Southern Chicken and Dressing – Easy, Moist, and Flavorful

Southern Chicken and Dressing is the kind of comfort food that makes your kitchen smell like Sunday supper at Grandma’s house. This old-fashioned favorite brings together cornbread, tender chicken, and classic Southern seasonings in a dish that’s savory, moist, and downright heartwarming. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just craving a cozy meal, this Southern Chicken and Dressing recipe delivers those nostalgic flavors we all love—without hours of fuss. It’s simple, soul-satisfying, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Table of Contents

What is Southern Chicken and Dressing?

Southern Chicken and Dressing is a traditional comfort dish made with crumbled cornbread, shredded chicken, and a flavorful mix of onions, celery, and savory spices. Think of it as stuffing’s Southern cousin—heartier, creamier, and with a rich, buttery finish. It’s often served at holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but truly, it deserves a spot on your dinner table year-round. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you can make it ahead, bake it fresh, or even freeze it for later without losing its home-cooked charm.

Reasons to Try Southern Chicken and Dressing

There’s a reason this recipe’s been passed down through generations. Southern Chicken and Dressing hits every note of comfort: buttery, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s also incredibly forgiving—you can use rotisserie chicken for a quick fix or simmer your own bird for a deeper flavor. Plus, this dish pairs beautifully with other classics like green beans, mashed potatoes, or even Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar. It’s not just food—it’s a Southern hug in casserole form.

Ingredients Needed to Make Southern Chicken and Dressing

Let’s talk about what makes this Southern Chicken and Dressing so downright irresistible — it’s all in the ingredients. Each piece plays a role in building that classic, savory flavor that fills your kitchen with nostalgia. Here’s what you’ll need (and a few tips to make it shine):

1. Cornbread (12-inch pan, about two mixes)
Start with a hearty base of golden cornbread. You can whip up your favorite homemade version, or take a shortcut with a mix like Jiffy. The key is to let it cool completely before crumbling — warm cornbread tends to get gummy. Cornbread is the soul of every Southern Chicken and Dressing, giving it that rustic, slightly sweet depth we all love. If you’ve got leftover cornbread from another meal (like a batch from Roasted Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar), this is the perfect time to use it.

2. Celery – about one cup, diced fine
Celery adds a subtle crunch and that old-fashioned, herby aroma that makes this dish taste like the holidays. Dice it small enough so it melts right into your cornbread mixture without overpowering the texture.

3. One medium yellow onion, diced
No Southern kitchen would dare skip onion. It brings a natural sweetness once baked and gives your dressing that cozy, homey smell that says, “Dinner’s ready!” A yellow onion is perfect here for balance, but if you prefer a stronger flavor, a white onion will do just fine.

4. Three to four slices of stale white bread
Here’s a little secret: a few pieces of day-old bread help hold everything together. It adds softness and keeps the dressing from becoming too dense. Use the heel ends if you’ve got them — waste not, want not. Some cooks even swear by adding a slice or two from a good country loaf for extra body.

5. Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning
This is where the magic happens. Use about two teaspoons of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and two teaspoons of poultry seasoning. Poultry seasoning usually has sage, thyme, and a touch of marjoram — that Southern trio that gives dressing its classic flavor. Want to make it extra special? Add a pinch of ground sage for that Thanksgiving-style fragrance that’ll have everyone peeking into the oven.

6. Six large eggs, beaten
Eggs are the glue that holds your Southern Chicken and Dressing together. They make it rich, moist, and firm enough to slice beautifully. Always beat them well before adding so they mix smoothly through the crumbs and chicken.

7. One stick of melted butter
Butter is non-negotiable. It adds richness, moisture, and that golden crust around the edges. Pour it in melted, and you’ll see your dressing bake up perfectly tender inside but crispy on top — just the way Grandma used to make it.

8. Two cups of chicken broth (plus more if needed)
The broth is your flavor lifeline. It keeps everything juicy and ties together the cornbread, chicken, and seasonings. If you have time, use homemade broth from your chicken — the difference is astonishing. If you’re using store-bought, low-sodium is best so you can control the salt. Want to make a pot of broth to keep on hand? Try pairing it with cozy recipes like Mediterranean Chicken Soup or Healthy Chicken Cauliflower Rice Casserole; both start with a similar flavorful base.

9. One small chicken, cooked and shredded (rotisserie works great)
You can’t have Southern Chicken and Dressing without, well, chicken! Rotisserie chicken is a weeknight lifesaver — juicy, tender, and ready to go. But if you prefer, simmer a whole chicken with onion, celery, and a pinch of salt for that classic homemade touch. Once it’s cooked, shred it finely so every bite has a bit of meat. White and dark meat both work beautifully here.

10. Optional add-ins for your own twist:

• A sprinkle of fresh sage or parsley for brightness
• A spoonful of cream of chicken soup for extra creaminess
• A handful of diced boiled eggs if your family likes it “old-school” style

By the time you’ve gathered all these, you’ll notice something special — your kitchen already smells like the South. Every ingredient in this Southern Chicken and Dressing recipe works together to create that signature moist, savory, buttery bite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re looking for another Southern-inspired pairing, try serving it alongside a cozy bowl of Pumpkin Sage Bisque or a hearty Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili — they’re both perfect fall companions for this timeless dish.

Instructions to Make Southern Chicken and Dressing

Alright, grab your apron and let’s turn simple ingredients into pure Southern comfort. Making Southern Chicken and Dressing isn’t complicated — it just takes a little patience, love, and the right order of steps. Follow this guide, and you’ll have a dish that’s rich, savory, and perfectly golden every single time.

