Classic Chicken and Dressing a Southern Comfort
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving proper comfort food? Like, the kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Well, this chicken and dressing recipe is exactly what you need.
Chicken and Dressing Casserole: Southern Comfort on a Plate
This isn't some fancy chef-y creation, honestly. It's a Classic chicken dressing recipe straight from the heart of Southern cooking.
This comforting dish brings back memories of family gatherings. It’s also perfect for Sunday dinners.
It's got a little bit of a history too. Originally a southern dressing recipe , this chicken and dressing recipe started with the tradition of using up leftover bread and scraps.
Over time, it evolved into the delicious meal that we know today, especially popular around Thanksgiving chicken and dressing recipe time.
It’s hearty, satisfying, and genuinely a hug in a dish.
Why You'll Love This Chicken and Dressing Recipe
This easy chicken and dressing recipe isn't just delicious, it is soul soothing. Rich in protein and comforting carbs, it's proper comfort food.
It is a great dish to bring to a potluck. Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken and dressing casserole ?
It's rated medium on the difficulty scale. The prep time is about 45 minutes, and cook time around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
It serves about 6 to 8 people, perfect for the whole family. This homemade chicken and dressing recipe is special, the aroma alone will have everyone gathered around the table.
Now, let's dive into what you'll need to make this magic happen!
Alright, let's dive into what you need for this proper Chicken and Dressing recipe . It's easier than you think, honestly.
I've tweaked this over years of family dinners. It is a classic chicken dressing recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
Let's get down to the bits. We need quality ingredients and the right tools. No fancy equipment needed, promise! This is all about that homemade chicken and dressing recipe flavour.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here is what you need. Remember the quality of the ingredients really shines here.
- Chicken: 1 whole chicken ( 3-4 lb/1.3-1.8 kg ). A good free range chicken makes all the difference.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Any olive oil will do.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) paprika, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) onion powder.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) for the chicken, 2-3 cups (480-720 ml) for the dressing (plus more if needed).
- Bread: 1 loaf (approx. 1 lb/450g ) day-old bread. White, sourdough, or a mix, cubed. This is important for a southern dressing recipe !
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick/113 g) unsalted butter.
- Veggies: 1 large onion, chopped and 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
- Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional). This adds a lovely freshness.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs
These are the heroes that will bring flavour to the chicken and dressing casserole . Don't skip them!
- Essential Spice Combo: Sage, thyme, marjoram, poultry seasoning. It’s the cornerstone of good dressing. A dash of love will help.
- Flavour Enhancers: Onions, celery. Sautéed in butter they are divine.
- Quick Substitutions: No marjoram? Use a pinch more thyme. No fresh parsley? Dried will work in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need a kitchen gadget convention to make this easy chicken and dressing recipe .
- Roasting Pan: A large roasting pan is essential, large enough to hold the chicken and dressing.
- Large Skillet: For sautéing the veggies.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the dressing ingredients.
- Meat Thermometer: Trust me, get one. You want the chicken to hit 165° F ( 74° C) . You can get one for next to nothing.
- Common Household Alternatives: If you don't have a roasting pan, a large oven safe dish will do. If you don't have a bowl, use the roasting pan for the dressing. Just make sure there is enough room.
This Thanksgiving chicken and dressing recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. And those are all that is needed! Now, let's move on to the cooking!
Alright, let's get cracking on this Chicken and Dressing recipe ! It's total comfort food. Think Sunday roast vibes but way more satisfying.
Honestly, even if you're a bit pants in the kitchen, you can nail this.
Time to Prep, Mate!
Essential Mise en Place
First things first, prep is key. Get your ingredients measured out. Chop your onion and celery. Cube that day-old bread, yeah? We don’t want any last minute faffing about when the oven's hot.
Essential to a classic Chicken Dressing Recipe .
Time Saving Tricks
Honestly, who has hours? I like to buy pre-chopped veg sometimes. Don't tell anyone! Saves a load of time. Get your chicken out and let it warm up a bit.
It'll cook more evenly, you know? A good Southern Dressing Recipe starts with good planning.
Safety Reminder
Watch those knives! We don’t want any A&E trips. Make sure your hands are dry. Keep your cutting board steady.
The Chicken and Dressing Casserole is delish, but not worth losing a finger over.
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Pat the chicken dry. Mix your herbs and spices with olive oil. Rub it all over the chicken.
- Melt butter in a pan. Sauté onion and celery 'til soft. About 5- 7 minutes . We're making the Chicken And Dressing Casserole Cornbread dreams are made of.
- Combine the bread cubes, veg, and herbs. Don't be shy with the sage and thyme! That is crucial for great Cornbread Dressing With Chicken .
