Savory Southern Cornbread and Chicken Dressing
Elevate your holiday feast with this Savory Southern Cornbread and Chicken Dressing, a quintessential comfort food that brings together the rich flavors of homemade cornbread, tender chicken, and aromatic vegetables. Perfectly seasoned with traditional spices and bound together with creamy goodness, this dish is a celebration of Southern cooking. Serve it as a delightful side dish for your festive gatherings, or enjoy it as a hearty main dish any time of the year. Your family and friends will love the warm, inviting taste of this classic recipe!
N/A
Servings
280
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
4 lbs (cleaned and trimmed)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
onions
2 cups (chopped)
celery
2 cups (chopped)
cornbread
7 cups (crumbled)
chicken broth
4 1/2 cups (reserved from cooked chicken)
biscuits
2 cups (crumbled)
cream of chicken soup
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
eggs
3 (lightly beaten)
poultry seasoning
1 tablespoon (dried)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the whole chicken into a large Dutch oven. Cover it with water, ensuring it's fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the chicken to cook for about 45 minutes or until it's fork-tender.
2
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Reserve the broth for later use. Once cooled, debone the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing for about 6 minutes or until they are tender and fragrant.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish and set it aside.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions and celery, crumbled cornbread, crumbled biscuits, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, lightly beaten eggs, poultry seasoning, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
6
Transfer the dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the dressing is set and starts to turn golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
30g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Cornbread and Chicken Dressing?
It is a classic Southern comfort food that combines homemade cornbread, tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and traditional spices into a savory baked dish.
What size chicken should I use for this recipe?
A 4 lb whole chicken that has been cleaned and trimmed is recommended.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be simmered in a Dutch oven for approximately 45 minutes or until it is fork-tender.
Can I use the broth from the cooked chicken?
Yes, you should reserve 4 1/2 cups of the chicken broth from the pot to use in the dressing mixture.
How do I prepare the chicken after it is cooked?
Once cooled, debone the chicken and discard the skin and bones, then cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
How long should I sauté the onions and celery?
Sauté the chopped onions and celery in butter for about 6 minutes or until they are tender and fragrant.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dressing.
What size baking dish is needed?
A lightly greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How much cornbread is required?
The recipe calls for 7 cups of crumbled cornbread.
Why are biscuits included in the ingredients?
Crumbled biscuits (2 cups) are used alongside the cornbread to add texture and help bind the dressing.
What type of soup is used in this recipe?
One 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of chicken soup is used to add creaminess and flavor.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 3 lightly beaten eggs to help set the dressing.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of dried poultry seasoning and 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
How long does the dressing need to bake?
Bake the dressing uncovered for 1 hour, or until it is set and the top starts to turn golden brown.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, while it is a classic side dish, the inclusion of chicken makes it hearty enough to be served as a main dish.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14g of fat per serving of this dressing.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
One serving contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the dressing?
There is 8g of protein per serving.
Is this a good recipe for Thanksgiving?
Yes, this is a quintessential holiday feast recipe and a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.
Should the dressing be covered while baking?
No, the instructions specify baking it uncovered to achieve a golden brown top.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While 1/2 cup of butter is recommended for the best flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute.
How much onion and celery should I chop?
You will need 2 cups of chopped onions and 2 cups of chopped celery.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate it before baking, or reheat portions after it has been cooked.
Is the chicken broth canned or homemade?
The recipe uses the fresh broth reserved from cooking the whole chicken.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include southern, cornbread dressing, comfort food, Thanksgiving, and holiday recipe.
How do I know when the dressing is done?
The dressing is done when the mixture is set and the top has reached a golden brown color.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dressing?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked dressing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What gives this dressing its Southern identity?
The combination of cornbread, biscuits, poultry seasoning, and the method of using a whole chicken and its broth defines its Southern character.