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Best Chicken and Dressing Recipe

Best Chicken and Dressing Recipe
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A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy roasted whole chicken stuffed with a perfectly seasoned, fluffy dressing made from bread cubes, celery, onion, and classic poultry seasonings. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

For the Dressing

  • 6 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old)
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups warm chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning to enhance flavor and ensure juicy meat.
  2. Make the Dressing Base: In a skillet, sauté the chopped celery and onion in butter over medium heat until they are tender and fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor of the dressing.
  3. Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a large bowl, place the bread cubes and toss with the sautéed vegetables. Gradually pour in warm chicken broth, stirring until the mixture holds together but is not soggy. Season with additional salt, pepper, and herbs if desired.
  4. Stuff the Chicken: Loosely fill the chicken cavity with the prepared dressing, being careful not to pack it too tightly to allow even cooking.
  5. Roast to Perfection: Place the stuffed chicken breast-side up on a roasting pan. Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices to maintain crispy skin and flavor.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to lock in juices. Slice the chicken carefully and serve with spoonfuls of the flavorful dressing.

Notes

  • Season the chicken both inside and out for balanced flavor.
  • Use day-old bread cubes for better broth absorption and dressing texture.
  • Do not over-stuff the chicken cavity; leave room for heat circulation.
  • Baste often during roasting to keep the chicken skin crispy and prevent dryness.
  • Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to retain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and dressing, roasted chicken, comfort food, family dinner, homemade stuffing, baked chicken

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/best-chicken-and-dressing-recipe/