- Beat your eggs. Add them and chicken broth to the bread mix. Toss gently. You want it moist, not soggy. I’m using 2-3 cups of broth, but you should assess moisture.
- Spoon the dressing into a roasting pan. Plonk the chicken on top. Pour a bit of broth in the pan. About half a cup.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes . Or until the chicken is done. Internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) . If it’s browning too fast, cover it with foil.
- Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes before carving. This is important. Trust me. Time to taste that homemade easy chicken and dressing recipe .
Proper Tips, Guv'nor!
Don't overdo the broth. Soggy dressing is a disaster. That's an old fashioned chicken and dressing cardinal sin. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken.
Nobody will know the difference, honestly. For a Thanksgiving chicken and dressing recipe , make the dressing the day before.
Then just bake it.
Honestly, this chicken and dressing recipe is a proper crowd pleaser. Whether it's a Chicken And Dressing Casserole or something simpler, you'll smash it! It evokes classic chicken dressing recipe memories.
Now get in the kitchen and get cooking! I like to get the bread dried in a super low-heat oven for ages too.
Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Shop!
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Classic chicken dressing recipe . Before you dive headfirst into the kitchen, let's chat about a few things.
These are the little nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way while making this homemade chicken and dressing recipe .
Trust me, these tips will save you some grief and make your Thanksgiving chicken and dressing recipe even better.
Serving Up Some Magic
Plating and presentation ideas : Forget fancy we’re going for comfort, remember? But a little love goes a long way.
I like to scoop a generous portion of the Chicken And Dressing Casserole onto a plate, top it with a few slices of the juicy chicken, and then sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top.
It adds a pop of color and makes it look extra inviting. You know, the kind of plate that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a good movie.
Complementary sides or beverages : Now, this is where you can really have some fun! Green bean casserole is a must for me, I always make some classic mashed potatoes, and a dollop of cranberry sauce.
A crisp, dry white wine, or even just a glass of sweet tea, complements the dish perfectly.
Storing Like a Pro
Refrigeration guidelines : If you have any leftovers (and let's be honest, there usually are), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days.
Freezing options (if applicable) : You can freeze the Easy Chicken and Dressing Recipe ! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer safe container.
It'll keep for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating instructions : To reheat, thaw the Chicken Dressing Recipe in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
You might need to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out.
Remixing the Classics
1-2 dietary adaptations : Need to make this gluten-free? Swap out the regular bread for gluten-free bread easy peasy! Want a lighter version? Use skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken, or cut back on the butter in the dressing.
Seasonal ingredient swaps : In the fall, I sometimes add roasted butternut squash or apples to the dressing for a touch of sweetness and seasonal flair.
In the summer, fresh herbs like basil and thyme can really brighten up the flavors.
Nutrition Nuggets
Simplified nutrition information : Okay, let's be real, this is comfort food. But it does have some good stuff in it! The chicken provides protein, and the vegetables add some vitamins and minerals.
Key health benefits : Chicken is a great source of lean protein. The herbs and spices can have antioxidant properties.
So there you have it my Southern Dressing Recipe notes. Now, go forth and conquer that Chicken And Dressing Casserole Cornbread ! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
You got this! If you wanna go old fashioned chicken and dressing route consider using only bread and butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep my chicken from drying out when making chicken and dressing recipe?
Nobody wants a dry bird! To prevent your chicken from becoming a Sahara desert in your oven, make sure to rub it generously with oil and seasonings before baking. Also, adding a bit of chicken broth to the bottom of the pan helps to create steam and keep things moist.
Tenting the chicken with foil if it's browning too quickly can also work wonders.
My dressing is always too mushy. What am I doing wrong with my chicken and dressing recipe?
Ah, the dreaded soggy dressing! The key is to use day-old or slightly stale bread it absorbs the broth better without turning to mush. Add the broth gradually, tossing gently, until the bread is moist but not swimming. Remember, you can always add more broth, but you can't take it away!
Think of it like making bread pudding, but not quite so wet.
Can I make chicken and dressing recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is great for making ahead. You can assemble the dressing and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also roast the chicken a day in advance, shred it, and add it to the dressing before baking or simply serve it over the dressing.
Just be sure to bring the dressing to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What are some variations I can make to this chicken and dressing recipe to spice things up?
Fancy a bit of a twist? Try adding cooked sausage, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries to the dressing for added flavour and texture. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You could even swap out some of the bread for cornbread for a more southern style dressing - how about that!
How do I store leftover chicken and dressing?
Leftovers are the best! Store cooled chicken and dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Adding a splash of chicken broth can help to keep it moist during reheating. It's almost as good as Boxing Day leftovers after a Christmas feast!
Classic Chicken And Dressing A Southern Comfort
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 30-40g |