Step 1: Bake Your Cornbread Base

The secret to great Southern Chicken and Dressing begins with the cornbread.
Preheat your oven to 400°F and mix your cornbread batter according to your favorite recipe or the box instructions. (No shame in using Jiffy — it’s a Southern staple!) Before baking, stir in your diced onion and celery right into the batter. This trick infuses every crumb with flavor and saves you the extra step of sautéing.

Pour the batter into a 12-inch cast iron skillet or baking dish, and bake until golden and firm, about 20–25 minutes. When it’s done, your kitchen will already smell like Thanksgiving. Set the pan aside and let the cornbread cool completely — this is important because warm cornbread will turn your dressing mushy.

Tip: If you’re planning a cozy fall meal, bake an extra pan and serve it alongside Roasted Acorn Squash Soup for the perfect Southern supper combo.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the cornbread cools, let’s get the chicken ready. You’ve got two great options here:

• Quick version: Use a rotisserie chicken. It’s juicy, flavorful, and saves time.
• Traditional version: Boil a small chicken (or several thighs) in salted water with onion and celery until tender, about 45 minutes. This gives you both perfectly cooked meat and homemade broth — liquid gold for your dressing.

Once your chicken’s ready, shred it into small, bite-sized pieces. Mix both white and dark meat for the best flavor balance. Set it aside and resist snacking too much — you’ll need every bit for the dressing!

Step 3: Crumble and Combine the Bread

Now that your cornbread’s cool, crumble it into a large mixing bowl using your hands. You want it fine but not dusty — think pea-sized crumbs. Then tear up your stale white bread and add it to the mix. This combo of cornbread and white bread gives your Southern Chicken and Dressing that perfect texture: fluffy but hearty.

Sprinkle in your salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning, then give everything a good toss. You can even add a pinch of sage or a bit of thyme for an aromatic kick. If you’ve ever tried my Heartwarming Hobo Casserole with Beef & Potatoes, you’ll recognize how layering flavor early makes all the difference — the same rule applies here.

Step 4: Add the Shredded Chicken

Now’s the time to fold in that shredded chicken you prepped earlier. Mix it gently through the seasoned bread crumbs until every bite has a little chicken tucked inside. This is where the dish earns its name — the blend of juicy chicken and flavorful dressing makes this truly Southern Chicken and Dressing, not just plain stuffing.

Step 5: Bind with Eggs, Butter, and Broth

Crack six large eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly. Pour them over your chicken-bread mixture. Next, add your melted butter — one whole stick — and about 1½ cups of chicken broth.
Mix everything together using your hands or a fork (Southern cooks swear hands make the best mixing tools). The mixture should be moist but not soupy. If it feels dry, add another splash of broth until it holds together nicely.

This step is key — it’s what makes Southern Chicken and Dressing stay tender on the inside but crisp at the edges once baked.

Step 6: Spoon into the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Spoon your mixture evenly into the pan and gently pat it down. Don’t press too hard — you want it airy so the dressing can breathe while baking. Pour the remaining broth evenly over the top to help form that irresistible crust.

Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid. You’re almost there — your kitchen already smells like a holiday dinner waiting to happen.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your dish into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 20 minutes uncovered.
You’ll know your Southern Chicken and Dressing is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, the edges are bubbling, and the scent is enough to make your family wander into the kitchen asking, “Is it done yet?”

If you want to make it part of a full comforting spread, pair it with Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice or a side of Roasted Winter Squash Wedges — both are warm, Southern-style companions that complement this dressing perfectly.

Step 8: Rest, Serve, and Enjoy

Once baked, let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes before scooping. This helps it set up so every serving holds together beautifully.
Serve it warm straight from the dish or with a drizzle of homemade gravy on top. For a holiday twist, add a dollop of cranberry sauce — that sweet-tart combo is pure Southern bliss.

And there you have it — a big, bubbling pan of Southern Chicken and Dressing, golden on top, tender in the middle, and loaded with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, whether it’s Thanksgiving Day or just a chilly Tuesday night when you need a little comfort food magic.

Pro Tip: If you’d like to plan ahead, you can assemble this the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh before serving. And if you’re in full-on comfort food mode, serve it alongside my Pumpkin French Toast Casserole for a complete Southern brunch spread worth waking up early for.

What to Serve with Southern Chicken and Dressing

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but it shines even brighter with sides like Roasted Winter Squash Wedges or a creamy Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili. Add a drizzle of gravy, a side of cranberry sauce, and maybe some buttered rolls for good measure. For dessert, a warm slice of Pumpkin Crunch Cake seals the deal.

Key Tips for Making Southern Chicken and Dressing

1. Use day-old cornbread. Fresh cornbread can turn mushy—slightly dry crumbs soak up broth better.
2. Taste your broth. If it’s store-bought, choose low-sodium so your dressing doesn’t get too salty.
3. Go easy on the eggs. Six eggs make it moist and rich, but if you like firmer dressing, cut back to five.
4. Rest before serving. Let it sit for 10 minutes before scooping so the flavors can settle.
5. Add personal flair. Toss in fresh sage, diced boiled eggs, or even a touch of cream of chicken soup if that’s your family’s twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Southern Chicken and Dressing

You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed. For cooked leftovers, splash in a bit of chicken broth before reheating in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes. This keeps it moist and tender—no dry dressing disasters here.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

2. Can I use boxed cornbread mix?
Absolutely. Jiffy mix works perfectly and keeps things simple.

3. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cornbread mix and bread slices—it turns out just as delicious.

4. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! Turkey dressing is a holiday staple too.

5. How do I keep it from being too dry?
Add a little extra broth before baking or reheating—it’s the secret to that perfect Southern moisture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about Southern Chicken and Dressing—it’s more than just a recipe; it’s a memory on a plate. It’s the dish that reminds you of holidays, family gatherings, and that unmistakable warmth of home. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just craving that Southern comfort, this one’s bound to become part of your family’s table traditions, too.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print