Southern Style Chicken and Dressing

Chicken, cornbread, cream of mushroom soup, milk, eggs, onion, and butter all come together to make this a delicious pan of Cornbread Chicken and Dressing. This has been served in our house for over 30 years and I plan to serve it for 30 more. 

Chicken and Dressing is a time-honored masterpiece bringing families together to embrace a hearty dish full of flavors and textures. This is a classic Southern dish that is a holiday tradition. A tried and true recipe that has been served for generations.

Recipe Origin

Southern Style Chicken and Dressing was my mother in laws chicken and dressing recipe. She made this dressing every Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was known for her dressing and it was always fabulous. I have been eating this dressing for the past 32 years; my husband even longer.

After she passed, I took over and began to make her dressing. I use her recipe and always follow it step by step. It is not difficult at all and it always turns out to be a delicious pan of dressing.

This is an old-fashioned family recipe, and I hope one day my children serve this to their families for Thanksgiving Dinner. Chicken and Dressing is a classic dish many enjoy, particularly in the South. It typically consists of cooked chicken, cornbread, and other flavorful ingredients.

This southern cornbread dressing recipe is not your boxed dressing by any means. This dressing is made from scratch and it begins with homemade cornbread. If you prep everything the day before, you can prepare this dressing in no time.

Chicken and dressing on a plate with turkey and cranberry sauce.

Why Chicken and Dressing is Fabulous

Without a doubt, everyone loves this dressing, and they always go back for seconds. It makes me wonder—why do I only cook this dressing during the holidays?? This dressing should be served on all special occasions—at least according to my husband.

This easy southern cornbread dressing is a fantastic dish that combines tender chicken with a savory dressing in a very satisfying way.

Chicken and Dressing is the perfect side dish served alongside a roasted turkey. Be sure to check out How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag—a foolproof method for cooking a turkey that will turn out perfect every time.

Delicious– This dressing always shows up on the table during the holiday season. It’s rare for there to be any leftovers after dinner. But, of course, I have 32 people in my family!

Prep everything the day before– By prepping all of the ingredients early, it makes it fast and easy to pull together.

Feeds a crowd— This makes a large pan of dressing. This will easily feed a crowd for the holidays.

Balanced Flavors: This is a good cornbread dressing with a combination of flavors from the chicken, homemade chicken stock, moist cornbread, and butter. Simple ingredients that work nicely together to form a hearty dish. 

Versatility: This recipe leaves room for some of your favorite herbs and spices. I use a simple cornbread recipe but use your favorite recipe and make it your own.

Traditional: Our Thanksgiving dinner is incomplete unless there is a big pan of this southern Dressing on the table. It is always served in my home on Thanksgiving day and is expected.

Aroma: While the Thanksgiving Day parade is on the television, I’m usually busy in the kitchen preparing dinner. The smell slowly drifts from the kitchen throughout the house, exciting everyone for dinner.

Chicken and Dressing with a spoon with text overlay.

Be sure to try my Candied Sweet Potatoes for a delicious side dish.

Ingredients Needed for Cornbread Dressing with Chicken

The key ingredients are simple for this southern cornbread dressing recipe. This is an easy cornbread dressing and a delicious dish. It is prepared in a large casserole dish. This is not just for Thanksgiving Dinner. This is also great for Christmas dinner, Easter, and Sunday dinner.

For a list of complete ingredients, see the printable recipe card below.

Cornbread:

The cornbread is a super simple recipe that only requires a few ingredients – egg, cornmeal, buttermilk, and oil. Bake cornbread until golden brown. Cool and then crumble. 

Dressing:

The Dressing also has simple ingredients- chicken, onion, butter, cream of mushroom soup, eggs, milk, cornbread, and chicken broth.

Chicken – I usually boil and chop my chicken. I have used whole chicken, chicken thighs, chicken breasts, and chicken tenders. A rotisserie chicken will also work nicely to cut down on time. White meat and dark meat will work nicely.

Onion – A yellow, white, or Vidalia onion will all work fine. Use what you have in the refrigerator.

Butter – Need I say more? Everything is better with butter.

Cream of Mushroom Soup – This adds a bit of creaminess to the Dressing. Feel free to swap Cream of Chicken Soup if desired.

Eggs – These are necessary and act as a binder. Medium to large eggs are recommended. 

Milk – I use whole milk for this recipe.

