Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Chicken Breast and Stove Top Stuffing recipe is the perfect answer for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner. It combines the juicy tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken breast with the comforting warmth of homemade stovetop stuffing, all in one pan for minimal cleanup. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
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For the Stuffing:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup cubed bread (day-old is best)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp sage
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
Step 2: Building the Stuffing
While the chicken is searing, prepare the stuffing. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cubed bread, chicken broth, parsley, sage, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the bread is moistened and the mixture is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Combining and Baking
Pour the stuffing around the seared chicken breasts in the oven-safe skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the chicken breast and stovetop stuffing immediately. This delicious and easy recipe is perfect served with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken; work in batches if necessary.
- If you prefer a crispier stuffing, broil the skillet for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Spicy Stuffing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a little kick.
- Cranberry Stuffing: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried cranberries into the stuffing for a festive twist.
- Sausage Stuffing: Brown 1/2 lb of sausage before adding the onions and celery for a heartier stuffing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy chicken breast and stovetop stuffing recipe provides a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of juicy chicken and flavorful stuffing creates a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!