Easy Chicken Cornbread Dressing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, soul-warming dish that’s both classic and utterly delicious, you’ve got to try this Easy Chicken Cornbread Dressing Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out — it’s packed with savory flavors, tender chicken, and that perfect cornbread texture that just makes you want to come back for seconds. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight meal, this dressing will quickly become your go-to side (or even main!) that everyone asks for.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating that classic Southern corn bread dressing flavor and texture. Plus, I’ll share some little tips to help you pick the best options when shopping.

• Jiffy Cornbread: The small boxes are perfect for this recipe; they give you the authentic cornbread flavor and the right crumbly texture when baked.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken: I usually use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor, but any cooked chicken works.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and depth; I also have a homemade substitute if you prefer it fresh and less processed.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder to keep everything together without getting too dense.
• Chicken Broth: Important for moistening the cornbread and seasoning the dressing throughout.
• Butter: Used for sautéing onions and garlic which builds the base flavor.
• Yellow Onion and Garlic: Sautéed until fragrant — this little step makes a huge difference in depth.
• Ground Sage, Celery Salt, Poultry Seasoning, Salt, and Black Pepper: The perfect blend of herbs and spices that give this dressing its signature taste.

Variations

I like to make this Easy Chicken Cornbread Dressing Recipe my own by switching up a few things here and there, so feel free to customize to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped out the Jiffy cornbread with gluten-free versions for a family member with sensitivities, and honestly, it works beautifully!
• Turkey Instead of Chicken: Using leftover turkey after holidays turns this dressing into a festive leftover star.
• Herb Variations: Sometimes I add fresh rosemary or thyme for a more herbal punch depending on the season.
• Make it Spicy: A dash of cayenne or smoked paprika gives it a little kick that surprises and delights.

How to Make Easy Chicken Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, then sauté until you see the onions turn translucent and everything smells heavenly—usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is where your dressing builds a wonderful depth of flavor, so don’t rush it. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Prep the Cornbread Base

Take your prepared cornbread out of the boxes and crumble it into a large mixing bowl. I find using my hands works best here to break it apart evenly without making it too fine. The texture of the cornbread is critical—it should be crumbly but not powdery.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Now, add the sautéed onions and garlic into the bowl with the cornbread. Mix in the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, beaten eggs, chicken broth, and all the seasonings—sage, celery salt, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Pro tip: Don’t overmix here; you want the ingredients incorporated but to keep that light, fluffy texture. Overmixing can make the dressing dense or mushy, which you definitely want to avoid.

Step 4: Bake the Dressing

Coat a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, then spread your dressing mixture evenly inside. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. To get that delightful crispy top I love, uncover it during the last 10 minutes of baking. The dressing is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remember, if you prefer it extra moist, leave it covered the whole time — it’s really about your personal preference!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my dressing with a little fresh parsley or thyme sprig to add a pop of color and freshness—it brightens the look and gives a herby touch on the nose. Some folks also like a drizzle of melted butter on top just before serving for extra richness.

Side Dishes

This dressing pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and a simple green salad. When I make it for dinner, I usually throw in some roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans to round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this dressing in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. It’s a fun way to serve everyone their own perfectly portioned crispy top and gets great compliments. Plus, it jazzes up any holiday spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend letting it come to room temperature a bit before reheating so it warms evenly.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dressing (great for meal prepping), wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the oven works best for keeping the crispy top intact—cover with foil to prevent drying out, warm at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes. Microwave works too if you’re in a hurry but add a splash of chicken broth before heating to keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Cornbread Dressing Recipe has been a family favorite for years—and I’m so excited to share it with you because it’s just that good. From the first bite, you’ll understand why it’s such a staple in Southern kitchens. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and downright delicious. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to it, whether it’s a holiday tradition or a quick comfort meal. So grab your apron, follow these simple steps, and get ready for compliments galore!

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