Cornbread – Baked and crumbled cornbread is the base for this Dressing. This is also a great time to throw in a few leftover biscuits or some crumbled white or stale bread. 

Chicken Broth – Save the broth from the boiled chicken. If you don’t have broth, use a good store-bought brand. This adds a lot of flavor to the Dressing.

Salt/ Black Pepper – Use this seasoning to taste as desired. Most of the time, I use a little salt and pepper in the mix. 

How to Make Southern Style Chicken and Dressing from Scratch

For complete instructions, see the printable recipe card below.

  • Mix ingredients: Mix the cornbread mixture in a large bowl or two large bowls. This makes a lot, so I use two bowls to ensure everything is mixed well. 
  • Pour into a large casserole dish: Pour into 1 or 2 dishes. This will feed a crowd. 
  • Bake:
  1. Preheat the oven while you mix the ingredients.
  2. Bake at 450 degrees until brown on top, about 45 min to 1 hour. It may take up to an hour to cook this in one pan.
  3. Just keep a check on it, and when the top begins to brown, remove it from the oven and allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Steps for making Chicken and Dressing with text overlay.

This Southern Chicken and Dressing is the best recipe by far. I always make a huge dish during the holidays and there is never any left. Although, I usually serve it during Thanksgiving and Christmas,  it’s also great for Sunday dinners or any occasion.

What Type of Chicken Should I Use for Chicken and Dressing?

Any chicken will work for this recipe. I like to use a mix of chicken breast and chicken thighs. Feel free to use a whole chicken for this dressing. Boneless chicken works also and saves time from removing the meat from the bone. If you like, a rotisserie chicken will also do a nice job and will cut down on the cooking a bit.   

Can I Prepare Cornbread Dressing in Advance?

Absolutely. The more you can prep in advance, the better. I like to prepare everything the day before and place it all together in the refrigerator. This makes the dressing super easy to grab, mix, and bake the next day.

For a great twist on a Pumpkin Pie, be sure to check out my No-Bake Pumpkin Pie recipe. It’s light, fluffy, creamy, and delicious. Comes together in minutes and is family approved.

Tips for Making Southern Style Chicken and Dressing

This is a classic Southern dish and a delicious cornbread dressing. These tips will help you reduce the time and stress of preparing a great-tasting meal for the holidays.

  • Prepare everything at least a day before baking the dressing. This includes cooking and chopping the chicken, baking and crumbling the cornbread, chopping the onion, pouring and refrigerating the broth.
  • Use a rotisserie chicken to cut down on time. You will need a good broth for the dressing if you use a bought and cooked chicken.
  • Store everything together in the refrigerator to make gathering ingredients fast and easy.
  • Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in an airtight container. This will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Variations:

  • Use some of your favorite herbs and seasonings. Use fresh sage, thyme, or Rosemary if you like. If you are a fan of poultry seasoning, add just a little bit for added flavor.
  • Add some cooked and crumbled sausage to the cornbread mixture.
Southern Style Chicken and Dressing with serving spoon and text overlay.

Can I Freeze Southern Style Chicken and Dressing?

Yes. Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. This will keep in the freezer for at least 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator. Place in a 350-degree oven and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until hot all the way through.

No Thanksgiving or Christmas is complete unless there is Green Bean Casserole, Roasted Turkey, or Cranberry Sauce on the table. All homemade and easy to make.

FAQs

What is Chicken and Dressing?

Chicken and Dressing is a dish made with cooked chicken and other flavorful ingredients. It is typically served during the holidays for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. It is easy enough to prepare for year-round enjoyment.

Can I Freeze Leftover Chicken and Dressing?

Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken and Dressing. Cool leftovers to room temperature, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place into an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze. This will keep for several months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw completely and heat in the oven or microwave.

What Kind of Bread is Best for this Dressing?

This recipe is made with homemade cornbread as the base. Feel free to add some leftover biscuits, white bread, or stale bread to the cornbread mixture.

​Can I Cook the Chicken in Advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in advance. I usually prep all the ingredients the day before making this dish. Boil the chicken, cool, chop, and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in advance.

More Southern Side Dishes to Serve With Chicken and Dressing

Check out 23 Southern Side Dishes to serve for Thanksgiving for more side dish options. There is something for everyone at the table. 

