Fried Chicken Dressing

It’s a classic for a reason, but it’s nothing without some good ol’, golden-brown cornbread.

The Story

“Southern cornbread dressing is a beloved dish that takes center stage on many Southern tables, particularly during festive occasions. What sets it apart from stuffing is the use of cornbread as the base. The cornbread is crumbled and combined with a savory mixture of ingredients such as sautéed onions, celery, broth, and various seasonings. Poultry seasoning, sage, and sometimes even hard-boiled eggs contribute to the distinctive flavor profile. This dressing is typically baked until it forms a golden-brown crust, achieving a perfect balance between moist and a slightly crisp texture. Unlike stuffing, which is often cooked inside the turkey, cornbread dressing is baked separately, allowing it to develop its own unique taste and texture while complementing the main course with a delicious Southern flair.”

– Trace Barnett

Basic Cornbread Recipe (Serves 6-8)

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup self-rising cornmeal

1/2 cup self-rising flour

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

To make the cornbread, in a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal & flour.
Add in the buttermilk, eggs & oil.
Stir just until combined. Do not over work the batter.
Pour into a greased, 9×9 baking dish.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until done.

Fried Chicken Dressing (Serves 6-8)

INGREDIENTS:

2 large fried chicken breast, or 3 cups shredded

1 pan cornbread, crumbled

3 slices toast, crumbled

1 stick butter

1 can cream of chicken soup

2 eggs, beaten

1-2 cups chicken broth

1 onion, chopped

1 cup celery. chopped

2 tablespoons sage, chopped

1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl crumble one pan of Cornbread and 3 slices of toast. Add shredded chicken.
In a saucepan, sauté onions and celery in butter until tender.
Add the sautéed veggies into the cornbread mixture. Add all remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute and ensure wet ingredients are adequately absorbed. Add in the broth a little at a time. Tip: Add in just enough to make everything thick & a little soupy.
Give it a taste and add more seasonings if desired. It should taste exactly the way you want your dressing to taste like.
Add additional broth if necessary. Transfer to a large pan or heavy skillet. Cook for 1 hour or until dressing is browned and bubbling with a slight crust.