If you're in the mood for a comforting, easy dinner that's both flavorful and simple to prepare, this chicken and stuffing recipe is the perfect choice. Designed with the home cook in mind, this dish requires minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and still delivers a gourmet-like experience. Let's dive into making this delicious meal!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a meal that serves four:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box of stuffing mix
- 1 cup of water or chicken broth
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- Butter or vegetable oil for sautéing
- Salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs for flavor
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs.
- In a skillet, heat a bit of butter or oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side to brown. This adds a depth of flavor.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and place it in the greased baking dish.
3. Make the Stuffing
- Follow the package instructions for the stuffing mix, typically involving boiling water or broth and mixing it with the stuffing. However, reduce the liquid by about 1⁄4 cup for a denser stuffing.
- After preparing, spread the stuffing evenly over the chicken in the dish.
4. Add the Soup Layer
- Pour the can of cream of chicken soup over the stuffing, spreading it out to cover the stuffing layer evenly.
5. Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes.
- Uncover and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes to get a nice, golden top.
⏰ Note: If you prefer a drier stuffing, you can reduce the liquid in the stuffing preparation further.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty dish with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots to balance out the meal.
- A simple garden salad or cranberry sauce can add a touch of freshness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a homemade iced tea for a more relaxed dinner vibe.
🌱 Note: Feel free to include some chopped herbs or a sprinkle of paprika on top before serving for an extra flavor boost.
Variations
Add-ins:
- Incorporate some chopped vegetables like onions, celery, or mushrooms into the stuffing mix for extra texture and flavor.
- For a twist, mix in some dried cranberries or chopped apples to add a sweet touch to your stuffing.
Alternative Stuffings:
- If you want to venture beyond the traditional stuffing mix, consider using a cornbread or wild rice stuffing for a unique flavor profile.
The beauty of this chicken and stuffing recipe lies in its flexibility and simplicity. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish is a go-to. It's the combination of tender, juicy chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy soup that makes for a comforting, yet easy-to-prepare meal.
Can I use different chicken cuts for this recipe?
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Absolutely! Thighs or drumsticks will work well too; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
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Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or large portobello mushroom caps, and use a cream of mushroom soup instead.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
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Certainly! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.
