Are you tired of the same old chicken breast recipes? Craving something comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for stove top stuffing with chicken breast is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. It combines the juicy tenderness of chicken breast with the warm, savory goodness of classic stuffing, all cooked together in one pan for effortless cleanup. This is one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base of flavor for your stuffing.
-
Brown the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches for even browning. This ensures your chicken is juicy and flavorful.
-
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the chicken broth, bread cubes, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bread is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Finish and Serve: If desired, stir in the Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and serve immediately. This healthy meal is perfect as a quick dinner idea.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Stove Top Stuffing:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old bread is ideal for stuffing as it absorbs the liquid better without becoming mushy. If using fresh bread, let it sit out for a bit to dry slightly.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken enough space to brown properly. Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Add Vegetables: Expand your healthy meals by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Cranberry Stuffing: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart twist.
- Sausage Stuffing: Add 1/2 pound of cooked Italian sausage for extra flavor and protein.
- Vegetarian Stuffing: Omit the chicken and add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a balanced meal, rich in protein and fiber. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a typical serving will contain approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This delicious and easy stove top stuffing recipe with chicken breast is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!