Delicious Homemade Chicken and Dressing Recipe

Imagine walking into your grandmother’s kitchen. The smell of buttered cornbread and savory herbs fills the air. The slow simmer of chicken broth adds to the warmth. This is the magic of homemade chicken and dressing.

It’s a dish that wraps you in comfort with every bite. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a quiet Sunday, this traditional chicken and dressing recipe turns simple ingredients into a feast. Ingredients like celery, onion, and stale bread come together to create a soul-warming dish.

Your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of roasting chicken and toasted herbs. This homemade chicken and dressing recipe serves 16, perfect for gatherings. It’s also adaptable for smaller meals.

Every ingredient, from the 1 cup of diced celery to the 2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning, adds to the dish’s moist, savory texture. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table or a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to please. This dish blends tradition with the flexibility to make it your own.

What is Chicken and Dressing?

Chicken and dressing is a beloved dish in the South. It combines roasted chicken with a cornbread-based stuffing. Known as southern chicken and dressing, it’s a hit during holidays. Families cherish their traditional chicken and dressing recipe, keeping its rich history alive.

Whether for Thanksgiving or a family gathering, this dish brings warmth and tradition. Every bite is filled with flavor and heritage.

Traditional Southern Comfort Food

This dish has deep roots in Southern kitchens. It shows the resourcefulness and tradition of the South. The key difference is how it’s prepared: stuffing is cooked inside poultry, while dressing is baked alone.

This makes the dressing a flavorful side dish, perfect with roasted meats. Cornbread is a staple, often made stale for a few days to improve texture. Families add their own twist, like pecans or cranberries, to their traditional chicken and dressing recipe.

Key Ingredients in Chicken and Dressing

A good recipe needs specific ingredients:

• Stale cornbread (aged 48–72 hours)
• Roasted chicken pieces, seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs
• Onions and celery for depth
• Chicken broth for moisture
• Seasonings like sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning

Nutritional balance is also important:

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Chicken and Dressing

Making the perfect homemade chicken and dressing begins with top-notch ingredients. Cornbread or stale bread is the foundation. Then, add savory herbs and aromatics for depth. Let’s explore what you need to make this classic dish.

Chicken Preparation

Decide between convenience or fresh prep. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful. Or, use fresh chicken thighs or breasts for your own taste. For fresh chicken, season with salt, pepper, and olive oil before roasting at 375°F for 20–30 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRkBFyjVswc

Seasoning and Flavoring

Herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary are key. Mix these with sautéed celery, onions, and butter for richness. Here’s what makes it special:

• Sauté vegetables first to release their sweetness
• Use 1–2 tablespoons of poultry seasoning per 4 cups of bread cubes
• Add 1.5 cups chicken broth for moist dressing

Pro tip: Let cornbread stale for 48–72 hours before crumbling. This makes your homemade cornbread dressing with chicken perfect. Adjust salt and pepper before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken and Dressing

Start by cooking the chicken. Then, make the dressing base. Finally, mix everything together in a casserole.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season a 5-6 pound chicken with salt and pepper. Roast it until it’s 165°F inside.

Let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, shred or chop the meat. You can also use a rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.

Preparing the Dressing Base

Mix cornbread batter with 2 cups diced celery, 2 cups chopped onion, and 1 tbsp poultry seasoning. Bake it as directed. Then, crumble the cooled cornbread into a large bowl.

Add 1½ tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp sage, and 8 slices of dried bread, finely cubed. Heat 1 tbsp butter and sauté ½ cup diced green pepper. Mix it into the base.

Stir in 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup and ½ cup broth.

Combining Chicken and Dressing

In a 9×13-inch dish, mix shredded chicken with the dressing mixture. Pour remaining broth over the top. Bake at 350°F covered for 25 minutes.

Then, uncover and bake 20 more minutes. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving. For a slow cooker version, layer ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken and Dressing

Getting the best homemade dressing for chicken begins with picking the right ingredients. Use stale bread, like cornbread or sourdough, which soaks up broth well without getting soggy. For a classic chicken and dressing dish, mix cornbread with day-old white bread. This gives a nice texture balance. Stay away from fresh bread, as it can make the dish too wet.

Choosing the Right Bread

• Sourdough: Adds tangy depth to the dressing base.
• Cornbread: Use 1 cup of homemade or boxed mix for Southern-style crunch.
• Day-old bread: Dries naturally for optimal texture in the casserole.

Moisture Control

Here’s how to keep your dressing just right:

1. Add 2 cups chicken broth slowly—stop when bread cubes are moist but not wet.
2. Bake at 350°F uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp the top.
3. Check if it’s done with a thermometer: 160°F ensures it’s safe and cooked well.

Try using cream of chicken soup instead of heavy cream if you like. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it traps steam. For a gluten-free option, use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free stuffing mix and King Arthur gluten-free bread. Adjust the broth by 1/4 cup at a time to keep it just right.

