Easy Homemade Chicken and Dressing Recipe

As the cool autumn breeze sweeps through the kitchen, the aroma of a savory chicken and dressing casserole fills the air. It brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine. This easy homemade recipe is a true delight, combining tender boneless skinless chicken breasts, creamy condensed soup, and the irresistible taste of Stove Top stuffing mix.

Whether you’re planning a special holiday feast or seeking a satisfying weeknight meal, this versatile dish is sure to become a new family favorite. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 40 minutes, it’s a breeze to put together. It’s the perfect choice for busy cooks who crave the flavors of a homemade Southern classic.

Perfect Southern Comfort: A Classic Chicken and Dressing Recipe

Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and enjoy the season’s flavors. The classic chicken and dressing recipe is a staple of southern cuisine. It’s a beloved part of the Thanksgiving meal and a cherished family tradition.

Origins of Southern Dressing

The Southern-style dressing has its roots in the early settlers. They used cornbread, bread cubes, and herbs and vegetables in their stuffing. Today, it’s a key part of southern cuisine.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This chicken and dressing recipe is loved for its simplicity and rich flavors. It uses homemade condensed cream of chicken soup, avoiding canned ingredients. The mix of Southern comfort and easy preparation makes it a favorite for authentic recipes.

“The dish is satisfying and soul-warming, making it a perfect choice for the Thanksgiving meal or any other family tradition.”

This recipe takes 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour and 55 minutes to make. It’s great for those with some cooking skills. It’s gluten, dairy, and egg-free, making it suitable for certain diets.

Essential Ingredients for Your Holiday Table

Creating a tasty cornbread dressing for your holiday meal is a must. The secret to success is using the right ingredients. This Southern-style recipe combines savory flavors that will wow your guests.

The dish’s heart is made of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and milk. These ingredients create a creamy base that holds the dressing together. Cornbread stuffing mix is the base, and chicken broth adds moisture and flavor.

To make the dish even better, you can add sour cream, French onion soup mix, or a bit of butter. Also, herbs and spices like sage, parsley, or other aromatic seasonings can be added to make it your own.

With these ingredients, you can make a delicious cornbread dressing. It will be the highlight of your holiday table. The mix of savory chicken, creamy soups, and cornbread will delight your guests and leave them wanting more.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the perfect homemade chicken and dressing, you need some key tools. From the baking dish to the saucepan, the right cookware makes cooking easier.

Must-Have Cookware

• 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish: This size dish is perfect for baking the chicken and dressing mixture.
• Large saucepan: You’ll need a sizable saucepan to cook the chicken and create the dressing base.
• Mixing bowls: Sturdy mixing bowls are essential for combining the dressing ingredients and tossing the cooked chicken.

Optional Cooking Accessories

While not absolutely necessary, a few optional accessories can make the cooking process even easier:

1. Instant-read thermometer: Use this to ensure your chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Non-stick cooking spray: Lightly coating the baking dish with non-stick spray will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

With these essential tools and equipment, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious homemade chicken and dressing dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making the perfect chicken and dressing dish is a rewarding process. It brings together the comforting flavors of the South. Follow this guide to create a mouthwatering chicken and dressing recipe that will delight your family and friends.

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the holiday dish releases easily after baking.

1. Start by arranging the cooked chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cubed or shredded chicken in an even layer.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, beaten eggs, and your choice of fresh or dried herbs like sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Whisk the mixture until well blended.
3. Gently fold the cornbread dressing into the soup and broth mixture, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. Spoon the dressing mixture over the chicken in the baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.
4. If desired, you can add a layer of crushed saltine crackers on top of the dressing for extra texture and flavor.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.

Basting the chicken and dressing with the pan juices during the final baking stage will help create a beautifully crisp and flavorful crust. Enjoy this comforting holiday dish alongside your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll create a delightful chicken and dressing recipe that will become a cherished tradition on your holiday table. Enjoy the comforting flavors and aromas of this classic Southern dish.

