Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dressing
A hearty Southern-style chicken and dressing dish featuring savory cornbread, herbs, and tender chicken, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble the cooked cornbread, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, chicken seasoning, and sage together in a large bowl.
- Pour in the chicken broth to moisten the mixture generously.
- Crumble all ingredients thoroughly to combine well.
- Pour the mixture into an iron skillet or baking dish.
- Bake in a 450°F (232°C) oven for about 35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Debone the boiled hen and set the cooked chicken aside.
- Do not place the chicken on top of the dressing during baking.
- Serve the dressing with the cooked chicken, and store leftovers in the refrigerator for several days.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the chicken seasoning with a blend of garlic powder and black pepper. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and vegetable broth. Be mindful of the cornbread texture; it should be crumbly but not too dry. For a twist, add dried cranberries or nuts for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dressing alongside the deboned chicken for a comforting meal. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent sides, complementing the richness of the dish. For a hearty twist, pair with creamy mashed potatoes or serve it as part of a larger spread featuring dishes like Turkey With Wild Rice And Mushrooms.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the dressing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dressing contains roughly 310 calories, with 17g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 559mg per serving (24% 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 cornbread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought cornbread if you're short on time. Just ensure it’s not overly sweet, as traditional cornbread should have a savory flavor to balance the dish. You may need to adjust the moisture level when crumbling it into the mixture.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
A whole hen is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just be sure to remove the skin and bones before adding the meat to the dressing mixture for a more cohesive dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On baking day, simply place it in the oven as directed. This is a great way to save time, especially if you’re planning a larger meal.
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).