Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that feels both special and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this recipe for Chicken Stuffed with Stuffing! This classic dish elevates a simple roast chicken to a whole new level of flavor and satisfaction. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special Sunday feast. Forget takeout – this homemade masterpiece is surprisingly quick to prepare and will impress even the most discerning palates. Get ready to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
For the Stuffing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces bread, cubed (day-old bread works best)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, both inside and out. This step adds incredible flavor!
- Loosely fill the chicken cavity with the prepared stuffing (see below). Don't pack it too tightly, as it will expand during cooking.
Making the Stuffing:
- While the oven preheats, prepare the stuffing. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cubed bread to the skillet and toss to coat with the onion and celery mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to moisten the bread. Let it sit for a minute or two to absorb some of the liquid.
- Stir in parsley, sage, salt, and pepper.
Roasting the Chicken:
- Place the stuffed chicken in a roasting pan. Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to keep the chicken moist.
- Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, try adding sausage or bacon to your stuffing.
- If you prefer a crispier skin, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Don't overstuff the chicken; leave some room for the stuffing to expand.
- Basting the chicken with pan juices during cooking will help keep it moist.
Variations:
- Cranberry Stuffing: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the stuffing for a festive twist.
- Apple and Sausage Stuffing: Incorporate diced apples and your favorite sausage for a delicious, savory stuffing.
- Vegetarian Stuffing: Omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. Add mushrooms, chestnuts, or other vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 Protein: 30-40g Fat: 20-30g Carbohydrates: 20-30g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This chicken stuffed with stuffing recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food. It's a perfect meal for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of juicy chicken and flavorful stuffing is truly irresistible! Enjoy!