Martha Craver'S Chicken And Dressing
A hearty Southern-style chicken and dressing dish featuring tender cooked hen combined with a flavorful bread and cracker stuffing, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook a whole hen in salted water until tender.
- Pour chicken broth over broken bread and crackers and soak until completely wet. Stir lightly.
- Stir in beaten eggs and seasonings such as celery salt, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Place the whole cooked chicken in a deep earthen dish, breast side up.
- Pour the dressing around the hen.
- Bake at 425°F until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the dressing. If you don't have celery salt, regular salt with chopped celery can work as a substitute. You can also use leftover turkey instead of hen for a holiday twist. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, as personal preference varies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of green beans or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dressing. It pairs beautifully with French Chocolate Ice Cream for dessert, creating a delightful meal experience. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the chicken stays moist. Adding a splash of broth can help prevent drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Martha Craver'S Chicken And Dressing contains roughly 2316 calories, with 35g protein, 392g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2522mg per serving (110% 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 store-bought chicken broth instead of cooking a hen?
Yes, using store-bought chicken broth can save time. Just ensure it’s low-sodium to better control the salt level in your dressing. You can also enhance the flavor by adding herbs to the broth while soaking the bread and crackers.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets, use gluten-free bread and crackers. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well in dressings. Additionally, check the labels on any seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.
What should I do if the dressing is too dry?
If the dressing seems too dry before baking, you can add more chicken broth or a little melted butter to achieve the desired consistency. Make sure to mix it well to evenly distribute the moisture throughout the dressing.
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).