Mastering the Perfect Chicken Seasoning

Seasoning is key to making the best chicken and dressing. While Southern-style dressing often uses salt, pepper, and sage, you can try new flavors. This can make your dish stand out.

Traditional Herb Combinations

The classic mix of salt, black pepper, and sage is a Southern favorite. It pairs well with the chicken and dressing. Some recipes add French onion soup mix for more depth.

Modern Seasoning Variations

For a modern twist, add fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme. They add a bright, herbal taste that balances the dressing. You can also mix poultry seasonings for a unique flavor.

Choose a seasoning that makes your dish flavorful. Whether it’s traditional sage or new herb blends, the right seasoning makes chicken and dressing unforgettable.

Creating the Creamy Base: Soup and Broth Mixture

The creamy base is key to a rich chicken and dressing. It’s made with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and milk or broth. This mix makes a savory sauce that goes well with the chicken and stuffing.

Want to make it homemade? Use butter, broth, and a roux to make your own cream of chicken soup. This way, you can avoid additives and make it healthier.

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of unsalted chicken broth and 1 cup of milk, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
4. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried sage.
5. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy, condensed soup consistency, about 10 minutes.

After making your soup, mix it with broth and more seasonings. This will make the perfect base for your chicken and dressing.

The Art of Layering Your Dressing Components

Layering is key to a perfect cornbread dressing for Thanksgiving. Start by layering each part evenly. This ensures a great mix of flavors and textures.

Building Flavors Layer by Layer

Begin with seasoned chicken at the bottom of your dish. This adds a savory base. Then, add creamy soup to coat the chicken well.

Finally, top it with stuffing mix and chicken broth. This layer absorbs all the flavors, making the dressing cohesive and tasty.

Tips for Even Distribution

• Spread each layer gently with a spoon or spatula. This prevents gaps.
• Fluff the top layer of stuffing mix to cover the dish evenly.
• Add more chicken broth to the top layer if needed. This keeps it moist.
• Use a fork to mix the layers lightly. This blends flavors without overmixing.

With careful layering, your cornbread dressing will look great and taste amazing. Every bite will be full of flavor.

Baking Times and Temperature Guidelines

Preparing a delicious holiday dish is all about the baking. For a classic chicken and dressing casserole, it’s key to get the crust golden and the meat juicy. This balance makes the dish unforgettable.

Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Bake the casserole for 40-60 minutes. Cover it with foil to avoid over-browning. It’s done when it’s bubbly and the chicken is 165°F (74°C) inside.

After baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This step lets the flavors mix and the texture set. It makes the dish even more enjoyable.

Keep an eye on your dish as it bakes. Oven temperatures and times can differ. With practice, you’ll make a holiday dish that your family will love for years.

“The secret to a truly memorable chicken and dressing casserole lies in the attention to detail during the baking process.”

Storage Tips and Reheating Instructions

Enjoying a delicious thanksgiving meal with your loved ones is a cherished family tradition. The feast doesn’t have to end when the main course is gone. Proper storage and reheating can keep your homemade chicken and dressing casserole tasty for days.

Leftover chicken and dressing casserole can stay in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes. Adding a bit of chicken broth helps keep it moist and prevents the dressing from drying out.

If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. Add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to make sure it’s hot all the way through.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your thanksgiving meal long after it’s over. Whether reheating for one or the whole family tradition, these guidelines will keep your casserole moist and flavorful.

Conclusion

This easy homemade chicken and dressing recipe is perfect for any time. It’s great for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just any day. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it a favorite in southern cuisine.

It’s easy to make and always a hit. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. It’s sure to please your taste buds.

You can make it your own by changing the seasonings or ingredients. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you have guests over. Enjoy the comforting taste of this chicken and dressing recipe in your home.

This dish will become a favorite in your kitchen, bringing Southern flavors to your table. Make it your own and create memories with every bite. It’s a recipe that will delight your family and friends.