A Simple Yet Scrumptious Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
This recipe delivers a classic comfort food experience: juicy roast chicken paired with flavorful, herby stuffing. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Stuffing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces bread, cubed (day-old bread works best!)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- Rub the chicken generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure to season both inside and out for maximum flavor.
Making the Stuffing:
- Sauté the onion and celery: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sautéed vegetables and broth: Add the cooked onion and celery mixture to the bread mixture. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring until the bread is evenly moistened. Don't over-soak; you want the stuffing to be moist but not soggy.
- Stuff the chicken: Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breast and carefully spoon the stuffing into the cavity. Don't overstuff; leave some room for the stuffing to expand during cooking.
Roasting the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan: 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).
- Baste the chicken: Every 20 minutes or so, baste the chicken with the pan juices for extra moisture and flavor.
- Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serving:
Carve the chicken and serve with the stuffing. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh herbs: If possible, use fresh sage and thyme for a more intense flavor.
- Don't overstuff the chicken: Overstuffing can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Check the internal temperature: Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Make it ahead: The stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of juicy chicken and flavorful stuffing is a classic for a reason! Remember to adjust seasonings to your liking. Happy cooking!
