Last updated on October 26th, 2024 at 11:44 am
As autumn arrives, my heart longs for warm, comforting meals. Chicken and Cornbread Dressing brings back fond memories of family gatherings. This Southern recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a dish that warms the soul.
The smell of this dressing baking in the oven was a sign of a special meal. It could be a Sunday dinner or the main dish at Thanksgiving. The mix of chicken, cornbread, and spices is both comforting and irresistible.
Key Takeaways
- Easy to make chicken and cornbread dressing recipe
- Traditional Southern comfort food dish perfect for holidays and gatherings
- A flexible recipe that can be tailored with extra ingredients
- Delicious when served with gravy and other classic accompaniments
- Can be made in advance and frozen for later use
What is Chicken and Cornbread Dressing?
Chicken and cornbread dressing is a favorite in the South. It mixes tender chicken with a tasty cornbread stuffing. This dish is a big hit at Thanksgiving and holidays, offering a tasty change from usual bread stuffing.
The Difference Between Dressing and Stuffing
Stuffing and dressing differ mainly in how they’re cooked. Stuffing goes inside the turkey, while dressing is baked in a dish. In the South, dressings often use cornbread, while the North prefers bread. Chicken is a common addition to cornbread dressing for extra flavor and texture.
| Dressing | Stuffing |
|---|---|
| Baked in a dish | Cooked inside the turkey or other poultry |
| Often cornbread-based in the South | Typically bread-based in the North |
| Frequently includes chicken | Chicken not as common |
Whether you like cornbread stuffing or chicken and dressing, both are tasty sides for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken and Cornbread Dressing
Making the perfect chicken and cornbread dressing is all about the ingredients. This traditional recipe mixes savory elements into a comfort food favorite.
The main ingredients are:
- Cornbread (either homemade or store-bought)
- Cooked chicken (such as rotisserie or shredded chicken)
- Celery
- Onions
- Eggs
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Seasonings like sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper
Some recipes add stale white bread or croutons for a savory bread pudding texture.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cornbread stuffing mix | 1 (14 ounce) package |
| Melted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced | 2 lbs. |
| Condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted | 1 (10.5 ounce) can |
| Condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted | 1 (10.5 ounce) can |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
With these cornbread stuffing and chicken dressing recipe ingredients, you can make a delicious traditional recipe. It’s sure to become a household favorite in no time.
Preparing the Cornbread
To get the best taste and texture in your cornbread stuffing, use day-old or stale cornbread. Fresh cornbread can make the dressing too wet and soggy. This leads to a mushy texture that’s not good.
You can bake the cornbread a day ahead and let it cool overnight. Or, bake it until it’s very dry and crumbly on purpose.
Using Day-Old or Stale Cornbread
Crumb the day-old cornbread into small pieces. This helps it soak up the broth and other ingredients better. It makes your cornbread dressing have a savory bread pudding-like texture.
“The key to great cornbread dressing is using stale or day-old cornbread. This allows the bread to soak up all the delicious flavors without getting soggy.”
By preparing your cornbread right, your chicken and cornbread dressing will be moist, flavorful, and just right. It’s perfect for a satisfying holiday dish.
Cooking the Chicken and Cornbread Dressing
Making the perfect chicken dressing recipe is about mixing flavors and textures right. Start by mixing sautéed veggies like celery, onions, and bell peppers into crumbled cornbread. Then, add cooked, shredded comfort food favorites chicken, eggs, broth, and seasonings.
Put the savory bread pudding mix in a baking dish, with chicken in the middle. Bake covered or uncovered, depending on your preference. For a golden top, bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rotisserie chicken, cooked and shredded | 3-4 cups |
| Cornbread mix | 2 boxes |
| Eggs | 5 |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Celery, diced | 2 cups |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1/2 medium |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 medium |
| Orange bell pepper, diced | 1 medium |
| Unsalted chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Cream of chicken with herbs soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| Cream of celery soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
| Unsalted butter | 1 stick |
| Seasonings (all-purpose, rotisserie chicken, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, sage) | To taste |
To make the chicken dressing recipe, preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the cornbread mix for 25-35 minutes until it’s golden. Sauté the veggies for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft. Then, assemble the dressing in a dish and bake for 45-50 minutes. Uncover for the last 20 minutes for a crispy top.
chicken and cornbread dressing
Chicken and cornbread dressing is a beloved dish in the American South. It’s a savory bread pudding with moist cornbread, tender chicken, and aromatic vegetables. This casserole is ideal for sharing with loved ones.
The recipe makes 10 to 12 servings and bakes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. It uses 4 cups of broth and 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. The dressing includes 1 pan of cornbread, 4 slices of toasted bread, and 1/2 cup of butter.
To add flavor, the dressing has 1 medium onion and 1 cup of chopped celery. It also has kosher salt, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning. Three large beaten eggs help bind the ingredients.
The gravy needs 1/2 cup of fat and 1/2 cup of flour. It’s mixed with 2 cups of chicken or turkey stock. You can make the dressing creamier by using condensed cream soup.