Southern Fried Okra
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Deviled Eggs
Sweet Potato Casserole
Carrot Apple Salad

If you are looking for a special cake or pie, my Carrot Cake is amazing and my Sweet Potato Pie is out of this world. They always goes fast!

For more Thanksgiving Side Dishes, be sure to check out this post.

Needing a Centerpiece for your table. I have an easy way to decorate your table. Thanksgiving Table Decorating Ideas will inspire you and wow your guests. 

Take the stress out of your day with 10 Thanksgiving Hacks to make your day stress free. 

Chicken and dressing on a black plate.

Southern Style Chicken and Dressing

Gina Abernathy
A delicious Cornbread Dressing that has been served in our home for the past 30 years. This dressing will feed a crowd and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
5 from 29 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 15 or more

Ingredients
  

Cornbread

  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 cups cornmeal
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup oil

Chicken and Dressing

  • 1 package (about10) chicken thighs or 1 package of chicken breast (about 6) Boil, skin, debone, chop.
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
  • 6 Eggs beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • cornbread
  • 2 quarts chicken broth

Instructions
 

Cornbread

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a cast iron skillet or baking pan with oil and place in the oven to heat. Meanwhile, mix up the cornbread batter. Beat egg in a medium bowl. Add cornmeal mix, buttermilk, and oil. Stir well. Pour batter into heated skillet and place back in the oven. Cook for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on the top. Remove from the oven and turn out onto a plate to cool. You will need to make 2 pans of cornbread. Set Aside.

Chicken and Dressing

  • While the cornbread is baking, boil the chicken.
  • Boil 1 package chicken thighs (about 10) or 1 package of chicken breast (about 6) until tender. Cool, skin, debone and chop. Save broth.
  • Crumble cornbread in a large pan or bowl. I use 2 bowls because there is so much to mix up.
  • Add: 1 large chopped onion, 1 stick melted butter, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 6 beaten eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, chopped chicken. Pour enough broth to make the mixture thin. You don’t want it too soupy, but you do want it thin. I usually use close to 2 quarts.
  • Salt and Pepper to taste.
  • Pour into 1 or 2 casserole dishes and bake at 450 degrees until brown on top, about 45 min to 1 hour. If you are cooking this in one pan, it may take up to an hour. Just keep a check on it and when the top begins to brown remove from the oven and allow to sit about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Keyword Southern Chicken and Dressing

43 Comments

  1. Yummy! I think I never ate southern chicken! I definitely need to try this!

    It seems easy to prepare and tasty!

    Thank you

  2. I’m vegan but this recipe has been in my mind lately so much it looks so good. I must veganize it immediately. Thank you for the inspiration such a wonderful dish.

  3. 5 stars
    so sweet of you to share this recipe and honor your mom in law for sure she is proud of you, thanks for sharing this with us

  4. 5 stars
    Okay so let me just say that I tried southern dressing about 5 years ago for the very first time and what a treat it was. I never even knew that there was such a thing and just so everyone knows do not confuse it with stuffing they are two totally different dishes. This rendition is so delicious and great for the Thanksgiving dinner.

  5. 5 stars
    This class southern style chicken and dressing is going on my Sunday supper rotation right now. I love that the prep is easy and that it feeds a crowd. Perfect for my family.

  6. 5 stars
    This is the perfect southern dish. I had my family over this past weekend and tried this recipe. It was a hit!

  7. 5 stars
    What a fantastic recipe! My whole family loves the flavors, and I love the fact that I can make it ahead of time for holiday dinner. Another winner from Home at Cedar Springs Farm!

  8. 5 stars
    This was delicious! It was my first time making dressing with cream of mushroom soup, and I’ll never go back!

  9. 5 stars
    I love when family recipes are passed down through the generations. Our parents and grandparents were great cooks long before we learned all the shortcuts!

  10. 5 stars
    I grew up in the south and then moved north before I was old enough to learn how to cook. I really miss southern food so much! I’m really looking forward to trying this!

  11. 5 stars
    Hi Gina,

    I recently tried the Southern Style Chicken and Dressing from your blog, and it was absolutely delicious! The homemade cornbread combined with tender chicken created a perfect blend of flavors and textures. I was particularly impressed with how the creaminess of the mushroom soup brought everything together. It’s definitely a recipe that makes you feel at home and is perfect for any family gathering. I’m already looking forward to making it again – it’s a real crowd-pleaser! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful recipe.

    Cheers,
    Kimberly

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