Cornbread Chicken Dressing Recipe

Savory Cornbread Chicken Dressing Recipe: Homemade Comfort Joy

Southern kitchens buzz with anticipation when cornbread chicken dressing arrives on the table during holiday gatherings.

Grandmothers across Alabama know this classic side dish demands careful preparation and love.

Comfort meets tradition in every savory bite of this hearty recipe.

Generations have passed down secrets for creating the most delectable blend of crumbled cornbread and tender chicken.

Layers of herbs and seasonings weave through each forkful, promising a rich culinary experience.

Memories of family dinners dance in this simple yet remarkable dish.

FAQs About Cornbread Chicken Dressing

  • What makes the cornbread essential in this dressing?

Cornbread provides a unique southern texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor that gives the dressing its distinctive base and crumbly consistency.

  • Can I use pre-made cornbread from the store?

Yes, store-bought cornbread works perfectly, but homemade cornbread will give a more authentic and fresher taste to the dressing.

  • Is this dressing similar to traditional stuffing?

While similar, this is a southern-style dressing that uses cornbread instead of regular bread, creating a more robust and flavorful dish with a different texture.

  • How can I ensure my dressing isn't dry?

Adding chicken broth and cream of chicken soup helps keep the dressing moist and prevents it from becoming too crumbly or hard during baking.

Why Cornbread Chicken Dressing Is a Classic Favorite

  • Comfort Food Champion: This dressing brings together classic Southern flavors in one hearty, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Quick Kitchen Hero: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Magic: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or potlucks where you want to impress everyone with a traditional, mouth-watering side dish that disappears quickly from the table.
  • Adaptable Culinary Delight: Easily customizable with optional herbs or additional vegetables, allowing home cooks to put their personal spin on this classic recipe while keeping the core comfort food appeal intact.

Ingredients Needed for Cornbread Chicken Dressing

Main Ingredients:
  • Cornbread: A classic Southern base that provides a rich, crumbly texture and subtle sweet flavor to the dressing.
  • Chicken: Adds protein and hearty flavor to make the dish more substantial and satisfying.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Celery, Onion: These vegetables contribute a savory depth and provide a fresh, crisp background to the dressing.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy, binding consistency that helps hold the dressing together.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall chicken flavor of the dish.
  • Sage: A traditional herb that brings a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery note to the classic dressing.

How to Make Cornbread Chicken Dressing From Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This creates the perfect environment for baking your delicious dressing.

Step 2: Crumble and Combine

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and start breaking down your cornbread into delightful crumbly pieces. Add these tasty ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Finely chopped celery
  • Diced onion
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Rich chicken broth
  • Fragrant sage

Mix everything together until the ingredients are beautifully blended and each bite promises a burst of flavor.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Transfer your magical mixture into a well-greased baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Allow the dressing to bake for approximately 30 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and listen for the sizzle that signals it’s heated through completely. The aroma will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dressing from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and watch as everyone at the table gets excited about this comforting, homemade dish.

Pro Tips for Moist and Flavorful Cornbread Chicken Dressing

  • Crumble cornbread into small, uniform pieces to ensure even texture and consistent flavor throughout the dressing.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein boost that adds extra richness and saves preparation time.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of aromatic flavor that complements the sage.
  • Allow the dressing to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Variations to Customize Cornbread Chicken Dressing

  • Herb Infusion Dressing: Replace sage with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic and vibrant herb profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Chicken Dressing: Add diced jalapeños, Cajun seasoning, and andouille sausage for a zesty, southern-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Inspired Dressing: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Mushroom and Wild Rice Dressing: Mix in sautéed wild mushrooms and cooked wild rice for an earthy, hearty alternative.

Ideal Pairings for Cornbread Chicken Dressing

  • Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the rich, savory flavors of the cornbread chicken dressing. These wines cut through the dish's hearty texture while enhancing its herbal sage notes.
  • Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the dense, comforting dressing. The fresh acidity will refresh the palate between bites.
  • Match with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash as a colorful side that adds nutrition and complements the dressing's warm, rustic flavors. The caramelized edges of the vegetables will echo the golden top of the dish.

How to Store Cornbread Chicken Dressing Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled dressing to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Spread dressing in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture.
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Cornbread Chicken Dressing Recipe

Cornbread Chicken Dressing Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty Cornbread Chicken Dressing, blending rustic flavors with homestyle charm. Savory herbs, tender chicken, and crumbled cornbread create a soul-satisfying side you’ll crave at every gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Bread Base:

  • 4 cups cornbread, crumbled

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon sage

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Crumble the cornbread into fine, uniform pieces to ensure a consistent texture throughout the dressing.
  2. Sauté the chopped celery and onion in a skillet until they become translucent and release their aromatic flavors, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
  3. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain for even distribution.
  4. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold together the crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and shredded chicken, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.
  5. Pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the ingredients without overmixing.
  6. Sprinkle dried sage across the mixture, distributing the herb evenly to infuse a subtle, earthy flavor throughout the dressing.
  7. Transfer the prepared mixture into a generously greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote consistent cooking.
  8. Bake at 375F (190C) for approximately 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and ensuring the interior is thoroughly heated.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the dressing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to set.

Notes

  • Toast cornbread cubes lightly before mixing for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Swap chicken for turkey to make a classic Thanksgiving-style dressing that works perfectly with holiday meals.
  • Add chopped herbs like fresh thyme or parsley for a brighter, more complex taste profile.
  • For gluten-free version, use gluten-free cornbread and cream of chicken soup alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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