Chicken and dressing – This comforting Southern classic combines tender, seasoned chicken with savory cornbread dressing for a meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken and dressing recipe stands out for its:
- Comforting flavors: A harmonious blend of chicken, cornbread, and rich seasonings.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Simplicity: Straightforward steps and common ingredients make it approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, gather these key ingredients:
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a whole chicken for maximum flavor.
- Cornbread: Homemade is best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Broth: Chicken broth for moistening the dressing.
- Vegetables: Onion, celery, and sometimes bell peppers for classic aromatics.
- Seasonings: Sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Eggs: To bind the dressing.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Day-Old Cornbread: Slightly stale cornbread absorbs broth better, enhancing texture.
- Season to Taste: Adjust seasonings based on your preference, but don’t skip sage—it’s essential!
- Add Broth Gradually: Over-saturating the dressing can make it mushy. Add broth in small amounts.
- Consider Mixing Proteins: Add cooked sausage or turkey for a flavor twist.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornbread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for some heat.
How to Serve Chicken and Dressing
- Classic Pairings: Serve with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a side of green beans for a traditional Southern meal.
- As a Main Dish: Pair with a simple salad for a balanced dinner.
- For Holidays: Complement with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a festive dessert.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating:
- For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Add a splash of broth before reheating to keep the dressing moist.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought cornbread mix?
Yes! While homemade cornbread offers better flavor, a quality mix like Jiffy works well in a pinch.
Q: How do I prevent dry dressing?
The key is adding enough broth and checking while baking. Cover with foil if it starts to dry out during cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dressing up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q: Is it okay to use chicken breast?
Chicken thighs or a whole chicken provide richer flavor, but breasts can be used if preferred.
Chicken and Dressing
Chicken and dressing - This comforting Southern classic combines tender, seasoned chicken with savory cornbread dressing for a meal that's both hearty and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 12-inch pan of cornbread (made from 2 cornbread mixes)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 3-4 slices stale white bread
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 stick butter, melted
Instructions
- Prep the Cornbread: Mix and bake cornbread with celery and onions added to the batter. Let cool completely, then crumble.
- Prepare Chicken: Shred a rotisserie chicken or cook your own small chicken.
- Combine: Crumble cornbread and stale bread in a large bowl. Add seasonings and shredded chicken, mixing well.
- Mix In Moisture: Stir in beaten eggs, melted butter, and 1.5 cups of chicken broth until combined.
- Assemble: Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13 pan or 5-quart casserole dish. Drizzle the remaining broth on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 254Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 184mgSodium 1051mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 10g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and dressing is more than a dish; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a taste of home. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers every time. With its customizable ingredients, rich flavors, and straightforward preparation, it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time.
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