Nothing evokes the warmth of family gatherings quite like Mamaw’s Chicken Dressing. This timeless Southern recipe brings together the heartiness of shredded chicken, the richness of homemade cornbread, and the savory depth of classic herbs and spices. Passed down through generations, this dish is perfect for holiday dinners or any time you want to serve a comforting, nostalgic meal that reminds you of home.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this delicious chicken dressing, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Whole Chicken: Boiling a whole chicken provides not only tender, flavorful meat but also a rich broth that will be used to moisten the dressing.
- Homemade Cornbread: Making homemade cornbread is key to achieving the authentic flavor and texture of this dish. You can use your favorite cornbread recipe or a simple mix if you’re short on time.
- Celery, Onion, and Bell Pepper: These chopped vegetables add texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the dressing.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings an extra layer of flavor and depth to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the flavors.
- Poultry Seasoning: A blend of herbs like sage, thyme, and marjoram, poultry seasoning is the star spice in this recipe, giving the dressing its signature savory taste.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Two cans of cream of chicken soup add creaminess and richness to the dressing, making it moist and flavorful.
- Chicken Broth: About 2 cups of the broth from boiling the chicken are used to moisten the cornbread mixture, ensuring that the dressing isn’t dry.
Instructions
- Boil the Chicken: Start by boiling the whole chicken in a large pot of water until it’s fully cooked and tender. This should take about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the chicken. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Be sure to reserve the broth, as you’ll need it later.
- Make the Cornbread: While the chicken is boiling, prepare your homemade cornbread. Bake it until golden brown, then let it cool slightly before crumbling it into a large mixing bowl.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the crumbled cornbread.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the celery, onion, and bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic. Sauté the vegetables in a bit of oil or butter until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the Dressing: Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the cornbread and chicken. Season generously with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning to taste. Stir in the two cans of cream of chicken soup, mixing until everything is well combined. Gradually add about 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth, stirring until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. The dressing should be moist but not soupy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the dressing mixture to a large, greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the dressing from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dressing pairs perfectly with gravy, cranberry sauce, or just on its own as a hearty side dish.
Why Mamaw’s Chicken Dressing?
This Chicken Dressing recipe is the epitome of Southern comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and full of nostalgia. The homemade cornbread gives the dish a rich, slightly crumbly texture, while the tender chicken adds protein and flavor. The combination of sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, and cream of chicken soup makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner, this dressing is sure to bring warmth and comfort to the table.
Tips for Success
- Use Homemade Cornbread: While store-bought cornbread can work in a pinch, making homemade cornbread will elevate the flavor and texture of the dressing.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Everyone has their preferred level of seasoning, so don’t be afraid to taste the mixture before baking and adjust the salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning accordingly.
- Moisture is Key: The chicken broth helps keep the dressing moist. Be sure to add enough broth to achieve a moist consistency, but avoid making it too wet. You want the dressing to hold together but still be soft and flavorful.
- Make Ahead: This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutritional Information
While this Chicken Dressing is a comforting dish, it’s also rich and satisfying. A serving of this dish is around 400-500 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and has a hearty texture thanks to the cornbread base.
Final Thoughts
Mamaw’s Chicken Dressing is more than just a recipe—it’s a piece of Southern tradition that brings people together around the table. With its tender chicken, flavorful cornbread, and savory seasonings, this dish is sure to become a staple at your family gatherings. The combination of familiar flavors and textures creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying, making it perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you want to enjoy a taste of home.