Eva Claiborne's Hen and Dressing

This traditional American recipe for Eva Claiborne's Hen and Dressing is a beloved Southern classic. With tender hen pieces and a flavorful cornbread dressing, this dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The combination of juicy meat, savory stuffing, and rich gravy will leave you wanting more. Enjoy this delicious recipe as a main course for Thanksgiving or any special gathering. It's guaranteed to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

• 1 whole hen
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cornbread crumbs
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rinse the hen under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the hen with salt and black pepper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread crumbs, celery, onion, bell pepper, melted butter, chicken broth, cooked rice, thyme, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and parsley flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Stuff the seasoned hen with the cornbread dressing mixture. Place the hen in a roasting pan, breast side up.
5. Cover the roasting pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to allow the hen to brown.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the roasting pan, stirring it into the juices to thicken the gravy.
8. Return the hen to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
9. Once cooked, remove the hen from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
10. Serve the carved hen with the cornbread dressing and gravy.
11. Enjoy this delicious and comforting Southern-style hen and dressing!

Interesting Facts