency.

Beat 3 large eggs and gently mix them into the dressing. Layer half of the dressing in the baking dish. Add 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (use chicken thighs for tenderness). Spread the rest of the dressing on top. You can also add more butter slices for extra flavor.

Baking Instructions

Wrap the dish in foil and bake for 50 minutes. After that, take off the foil and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes. The top should be golden and crispy.

Let the chicken dressing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors blend and keeps it warm.

For a unique touch, add roasted hatch chiles, dried cranberries, or nuts. Or, make it vegetarian by using sautéed mushrooms and veggies. Now you can impress your guests with this easy chicken dressing recipe!

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Dressing

Making the best chicken dressing is an art. It’s all about the details. Here are some expert tips to make your delicious chicken dressing recipe stand out:

Ingredient Quality and Choices: Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Use 3 cups of buttermilk cornbread mix, like Martha White, baked at 400°F in a cast-iron skillet. This gives a rich base. Add 1 (14-ounce) bag of herb-seasoned stuffing mix for a herbaceous note.

Butter and Sautéed Vegetables: Sauté vegetables like 2 cups of sweet onion and 1 1/2 cups of celery in butter. Use 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter for tender, aromatic vegetables without greasiness.

Seasoning Balance: Seasoning is key. Add 2 teaspoons of dried sage for a warm, savory essence. A teaspoon of pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning enhance the flavor, making it irresistible.

Moisture Levels: The dressing should be moist but not soggy. Mix 5 large beaten eggs and 5 cups of chicken or turkey stock into the dry ingredients. Adjust the moisture by adding broth if needed.

Baking Techniques: Bake the dressing in a 9×13-inch casserole dish at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. For a crispy finish, bake in a cast-iron skillet at 375°F. This method gives a golden, crispy exterior and a tender interior.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the cornbread up to 2 days in advance. Bake, cool, and store it in an airtight container. This simplifies the cooking process and reduces stress.

Storing & Reheating: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven to maintain moisture and warmth.

Follow these tips for a delicious, moist chicken dressing. It will be the highlight of any meal. The love and care in your cooking will be evident in every bite!

Alternative Ingredients for a Unique Twist

Making a unique chicken dressing recipe is easy with different ingredients. Try various vegetables and breads to create a standout dish. This way, you keep the homestyle taste you love while adding a new twist.

Incorporating Vegetables

Add more veggies to your dressing for crunch and flavor. Finely chop carrots or bell peppers and mix them in. Cooked sausage or bacon can also be added for more protein and taste.

For a spicy touch, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cornbread or stuffing mix. Roasted hatch chiles or spices like garlic powder can add depth. Top with shredded cheese for a cheesy crust.

Using Different Breads

Changing the bread in your dressing can make a big difference. Sourdough adds a tangy taste, while whole grain bread is healthier. Try Italian bread soaked in orange juice or rye with pastrami and onions for a gourmet touch.

For a special touch, add dried cranberries and pecans for a seasonal flavor. Or, use sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth for a plant-based version that’s just as comforting.

Trying these unique ideas makes your chicken dressing special. It adds a delicious twist to a classic dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Making chicken dressing ahead of time saves you time on the big day. It also keeps the flavors fresh. Follow these chicken dressing storage tips to keep your dish tasty and savory.

Freezing Instructions

You can make chicken dressing up to 24 hours before. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. For freezing, assemble without baking and store in an airtight container for 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating Tips

Reheating chicken dressing is simple with the right methods. For a full casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. For individual servings, the microwave works well—heat for 1 minute.

With these chicken dressing storage tips, you can enjoy the event more. Your dish will be a hit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking a perfect chicken dressing is rewarding, but there are mistakes to avoid. One key tip is to not overbake the dressing. Baking it separately from the turkey helps prevent dryness.

Another mistake is underseasoning. Season well with herbs like sage and thyme. Taste before adding more salt, as broth or sausage can be salty. Use unsalted or low-sodium broth to control saltiness.

Using slightly dry bread is important. Let it rest after adding liquid to absorb the right amount of moisture. Don’t add too much liquid; the mixture should be moist but not soggy. Adjusting the liquid helps achieve your desired texture.

Cooking vegetables like onions and celery until tender is key. Under-cooked veggies can be crunchy and unpleasant. Also, avoid sweetened cornbread to keep the dish savory.

Following these guidelines will help you prevent common errors. This ensures your chicken dressing is moist, flavorful, and perfect for homestyle meals.

Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Exploring the benefits of a healthy chicken dressing, we look at its nutritional value. Ingredients like chicken, broth, and eggs are full of nutrients. They help make a diet balanced. Here’s a detailed look:

Healthy chicken dressing is high in protein, which is great for muscles. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh veggies. Greek yogurt adds even more nutrients, like bone-boosting calcium and probiotics for your gut.

For those watching their sodium, using fresh Parmesan is a smart move. It cuts down on sodium and saturated fats. Adding garlic, lemon juice, and herbs makes the dish tasty and healthy.

Whole-wheat bread croutons add fiber and grains, improving digestion and energy. Adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas boosts the protein. This makes your meal very nutritious.

By making a healthy chicken dressing, you’re creating a tasty meal that’s also good for you. This recipe is flexible, letting you make it healthier with your choices. It’s a key part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Learning to make a great chicken dressing can make your family meals even better. It adds a special touch of homemade comfort to your cooking. We’ve seen how important it is to start with the right ingredients.

Using 2 packets of cornbread mix for a 12-inch pan and 3-4 slices of stale white bread is key. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 35-45 minutes. This will give you a golden brown top that everyone loves.

Feel free to try new spices and ingredients to make it your own. You could add diced ham, cooked veggies, or different bread types. For a healthier option, use whole-grain bread, low-sodium broth, or gluten-free cornbread.

Adding fresh herbs, sautéed veggies, or cream of chicken soup can also add new flavors. This way, you can keep your dish exciting and delicious.

Remember, making it ahead and storing leftovers is easy. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Using fresh ingredients and finding the perfect balance of bread and liquid ensures a tasty dish every time.

Whether it’s for a holiday or a regular dinner, your chicken dressing will be a hit. This dish is sure to become a household favorite.

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