Optional Add-Ins to Enhance Flavor

Once you’ve got the basics down, think about adding extra ingredients to your homemade cornbread dressing with chicken. These extras can make your dish your own while keeping its core taste.

Vegetables to Consider

Adding sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers can give your dish a nice crunch. Shredded carrots or water chestnuts add texture, but use only ½ cup to keep things balanced. Celery and onions are the foundation, but garlic or jalapeños can add a spicy kick for those who dare.

• Mushrooms (¼ cup sautéed)
• Chopped bell peppers (½ cup)
• Carrots or water chestnuts (¼ cup)
• Finely diced jalapeños (1-2 pieces)

Unique Flavors and Spices

For a deeper flavor, try 1 tsp of smoked paprika or 1 tbsp of fresh rosemary. A tablespoon of citrus zest or 2 tbsp of crumbled bacon can add a savory twist. For a hint of sweetness, add ¼ cup of dried cranberries or apricots.

A pinch of cayenne and a drizzle of apple cider vinegar can elevate the dish without overpowering the cornbread’s natural sweetness.

Feel free to try 2 oz of cooked sausage or 2 tbsp of maple syrup. But remember, don’t add more than 10% of the dressing’s total volume. This keeps the traditional chicken and dressing recipe in check. Start with small amounts and taste as you go.

Cooking Methods: Oven vs. Slow Cooker

Decide between baking or slow cooking for the perfect easy chicken and dressing casserole. Each way has its own perks, whether you need a fast meal or a special holiday dish.

Benefits of Baking

For a traditional holiday chicken and dressing recipe, heat your oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients in a 13×9-inch dish. Bake covered for 50 minutes.

Then, remove the cover and bake for 5–10 more minutes to get a golden top. Make sure the chicken is at least 165°F for safety. A glass dish helps with even heating.

Advantages of Slow Cooking

Slow cookers are great for easy prep. Put the ingredients in a 5-quart cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. This keeps your dish warm for long events.

To add a browned top, broil it for 5 minutes after slow cooking. It’s perfect for holidays, keeping flavors rich and moist.

Try using smokers or grills for a smoky flavor. Both methods offer delicious, comforting dishes that fit your schedule.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Chicken and Dressing

When you serve your classic chicken and dressing dish, choose sides that balance its rich flavors. For the holiday chicken and dressing recipe, pick festive options that enhance the meal without taking over.

Complementary Side Dishes

• Cranberry-based sides like Aunt Zoe’s Cranberry Salad add tangy contrast.
• Green Bean Casserole or roasted vegetables provide crisp textures.
• Hawaiian Rolls or cornbread offer a hearty base for sopping up juices.

Ideal Pairings for a Full Meal

For holiday gatherings:

1. Pair with Easy Smoked Turkey or Brown Sugar Glazed Ham for a protein-rich spread.
2. Serve with mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole for warmth and sweetness.

Everyday meals work best with:

1. Simple steamed vegetables like carrots or broccoli.
2. Quick-cooking sides like coleslaw or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Pair with red wine or cider for drinks. Finish with pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. Adjust portions based on your crowd’s size!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Homemade chicken and dressing stays fresh and flavorful with proper storage. Southerners know leftovers are as important as the first meal. Follow these tips to keep your dish tasting homemade every time.

Best Storage Practices

Keep your southern chicken and dressing fresh by:

• Storing leftovers in airtight containers or wrap. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
• Freezing unbaked portions in labeled freezer bags. Frozen stuffing mix can last up to 3 months.
• Separate chicken and dressing if freezing to avoid sogginess. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How to Reheat Without Losing Moisture

Reheat baked casserole at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. For microwaved portions, cover with a damp paper towel. Add ½ cup broth if the dressing dries out.

• Oven reheating: Place in a greased pan. Add broth to the bottom for moisture.
• Microwave: Heat 30 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals.
• Freezer storage tip: Assemble unbaked in a freezer-safe dish. Add 10 minutes to baking time when thawed.

Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Homemade Chicken and Dressing

Now that you’ve mastered the steps, it’s time to savor the rewards of your kitchen efforts. Whether preparing an easy chicken and dressing casserole for a cozy weeknight or a holiday chicken and dressing recipe for Thanksgiving, this dish adapts to every occasion.

Share and Celebrate with Family

This classic dish thrives when shared. Gather loved ones to help chop vegetables or mix ingredients—a tradition that turns cooking into a cherished memory. Serve it with giblet gravy and cornbread, as seen in Southern Living’s 11 cornbread dressing variations, or pair with sides like green beans. Its 400°F baking process ensures a golden crust, perfect for holiday tables.

Customize for Every Taste

Adjust the base recipe to suit any palate. Use Jiffy mix for a sweeter option or fresh sage for depth. For a gluten-free version, swap bread with gluten-free cornbread. The 6-cup broth ratio keeps it moist, while optional herbs or spicy elements add flair. Leftovers? Refrigerate overnight for richer flavor, then reheat in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.