Hen And Dressing
Hen and Dressing is a hearty Southern-style dish featuring tender roasted hen atop a savory bread and cornbread stuffing, flavored with sage, celery, and onions. Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, it offers comforting flavors and a satisfying main course that pairs well with gravy and vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, place the hen and cover with water.
- Add salt, pepper, and a whole onion.
- Cook until the hen is tender.
- Reserve the cooking liquid to use as hen broth.
- Break toasted bread into small pieces and crumble the cornbread.
- In a saucepan, cook chopped celery and onions in water until tender.
- In a large roasting pan, combine the bread pieces, cornbread, and cooked celery and onions.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and add sage, salt, pepper, and the reserved hen broth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine. Add more broth if needed for desired consistency.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Place the hen on top of the dressing in the roasting pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 1 hour or until browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water when cooking the hen. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute whole wheat bread for the toasted bread. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; try adding thyme or rosemary alongside the sage. Ensure the dressing is moist but not soggy; adjust with more broth if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hen and dressing with a side of cranberry sauce or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Wanda Andrews' Broccoli Cornbread for a comforting, hearty dinner. For a complete feast, consider adding roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hen and dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions but ensure they are heated evenly to avoid cold spots.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hen And Dressing contains roughly 301 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 801mg per serving (35% 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 a different type of poultry for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute a turkey or a chicken in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the bird. A turkey will require more time to ensure it's fully cooked, typically about 20 minutes per pound at 350°F.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of hen broth and omit the hen. You can add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or carrots, and use plant-based eggs or flaxseed meal as an egg substitute to bind the dressing.
What can I do with leftover dressing?
Leftover dressing can be used as a side dish for other meals or stuffed into bell peppers for a new take. You can also mix it with eggs to create a savory breakfast casserole. Just reheat and bake until set.
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).