Chicken and cornbread dressing is a classic Southern dish, especially at holidays. It’s also great for weeknight dinners or Sunday supper. You can customize it to your liking, making it a favorite in your home.
Serving Suggestions
No Thanksgiving or holiday meal is complete without chicken and cornbread dressing. This southern cuisine staple is a must-have for your holiday meals and comfort food favorites.
Gravy and Other Accompaniments
Serving the dressing with a rich, flavorful gravy is key. You can pour it over the top or offer it on the side. This lets your guests customize their servings. Other great sides include:
- Green beans
- Cranberry sauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Rolls or biscuits
For a fuller meal, the dressing can be the main dish. Pair it with thanksgiving side dishes and a fresh salad.
“The mix of savory chicken, cornbread, and rich gravy is the ultimate comfort food during holidays.”
Chicken and cornbread dressing will be the highlight of your holiday meal. It’s a traditional recipe you’ll love for years.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Options
Preparing holiday meals and comfort food favorites like easy old-fashioned chicken dressing in advance is a big help. This traditional recipe for chicken and cornbread dressing is great for making ahead and freezing.
The unbaked dressing can stay in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Just put it together, cover it, and refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake. Then, bake it and enjoy the fresh smell and taste.
Baked dressing can also be frozen for months, adding extra broth to keep it moist. This makes it easy to prepare the dressing ahead of time. It’s perfect for your holiday meals or any time you want to serve this comfort food favorite.
The recipe makes 16 servings and takes 2 hours and 20 minutes to prepare. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. This is a big help for busy cooks.
To reheat the frozen dressing, bake it at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. This way, you can enjoy the tasty flavors of this traditional recipe without the stress of making it on the day of your holiday meal.
Freezing dishes like this chicken and cornbread dressing in advance is a smart move. It saves time and makes planning your holiday meal easier. Whether you’re hosting a big event or just want to enjoy this comfort food favorite on a regular night, these options make it easy.
Variations and Adaptations
The classic chicken and cornbread dressing is a tasty favorite. But, you can make it your own with different stuffing alternatives and cornbread stuffing twists. Add your special touch to this beloved dish.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For a vegetarian or vegan option, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Leave out the chicken. You can add sautéed mushrooms, diced carrots, or other veggies for more taste and texture.
Protein-Packed Variations
- Add cooked sausage or seafood like shrimp or crab for a protein-rich chicken dressing recipe.
- Blend cornbread with cubed bread or stuffing mix for a fuller southern chicken dressing.
Flavor Boosters
Try new herbs and spices to make your traditional recipes even better. Add minced garlic, fresh thyme, or a bit of nutmeg for a unique aroma.
“The key to a delicious chicken and cornbread dressing is finding the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With a little creativity, you can turn this classic dish into a masterpiece that reflects your personal taste.”
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. Let your creativity shine and discover new variations and adaptations. Turn your chicken dressing recipe into a family favorite.
Conclusion
Chicken and cornbread dressing is a favorite in southern cuisine. It mixes homemade cornbread, tender chicken, and veggies. This recipe is great for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or when you want classic comfort food.
This dish is simple to prepare and can be made in advance. It’s a hearty Thanksgiving side dish that everyone will love. It’s perfect for big gatherings or cozy meals at home, bringing the taste of the southern cuisine to your table.
So, get your ingredients ready, preheat your oven, and enjoy this tasty chicken and cornbread dressing. It’s a comforting dish that will be a hit with your family for years.
FAQ
What is the difference between dressing and stuffing?
Stuffing is when you fill a bird, like a turkey, with the dish and cook it. Dressing, on the other hand, is made outside the bird. Northern recipes often use white bread, while Southern recipes use cornbread.
What are the key ingredients in chicken and cornbread dressing?
Chicken and cornbread dressing needs cornbread, cooked chicken, celery, onions, eggs, and butter. You’ll also need chicken broth and seasonings like sage and salt. Some recipes add stale white bread or croutons.
Why is it important to use day-old or stale cornbread?
Day-old cornbread gives the dressing a better texture. Fresh cornbread makes it too wet. You can bake cornbread a day early or make it extra dry. Then, crumble it to mix well with broth and other ingredients.
How do you assemble and cook the chicken and cornbread dressing?
Mix sautéed veggies, chicken, eggs, broth, and seasonings with crumbled cornbread. Layer it in a dish with chicken in the middle. Bake until it’s golden on top. You can cover it for a moist or uncover for a crispy texture.
What are some popular accompaniments for chicken and cornbread dressing?
Serve it with rich gravy, over the top or on the side. It goes well with green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and rolls. It’s also great with roasted turkey, ham, or other holiday meats.
Can chicken and cornbread dressing be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead. Assemble the uncooked dressing and refrigerate until baking. Or bake it early and reheat. Unbaked dressing can be refrigerated for 2 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Baked dressing freezes for months, adding broth to keep it moist.
Are there any variations or adaptations for chicken and cornbread dressing?
You can customize the recipe to your liking. Try adding mushrooms or carrots, or use different breads. You can also add sausage or seafood. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the chicken.
