Description

Welcome to the heartwarming world of comfort food with my Chicken & Stuffing Feast! This dish is the epitome of savory goodness, combining tender, juicy chicken with a rich and flavorful stuffing that captures the essence of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Originating from classic American cuisine, this recipe has been passed down through generations, making it a beloved staple at holiday dinners and Sunday family meals.

Imagine a golden-brown chicken, succulent and perfectly roasted, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as it bakes. The stuffing, infused with herbs and spices, complements the chicken beautifully, creating a dish that is not only delightful to the palate but also visually appealing. The joy of preparing this dish lies in its simplicity, yet the depth of flavor will leave your family and friends raving about it for days.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this recipe is designed to be accessible and enjoyable. It allows room for creativity, so you can add your own twist to make it even more special. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary experience that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 whole chicken (about 4 to 5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• For the Stuffing:
• 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably sourdough or French bread), cubed (about 8 cups)
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Optional Add-ins:
• 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sautéed

Preparation Method

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect roast on your chicken. While the oven heats, prepare the chicken. Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken is essential as it helps the skin crisp up during roasting.

Next, in a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme to create a flavorful rub. Gently loosen the skin of the chicken by sliding your fingers underneath it. Be careful not to tear it. Rub some of the seasoning mixture directly under the skin, ensuring that the chicken is well coated for maximum flavor. Take the remaining seasoning mixture and rub it all over the outside of the chicken.

Now, stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon wedges and crushed garlic cloves. This step will infuse the chicken with a delightful citrus flavor as it roasts. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan, making sure it’s stable and secure.

While the chicken is getting ready, let’s move on to the stuffing. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and celery. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they’re soft and translucent. This process helps to release the natural sweetness of the vegetables, which will greatly enhance the flavor of your stuffing.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed veggies, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. If you’re using any optional add-ins like sausage, dried cranberries, nuts, or mushrooms, this is the time to mix them in as well. Stir everything together until well incorporated.

Next, pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture to moisten it. You want the bread to be damp but not soggy, so adjust the amount of broth as needed. Finally, add the beaten eggs and fresh parsley, if using, and mix until everything is evenly coated. The eggs will help bind the stuffing together as it cooks.

Now, it’s time to stuff the chicken! Gently fill the cavity of the chicken with the stuffing mixture, being careful not to pack it too tightly, as the stuffing needs room to expand while cooking. If you have leftover stuffing, you can place it in a greased baking dish to bake alongside the chicken. This is a great way to ensure everyone gets the delicious stuffing, even if there isn’t enough room inside the chicken.

At this point, you’re ready to roast! Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken, so it’s essential to check for doneness. You’ll know the chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

If the chicken skin is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. This will allow the chicken to continue cooking while keeping the skin from getting too dark.

For the stuffing, if you’re baking it separately, it should take about 30 to 40 minutes in a separate dish. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife in the center; it should be hot and the top should be golden brown.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period is important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is juicy and tender. While the chicken rests, you can cover the stuffing to keep it warm.

After the resting time, carve the chicken into sections—breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings. Arrange the pieces on a platter, surrounded by the stuffing. This beautiful presentation will surely impress your guests and make your dining experience even more special.

Tips and Conclusion

For a delicious side dish that complements your Chicken & Stuffing Feast, consider serving roasted vegetables. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper make for a colorful and nutritious addition to your meal. Another tip is to make this dish ahead of time; you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, just stuff the chicken and pop it in the oven for a hassle-free cooking experience.



Preparing this Chicken & Stuffing Feast is not just about the delicious flavors and hearty textures; it’s about creating memories around the dining table. The aroma wafting through your home as the chicken roasts will draw your family together, eager to gather and enjoy the fruits of your labor. As you savor this dish, take a moment to appreciate the love and effort that went into making it.

If you enjoyed this recipe, why not explore other comforting dishes on our site? Try out our creamy mashed potatoes or garlic green beans for a complete meal that will delight everyone at your table. We invite you to share this recipe with friends and family—because good food is meant to be shared. Happy cooking, and may your culinary adventures continue!