Chicken n’ Cornbread Dressing

I look forward to this dressing every year. It’s rich, sweet and oh, so tasty. Give it a try and see how much your family will “Oooo and Ahhhh” at your hard work.

A low-fat version of this recipe can be made by omitting the butter while sautéing the vegetables and use light olive oil instead.

 Chicken n’ Cornbread Dressing

• 4 cups chicken meat, loosely chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 cups diced celery
• 2 cups diced sweet onions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh sage
• 1 pan of cornbread, crumbled
• 3 cups soft, fresh breadcrumbs
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 7 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add celery and onions, and sauté 5 to 6 minutes or until onions are tender. Stir in sage, and sauté 1 minute.
2. Stir together Cornbread Crumbles and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Stir in eggs, next 2 ingredients, and celery mixture, stirring until blended. Divide cornbread mixture between 1 lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish and 1 lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish.
3. Bake at 400° for 45 to 55 minutes or until set and golden brown.

Check out these recipe variations from Southern Living

Chorizo-and-Dried Cherry Dressing: Saute 3/4 lb. diced chorizo sausage in 1 Tbsp. hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes or until browned; drain. Prepare recipe as directed, stirring sausage and 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped dried cherries into breadcrumbs in Step 2.

Fresh Corn-and-Green Chile Dressing: Substitute 3 cups fresh corn kernels for diced celery and 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro for sage. Prepare recipe as directed, stirring in 2 (4-oz.) cans chopped green chiles with cilantro in Step 1.