Are you craving a taste of the South? Then look no further! This Chicken Dressing recipe, inspired by the Queen of Southern cooking herself, Paula Deen, is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Forget dry, bland stuffing – this recipe is bursting with flavor, moist, and incredibly comforting. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight dinner that needs a little extra love, this easy recipe is a delicious addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to experience the ultimate in Southern comfort food!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough dressing for a 12-14 pound turkey, but easily scales down for smaller gatherings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (mild Italian recommended)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best!)
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your delicious dressing.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, sausage, poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, pepper, and salt. Gently mix in the cubed bread. Don't overmix; you want some of the bread to remain slightly chunky.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken broth. Pour the wet ingredients over the bread mixture and stir gently to combine. Again, avoid overmixing to prevent the bread from becoming mushy.
Step 4: Bake the Dressing
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the dressing into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the dressing rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. This delicious side dish pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or even enjoyed on its own!
Tips for the Best Chicken Dressing:
- Bread Choice: Day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the liquid better and prevents a soggy dressing.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth of flavor.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your baking dish. Check for doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add about 15 minutes to the baking time.
Variations:
- Cranberry Chicken Dressing: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the dressing for a sweet and tart twist.
- Wild Rice Chicken Dressing: Substitute 1 cup of cooked wild rice for some of the bread for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Vegetarian Chicken Dressing: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: 15-20g Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 25-35g
This Chicken Dressing recipe is a true testament to the magic of Southern cooking – simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a flavor that will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen table filled with loved ones. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, or make it the star of your next holiday feast. It’s a surefire way to elevate any meal and create lasting memories around the dinner table.