Cornbread Dressing With Chicken: A Southern Comfort Classic

Cornbread Dressing With Chicken: A Southern Comfort Classic

BySophia Carter

Cornbread dressing is more than just a dish; it’s a Southern tradition steeped in history and flavor. Loved across generations, it is often found gracing the holiday tables of families throughout the South. However, adding chicken to this beloved side elevates it to a hearty centerpiece worthy of any occasion.

Today, we’re serving up two incredible cornbread dressing with chicken recipes for you to try. Whether you’re drawn to a classic, wholesome preparation or want to explore a spicy-cheesy twist, this blog post has you covered. Get ready to master the art of comforting Southern cooking with these recipes!

Classic Cornbread Dressing With Chicken

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Ingredients:

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need for this classic recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing out that traditional, savory flavor.

  • For the cornbread:

2 cups cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar (optional)

2 large eggs

2 cups buttermilk

½ cup melted butter

  • For the dressing:

4 cups crumbled cornbread

2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken (use rotisserie chicken for convenience!)

1 cup diced onion

1 cup diced celery

2 cups chicken broth

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons sage (dried or fresh)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the cornbread:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the dry ingredients—cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar—in a bowl. Separately, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients and pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool before crumbling.

2. Prepare the dressing mix:

Sauté onion and celery in a pan until softened. Combine crumbled cornbread, cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and sage in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure even distribution while keeping the texture light.

3. Bake the dressing:

Transfer the mix to a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top. Serve warm!

Cooking Tips:

  • Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor.
  • Leftover bread can be mixed in with the cornbread to enhance texture.
  • For an added layer of flavor, toss in a handful of chopped parsley.

Nutritional Benefits:

This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to the protein-packed chicken and wholesome cornbread. Perfect for a balanced meal!

Spicy-Cheesy Cornbread Dressing Stuffed Chicken

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If you’re craving something with a bold, modern twist, this Spicy-Cheesy Cornbread Dressing Stuffed Chicken is the answer. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and will have your guests asking for second helpings.

Ingredients:

  • For the stuffing:

4 cups crumbled cornbread

1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

½ cup chopped jalapeños (adjust for spice tolerance)

1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken

1 cup sautéed onions and bell peppers

1½ cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

  • For the chicken:

6 large boneless, skin-on chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Make the stuffing:

Combine crumbled cornbread, chicken, sautéed veggies, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and seasonings in a bowl. Slowly add chicken broth while mixing until the stuffing holds together but isn’t too wet.

2. Prepare and stuff the chicken breasts:

Cut a pocket into the thickest part of each breast. Spoon in the spicy cornbread stuffing, using toothpicks to secure the edges if needed.

3. Bake the chicken:

Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).

4. Serve with flair:

Slice the chicken breasts to showcase the beautiful stuffing and serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Modifications:

  • Swap pepper jack cheese with cheddar for a milder taste.
  • Add cooked bacon or sausage for a Southern touch.
  • Prefer little-to-no heat? Skip the jalapeños and chili powder.

Benefits of Using Chicken in Cornbread Dressing

Chicken does more than add protein—it elevates the texture and flavor of your dish. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1. Better texture:

Chicken enhances the fluffiness of the dressing, while its tender meat provides a satisfying contrast to the soft cornbread.

2. Rich, savory flavor:

Chicken, when cooked to perfection, complements the cornbread’s slightly sweet and earthy notes, creating a well-rounded dish.

3. Versatility for any occasion:

Whether you’re hosting a Sunday family dinner or a holiday feast, adding chicken turns your cornbread dressing into a filling main course that suits every occasion.

Try These Tasty Recipes Today

From the hearty, nostalgic appeal of the classic cornbread dressing to the audacious spiciness of the cheesy stuffed chicken, these recipes are a must-try for any home cook. Whip them up for your next gathering or experiment in your free time—you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried these recipes, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Snap a picture, tag us on social media, and share your creations with our food-loving community.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our blog for a collection of delicious Southern recipes to add to your arsenal. Happy cooking, and cheers to discovering (or rediscovering) the joy of cornbread dressing with chicken!

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