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Best Chicken and Dressing Recipe

Best Chicken and Dressing Recipe
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The Best Chicken and Dressing Recipe is a classic Southern comfort food featuring juicy, perfectly seasoned bone-in, skin-on chicken paired with rich, savory dressing made from bread cubes or cornbread, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables. This easy-to-make dish locks in moisture for tender chicken and offers a warm, satisfying flavor ideal for family dinners, holidays, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (quantity as needed)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Butter (for searing, about 2 tablespoons)
  • Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley; about 1 tablespoon each, chopped)

Dressing

  • Bread cubes or cornbread (4 cups, preferably day-old)
  • Celery (1 cup, diced)
  • Onion (1 cup, diced)
  • Butter (2 tablespoons, for sautéing vegetables)
  • Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley; 1 tablespoon each, chopped)
  • Chicken stock (2 to 2 1/2 cups, warm)
  • Eggs (2 large, beaten)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and your preferred fresh herbs such as sage, thyme, and parsley. Heat butter in a hot pan and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Transfer the chicken to the oven preheated at 350°F and finish cooking until the meat is juicy and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same pan with any remaining butter and chicken drippings, sauté the diced celery and onion until soft and fragrant. This will create the flavorful aromatic base for the dressing.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes or cornbread with the sautéed celery and onion, fresh chopped herbs, and beaten eggs. Slowly pour in warm chicken stock while mixing gently until the mixture is moist but not soggy, ensuring the dressing has the perfect consistency for baking.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Grease a baking dish well with butter. Transfer the dressing mixture into the dish and nestle the cooked chicken pieces on top or set aside to serve separately. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until the dressing turns golden brown and is cooked through.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to prevent the dressing from becoming mushy by absorbing liquid better.
  • Handle the dressing mixture gently; do not overmix to keep the texture tender rather than dense.
  • Fresh herbs significantly improve the dish’s flavor and aroma.
  • Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness.
  • Butter the baking pan well to prevent sticking and add richness to the dressing crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and dressing, southern chicken recipe, comfort food, baked chicken dressing, holiday chicken dish, gluten-free chicken dressing

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/best-chicken-and-dressing-recipe/