Old Fashioned Dressing
Old Fashioned Dressing offers a savory, herb-infused flavor profile with tender chicken and hearty bread crumbs, perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 boiled chicken with broth ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups cornbread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sage ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 2/3 cup melted margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups milk
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the chicken and reserve the broth.
- Cook the chopped onion and celery with margarine for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the cooked onion and celery to the crumb mixture.
- Combine milk, eggs, and the meat from bony chicken pieces.
- Add the milk and eggs mixture along with 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth to the crumb mixture and toss lightly.
- Bake in a baking dish at 325°F until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the dressing. If you don’t have cornbread crumbs, you can use crushed cornbread or even regular bread crumbs as a substitute. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste; if you prefer a stronger sage flavor, feel free to add more. This dressing also works well with chicken recipes that include a creamy element.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Old Fashioned Dressing alongside roasted meats or as a cozy base for a holiday meal. It pairs beautifully with gravy and cranberry sauce, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of green beans or a fresh salad. This dish also complements American recipes like Barbecued Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Dressing contains roughly 1058 calories, with 20g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2040mg per serving (89% 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 homemade?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought chicken broth if you don't have homemade on hand. Just ensure it has a good flavor, as it will significantly impact the taste of your dressing. You can also mix in some of the reserved broth from boiling your chicken for added depth.
How can I make this dressing vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this dressing, substitute the boiled chicken with sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and margarine can be replaced with a non-dairy butter alternative or olive oil. This will keep the richness while accommodating dietary preferences.
Can I prepare this dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving to ensure it's warm and fresh. If you find it too dry after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or milk before baking to maintain moisture.
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).