chicken in dressing recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken in dressing recipe

I have been making this chicken in dressing recipe for years, and it is one of those meals that always gets a warm welcome at my dinner table. This dish is a classic Southern comfort food that combines tender baked chicken with a savory bread stuffing. It is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and makes everyone feel at home.

I love how the flavors of the chicken and the dressing come together, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that my whole family enjoys. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it is simple to prepare and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The chicken stays moist and juicy while the dressing bakes up golden and crispy on top.

My kids love the savory taste of the stuffing, and my husband always asks for seconds. It is also a great dish for Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings because it feels special without requiring hours of work. One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it is a complete meal in one dish.

The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles. The dressing adds fiber and carbohydrates from the bread, along with vegetables like onions and celery. This makes it a balanced meal that keeps everyone full and satisfied.

I also appreciate that I can control the amount of salt and fat by using low-sodium broth and whole wheat bread. Another thing I love about this chicken in dressing recipe is how versatile it is. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or even a whole cut-up chicken.

The dressing can be made with cornbread, white bread, or a mix of both. I often add dried cranberries or chopped apples for a touch of sweetness. This recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt to what you have on hand, which makes it a go-to in my kitchen.

Chicken in Dressing

4.8 from 1036 votes

This chicken in dressing recipe features tender baked chicken nestled on top of a savory bread stuffing. It is a comforting one-dish meal that is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Dressing

6 cups cubed day-old white bread (about 8 ounces)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 large egg, beaten

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season them evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the hot oil and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
5Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes, then transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
6In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
7Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
8Remove the skillet from the heat.
9In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked onion and celery, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
10Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and add the beaten egg.
11Stir everything together until the bread is evenly moistened.
12Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
13Arrange the browned chicken thighs on top of the dressing, skin side up.
14Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the dressing is golden and set and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
15Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and reduce the cooking time to 25 to 30 minutes. You can also use cornbread instead of white bread for a different flavor.

Watch Video Of How Chicken in Dressing Works

To store leftovers, place the chicken and dressing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For reheating, I recommend using the oven to keep the chicken moist and the dressing crispy.

Simply put the leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes. This chicken in dressing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.

It works well for family gatherings because it feeds a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time. I love serving it with a side of green beans or a simple salad for a complete meal that everyone enjoys.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken in Dressing

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If using boneless chicken, reduce the baking time to about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The dressing may need a few extra minutes to set, so check it as well.

2. Can I make this chicken in dressing recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Prepare the dressing and place it in the baking dish, then arrange the browned chicken on top. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold dish.

3. What is the best type of bread to use for the dressing?

Day-old white bread or French bread works best because it is firm and absorbs the broth without getting mushy. You can also use cornbread for a sweeter, more Southern style dressing. If using fresh bread, toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.

4. Can I add other ingredients to the dressing?

Absolutely. You can add cooked sausage, chopped apples, dried cranberries, or mushrooms to the dressing for extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly. If adding sausage, cook it first and drain the fat before mixing it in.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover chicken and dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place portions in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for 2 to 3 minutes.

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