cornbread chicken dressing casserole

Homemade Cornbread Chicken Dressing Casserole Recipe

Bytastora recipes

Growing up in the South, the smell of homemade cornbread chicken dressing casserole was a sign of a special day. The mix of savory herbs, tender chicken, and buttery cornbread made my mouth water. Sitting down with my family, the first bite brought back memories of laughter and love.

Key Takeaways

  • Hearty, flavorful dish that combines chicken, cornbread stuffing, and creamy soups
  • Baked at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, resulting in a comforting meal
  • Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings
  • Preparation time of 1 hour 30 minutes, serving 12 people
  • Cornbread chicken dressing casserole is a classic Southern cuisine staple

What Makes This Cornbread Chicken Dressing Casserole Special

This Thanksgiving recipe is a beloved comfort food from the American South. It combines homemade cornbread, tender chicken, and creamy soup. This mix makes a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, great for holiday meals or cozy dinners.

Traditional Southern Heritage

The roots of this casserole go back to Southern recipes passed down through generations. Cornbread, a staple in Southern cooking, adds a unique texture and flavor. Classic ingredients like onions, celery, and sage make it even more authentic.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

This casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving or other festive meals. It can be made ahead of time, allowing flavors to blend for a better taste. It’s great as a main dish or side, sure to please your guests and become a holiday tradition.

Comfort Food at Its Finest

The mix of cornbread, chicken, and creamy soups in this casserole is comforting. Each bite is warm and inviting, making it a crowd-pleaser. It brings joy to your table.

“This cornbread chicken dressing casserole is a true taste of the South, blending family traditions and comforting flavors into one delightful dish.”

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole

Creating a delicious savory casserole starts with the right ingredients. This poultry entrée combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and savory bread stuffing. Together, they make a comforting dish that everyone will love.

The recipe centers around 3 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breasts. These provide the protein base. To add creaminess and flavor, use two 10.5-ounce cans of condensed cream of chicken and celery soups. Don’t forget a splash of milk.

The heart of the casserole is the seasoned cornbread stuffing mix. It adds a delightful texture and heartiness. Reduced-sodium chicken broth is also used. It helps bind the ingredients and adds savory notes.

For extra richness, some recipes include a few tablespoons of melted butter. These ingredients work together to make a savory casserole that’s moist, flavorful, and satisfying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRkBFyjVswc

“The perfect casserole is all about finding the right balance of flavors and textures.”

With these essential ingredients, you’re ready to make a comforting and delicious poultry entrée. It’s sure to please your family and guests, with everyone asking for seconds.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the perfect hearty side dish, you’ll need some key kitchen tools. Having these items ready will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Baking Dishes and Pans

  • A 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan for assembling and baking the cornbread dressing
  • A large saucepan for cooking the chicken
  • Medium-sized bowls for mixing the cream soups and other stuffing ingredients

Mixing Tools and Utensils

  1. A whisk for combining the liquid ingredients smoothly
  2. A sturdy spoon or spatula for mixing the cornbread stuffing
  3. Measuring cups and spoons to precisely portion out the ingredients

With these tools ready, you’re set to make a delicious hearty side dish. Your guests will love your baked dish creation.

“Having the right tools on hand makes all the difference when preparing a homemade casserole.”

Preparing the Homemade Cornbread Base

A delicious cornbread chicken dressing casserole begins with homemade cornbread. This traditional southern dish adds amazing flavor and texture. Let’s look at how to make the perfect cornbread base for your casserole.

Cornbread Ingredients List

To make the cornbread, you’ll need these ingredients:

  • 1 cup self-rising cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup self-rising flour
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron pan and set it aside. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cooling and Crumbling Tips

Let the cornbread cool completely before crumbling it. This is key for the right texture in your cornbread chicken dressing casserole. Making the cornbread a day or two ahead can also improve flavors and crumbling.

homemade cornbread

By following these steps, you’ll have a tasty, homemade cornbread base. It will be the base for your southern cuisine inspired cornbread chicken dressing casserole. This care will make your dish look great and taste amazing.

Cooking and Preparing the Chicken

To make the perfect poultry entrée, you must prepare the chicken right. For this savory casserole, you have two choices:

  1. Boil 3 pounds of chicken in lightly salted water for about 30 minutes until cooked through. Once cooled, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Alternatively, use 2 pounds of uncooked, diced chicken breasts or thighs. This time-saving option allows the chicken to cook directly in the casserole during the baking process, ensuring flavorful and moist results.

Whichever method you prefer, the chicken will be the base of this comforting casserole. The flexibility in chicken preparation lets you adjust the recipe to your schedule and taste, without losing flavor.

