This Southern style Chicken and Dressing Recipe is the ideal comfort meal, comprising soft shredded chicken, buttery cornbread dressing, and a blend of delicious herbs. It’s juicy, savory, and wonderfully golden on top perfect for family get-togethers, holiday feasts, or a late-night dinner. Present it warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or melted butter drizzling; see how quickly it disappears!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple Southern Comfort : Pure comfort food savory, buttery, and bursting with homestyle taste this dish is simple.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Made ahead of time for hectic days and prepared quickly.
- Perfectly Moist and Flavorful : The chicken broth, butter, and eggs remain tender and rich under a crispy golden top.
- Perfect for Holidays & Potlucks : Crowd-pleasers that go wonderfully with roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or gravy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Dressing Casserole:
- Chicken : Cooking and shredding tender, juicy chicken provides the ideal protein base.
- Cornbread or Stuffing Mix : The basis of the dressing! Use store bought stuffing mix or homemade cornbread.
- Onion and Celery : Brings traditional flavorful depth and texture.
- Garlic : Improves the dish with its aromatic, warm taste.
Binding and Moisture:
- Unsalted Butter (Melted) : Brings richness and buttery flavor.
- Chicken Broth : Keeps the dressing tasty and moist.
- Beaten Eggs : Helps the dish hold together.
- Milk (Optional) : Gives extra creaminess for a very wet texture.
Herbs and Seasonings:
- Dried Sage : Essential for that traditional Southern dressing taste.
- Dried Thyme : Accentuates earthy warmth and depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper : Balances and accentuates the taste.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
Creating Dressing Casserole and Chicken
Step 1: Get Ready and Preheat
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- To help a 9×13-inch baking dish not stick, grease it.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced celery.
- Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring now and then until tender and aromatic.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing Base
In a large mixing bowl, toss together:
- Stuffing mix or shredded cornbread
- Sautéed celery, onion, and garlic
- Shredded chicken
- Sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper
Toss everything until fully mixed.
Step 4: Moisten and Bind the Mixture
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Chicken broth
- Beaten eggs
- Milk (if using)
- Pour the mixture over the chicken-mixed cornbread.
- Stir until completely mixed and moist throughout.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Evenly distribute the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, covering with foil.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the top is gently crispy and golden brown.
Step 6: Present and Savor!
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Present heated alongside gravy, cranberry sauce, or a drizzle of melted butter!
Easy Advice for the Perfect Dressing Casserole
- ✔ Use Day-Old Cornbread : Drier cornbread absorbs the broth more effectively, giving the casserole a fluffy but solid structure.
- ✔ Change the Moisture Level : Add more broth or milk if you want your dressing more moist.
- ✔ Shred the Chicken Finely : Ensures that every bite has the right combination of flavors.
- ✔ Avoid Overbaking : Baking too long can dry out the dressing. Remove once the top is golden brown and soft inside.
👉 Looking for another take on classic cornbread based dishes? Check out this Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe for a flavorful alternative!
Serving
This chicken and dressing dish goes especially well with:
- Turkey Gravy or Chicken Gravy : The rich, savory addition elevates the dish.
- Cranberry Sauce : The sweet-tart contrast balances the salty dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables : Try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
- Mashed Potatoes : Two comfort foods are better than one!
Make Ahead and Storage
Leftover Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the Oven: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F until thoroughly heated.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally.
Freezing
- Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as indicated when ready.
- Let cool fully before freezing in portions for easy reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! For extra flavor and simplicity, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Exactly! Assemble everything a day ahead, cover, and chill overnight. Bake just before serving.
Can I use stuffing mix instead of cornbread?
Certainly! While cornbread delivers that real Southern taste, stuffing mix works great.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Just omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
Herby, buttery, and bursting with Southern flavor, this Savory Chicken and Dressing Casserole is a warm, comforting favorite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner, Sunday supper, or meal prep, this dish will satisfy every craving.
Grab a dish and savor every bite of goodness! 🍗🍞✨
Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Savory Southern-Style Chicken and Cornbread Dressing with a Buttery Herb Finish. A comforting, classic dish perfect for family gatherings!
Share with WhatsApp
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- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread or your favorite stuffing mix
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tsp dried sage or 2 tsp fresh
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup milk for extra moisture, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, and garlic in melted butter over medium heat until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, sautéed veggies, shredded chicken, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together chicken broth, eggs, and milk (if using). Pour over the cornbread mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 more minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with gravy, cranberry sauce, or a drizzle of butter!
Notes
This casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken or Thanksgiving turkey. Customize with additional herbs or mix-ins like mushrooms or pecans!