Name: Old-Fashioned Chicken Dressing Casserole (Grandma's Favorite!)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups (480 g) Crumbled Cornbread (prepared a day ahead); 2 cups (240 g) White Bread Cubes (dried out); 1 ½ cups (225 g) Cooked Chicken, diced or shredded; ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, plus extra for greasing; 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped; 2 Celery Stalks, finely chopped; 3 Large Eggs, lightly beaten; 3-4 cups Chicken Broth (high-quality); 2 teaspoons Poultry Seasoning (or ground sage); 1 teaspoon Salt; ½ teaspoon Black Pepper

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There is a certain kind of magic in a dish that transports you straight back to your grandmother’s kitchen. For me, that dish is this incredible Chicken Dressing Casserole. It’s the epitome of Southern comfort—a rich, savory bake that combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of breads into one golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Step 3: Mix the Liquid and Combine
Step 4: Fold and Adjust Moisture
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Step 6: Rest and Serve

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought cornbread?
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Q3: Is poultry seasoning necessary?
Q4: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Old-Fashioned Chicken Dressing Casserole (Grandma’s Favorite!)

Description
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

This isn’t your average stuffing. It’s a “dressing” in the truest sense, baked alongside the chicken rather than inside it, allowing for that perfect contrast of a moist, custard-like interior and a crisp, buttery top. Whether you’re looking for a holiday side dish that steals the show or a hearty weeknight meal that warms the soul, this chicken dressing delivers. It’s a hug in casserole form, designed to yield that irresistible golden-brown crust we all crave.

Ingredients

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients to create its complex flavor. The key is using two types of bread for texture and plenty of rich broth.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Crumbled Cornbread	4 cups (480 g)	Prepare a day ahead so it’s slightly dry
White Bread Cubes	2 cups (240 g)	Dried out on counter or in low oven
Cooked Chicken	1 ½ cups (225 g)	Diced or shredded; rotisserie works great
Unsalted Butter	½ cup (1 stick)	Plus extra for greasing the pan
Yellow Onion, finely chopped	1 large
Celery Stalks, finely chopped	2
Large Eggs, lightly beaten	3
Chicken Broth	3-4 cups	Rich, high-quality broth is best
Poultry Seasoning	2 teaspoons	Or ground sage
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black Pepper	½ teaspoon

Timing

This casserole is a labor of love that requires a little patience, but the hands-on time is minimal compared to the delicious reward.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create a perfectly moist and golden chicken dressing casserole.

Step 1: Preheat and Sauté

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9-inch square baking dish (or a similar 2-quart casserole dish) with butter.

Melt ½ cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant but not browned.

Actionable Tip: Don’t rush the sautéing! Softening the vegetables completely ensures they melt into the dressing, providing flavor without crunch.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, dried white bread cubes, and the cooked chicken. Pour the buttery sautéed vegetables (and all that delicious melted butter!) directly over the bread mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Liquid and Combine

In a separate medium bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the beaten eggs, 3 cups of the chicken broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Pour this savory liquid over the bread and chicken mixture.

Step 4: Fold and Adjust Moisture

Gently fold everything together with a large spatula until all the bread is thoroughly moistened.

Actionable Tip: The texture is key here. The mixture should be very moist, almost soupy, but not swimming in loose liquid. If the bread soaks up all the broth immediately and looks dry, gradually add up to one more cup of broth. It’s better to be slightly too wet than too dry!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, but do not press it down firmly. Keeping the mixture somewhat loose is the secret to achieving that craggy, textured top that gets wonderfully crisp in the oven.

Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. You are looking for a top that is deeply golden brown and slightly crusty, with a center that is set and steaming hot.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the dressing to set up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring the texture is perfect. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving (assuming 8 servings) and can vary based on the specific cornbread and bread used.

Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal
Protein: 12-15 g
Carbohydrates: 35-40 g
Fat: 18-22 g
Saturated Fat: 8-10 g
Sodium: 800-1000 mg

Healthier Alternatives

While this is a rich dish, you can make a few tweaks for a lighter version:

Reduce Butter: Use ¼ cup of butter for sautéing and supplement with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Whole Grains: Substitute the white bread cubes with whole wheat bread for added fiber.
Low-Sodium Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content.
Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding diced carrots or sautéed mushrooms along with the onions and celery.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Dressing Casserole is a versatile star on the dinner table.

Holiday Feast: It’s the perfect accompaniment to roast turkey or glazed ham for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Cranberry Sauce: The savory richness of the dressing pairs beautifully with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce.
Simple Green Veggie: Serve with green beans almondine or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the meal.
Gravy: While moist enough on its own, a ladle of poultry gravy takes it to the next level!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the best dressing texture, avoid these common pitfalls:

Using Fresh Bread: Fresh, soft bread will turn into mush. Solution: Always dry out your cornbread and white bread cubes a day in advance, or toast them in a low oven until crisp.
Making it Too Dry: Dry dressing is crumbly and disappointing. Solution: Don’t be afraid of the broth! The mixture should look very wet before baking. The bread will absorb the liquid as it cooks.
Over-mixing: Stirring too vigorously can break down the bread too much. Solution: Fold gently just until combined to maintain some texture.
Skipping the Rest: Serving immediately can result in a casserole that falls apart. Solution: Let it stand for 15 minutes to firm up.

Storing Tips

Leftovers are delicious and reheat well!

Refrigerate: Cover the cooled casserole tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Chicken Dressing Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting tradition on a plate. By combining savory cornbread, tender chicken, and a rich, custardy broth, you create a dish that is both humble and spectacular. Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, one thing is certain: this golden-brown bake will disappear fast.

Ready to make Grandma proud? Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! We love hearing about your kitchen adventures. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more classic comfort food ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought cornbread?

Yes, absolutely! While homemade is great, a high-quality store-bought cornbread works perfectly well. Just make sure to crumble it and let it dry out a bit before using. Avoid overly sweet cake-like cornbread if you prefer a savory dressing.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the entire casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to eat, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes to take the chill off, then bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Q3: Is poultry seasoning necessary?

Poultry seasoning gives this dish its classic “Thanksgiving” flavor profile. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with a mix of dried sage, thyme, and rosemary (heavy on the sage!).

Q4: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Definitely! This is the perfect way to use up leftover roast turkey from a holiday meal. Simply swap the cooked chicken for an equal amount of diced or shredded turkey.