Cooking MethodTimeTemperature
Boiling30 minutesN/A
Baking (uncooked chicken)50-60 minutes350°F

The suggested cooking temperature for the chicken and dressing casserole is 350°F. It should bake for 50 minutes, plus an extra 5 to 10 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 160°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and the casserole is hot and ready to serve.

Creating the Creamy Soup Mixture

To make this comfort food dish, you need a creamy soup base. This base will hold all the hearty side dish ingredients together. It makes sure every bite is full of flavor.

Combining Cream Soups

Begin by mixing one 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup with herbs and another 10.5-ounce can of cream of celery soup in a bowl. Add 2 cups of unsalted chicken broth to thin it out. This makes the mixture smooth and creamy.

Adding Seasonings and Broth

  • 1 + 1/4 teaspoon of Glam Kitchen All-purpose seasoning
  • 3 teaspoons of McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons of thyme
  • 2 teaspoons of sage

Whisk the seasonings into the soup until they’re fully mixed. This creates a flavor-rich base. It will fill the casserole with comforting smells and tastes.

Creamy soup mixture

The creamy soup mixture is what holds the comfort food casserole together. It keeps it moist and full of flavor.

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Making the perfect cornbread chicken dressing casserole is a fun process. It involves layering and mixing the key ingredients. Here’s how to put together your comforting baked dish:

  1. Begin by spreading half of the cornbread stuffing in a greased baking dish.
  2. Then, place the cooked chicken mixture evenly over the cornbread layer.
  3. Finally, cover the chicken with the rest of the cornbread stuffing, making sure it’s even.
  4. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the layers, spreading it to the edges.
  5. Some recipes mix all the ingredients before baking. This ensures a uniform flavor and texture in the cornbread chicken dressing casserole.

By following these steps, you’ll have a beautifully made baked dish ready for the oven. The cornbread, chicken, and creamy soup will blend into a comforting and tasty casserole.

IngredientQuantity
Cooked, deboned, and shredded chicken2 pounds
Cooked rice3 cups
Shredded Colby Jack cheese2 cups
Baking temperature350°F (175°C)
Baking time20-25 minutes

The secret to a great cornbread chicken dressing casserole is in how you layer it. Take your time, follow these steps, and enjoy the warm flavors of this Southern classic.

Baking Time and Temperature Guidelines

To make the perfect Thanksgiving dish, follow the right baking time and temperature. Bake your cornbread chicken dressing casserole at 375°F for about 45 minutes. It should be cooked through and the top golden brown.

Monitoring for Doneness

Watch the casserole closely as it bakes. After 25-30 minutes, cover it with foil to avoid over-browning. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should be 160°F to be fully cooked and safe.

Resting Period Importance

After baking, let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This time lets the flavors mix and the sauce thicken. It makes the dish more cohesive and tasty.

Baking TemperatureBaking TimeResting Period
375°F45 minutes10 minutes

By sticking to these baking times and temperatures, and letting it rest, your casserole will be a hit. It will be the star of your Thanksgiving or holiday meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This savory comfort food casserole is perfect for enjoying over several days. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave for single portions or the oven at 350°F for bigger amounts.

If it’s dry when reheating, add a bit of broth to moisten it. You can also freeze parts of the casserole for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best taste and texture.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this tasty comfort food casserole for days. A little care ensures every bite is as delicious as the first.

FAQ

How many servings does this cornbread chicken dressing casserole recipe make?

This recipe serves 12 people.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this casserole?

It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and cook this recipe.

What are the key ingredients in this cornbread chicken dressing casserole?

The main ingredients are 3 pounds of chicken breast, cream of chicken and celery soups, milk, and cornbread stuffing mix. Chicken broth and butter are also used for extra flavor.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make this casserole?

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a large saucepan, and medium bowls. A whisk and a sturdy spoon are also important.

How do you make the homemade cornbread base for this recipe?

For homemade cornbread, mix 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of flour, 3/4 cup of buttermilk, 2 eggs, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Bake in a 9-inch cast iron pan at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Let it cool before crumbling.

How do you prepare the chicken for the casserole?

You can boil 3 pounds of chicken in salted water for 30 minutes. Or, use 2 pounds of raw chicken, which will cook while baking.

How do you create the creamy soup mixture for the casserole?

Mix cream of chicken and cream of celery soups with milk or broth. Add sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper for flavor.

How do you assemble the cornbread chicken dressing casserole?

Layer half the cornbread stuffing, then the chicken mixture. Add the rest of the stuffing and pour the creamy soup over it.

What is the baking time and temperature for this casserole?

Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked. Cover with foil after 25-30 minutes to avoid over-browning.

How should you store and reheat any leftover cornbread chicken dressing casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing before reheating.
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