Chicken And Crab Meat Dressing
A savory baked chicken dish layered with crab meat and seasoned bread cubes, featuring a tangy catsup-margarine glaze. Perfect for special occasions or family dinners, this recipe offers rich flavors with a hint of seafood, making it a delightful centerpiece that combines comfort and elegance.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1/2 stick of melted margarine and catsup in a small bowl.
- Split each chicken breast just enough to fold open.
- Brush each chicken piece with the margarine and catsup mixture.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Place the prepared chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, turning and basting occasionally with the mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use olive oil. For added texture, try adding chopped celery or onions to the bread cubes. If you can't find crab meat, shrimp can be a great substitute. Be sure to check out other American recipes for inspiration on side dishes that pair well.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, like Eyes Of Texas Salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside rice or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. For a comforting twist, try pairing it with Courtney's Easy-Cheesy Chicken Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Crab Meat Dressing contains roughly 134 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 775mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you're short on time, you can bake them from frozen, but increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes.
What can I use instead of crab meat?
If you don't have crab meat, cooked shrimp or even diced chicken can make excellent substitutes. Just ensure that any seafood is cooked properly before adding it to the dish.
How can I make this dressing more flavorful?
To boost the flavor, try adding some garlic powder or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the bread cube mixture. You could also incorporate a splash of white wine or lemon juice for a hint of acidity.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).