5 Delicious Chicken and Stuffing Recipes You'll Love
1. Classic Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Who doesn't love a comforting casserole, especially when it's made with layers of tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce? This classic recipe brings together the essence of a home-cooked meal with its rich flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1⁄2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix
- 1⁄2 cup butter, melted
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Pour this over the chicken.
- Prepare Stuffing: In another bowl, mix the stuffing mix with melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken and sauce.
- Cook: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the stuffing is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
🍲 Note: Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Using a meat thermometer helps to ensure it's perfectly done at 165°F.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing Delight
Perfect for busy days, this slow cooker recipe lets you enjoy the flavors of a traditional stuffing meal with minimal effort. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (6 oz) box of stuffing mix
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
- Layer Ingredients: Place the diced vegetables in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the chicken thighs on top.
- Combine Broth and Soup: Mix the chicken broth with the cream of celery soup and pour over the chicken.
- Add Stuffing: Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix over the top of everything, ensuring it covers the chicken and broth.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Grilled Chicken with Herbed Stuffing
Looking for something with a bit of outdoor flair? This grilled chicken with herbed stuffing recipe offers a smoky twist:
Ingredients:
- 4 large boneless chicken breasts
- 1 (12 oz) package cornbread stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Butterfly and Pound Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast to create a pocket for stuffing, then gently pound to even thickness.
- Prepare Stuffing: Melt butter in a skillet, add stuffing mix, herbs, and chicken stock. Cook until the stuffing absorbs the liquid and herbs infuse.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and the stuffing is slightly browned.
🔥 Note: Ensure to cook chicken thoroughly on the grill to avoid any undercooked stuffing inside.
4. Chicken Stuffing Stuffed Peppers
Using bell peppers as edible bowls, this recipe combines the beloved flavors of stuffing with a healthy twist:
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (6 oz) box of herb-seasoned stuffing
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella)
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Stuffing: In a pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add shredded chicken, stuffing mix, and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the chicken stuffing mixture into each bell pepper, topping with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish, add a little water to the bottom of the dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
5. Cheesy Chicken and Stuffing Skillet
For a quick meal with minimal cleanup, this skillet recipe delivers comfort in every bite:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix
- 1 3⁄4 cups chicken broth
- 1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Add Stuffing: Pour chicken broth over chicken, bring to a boil, then add stuffing mix. Stir until the stuffing is moistened.
- Mix Cheese: Reduce heat, add heavy cream, and stir in cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot from the skillet.
In this delightful exploration of chicken and stuffing, we’ve covered recipes that span from the oven to the grill, to even the slow cooker. Each method brings its own unique flavor profile and convenience, perfect for various occasions and preferences. Whether it’s a comforting casserole, a hands-off slow cooker meal, a summery grilled treat, or an inventive use of bell peppers, these recipes highlight the versatility and timeless appeal of chicken paired with stuffing. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, tailoring them to suit your taste or dietary needs, and discover how this classic combination can offer endless culinary possibilities.
Can I prepare chicken stuffing in advance?
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Yes, you can prepare most of these recipes in advance. For casseroles and stuffed peppers, you can assemble them the day before and refrigerate. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How do I ensure my stuffing doesn’t get soggy?
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To prevent soggy stuffing, make sure you use enough liquid to hydrate the stuffing mix but not so much that it becomes mushy. If you’re using fresh bread, toast it first to remove excess moisture. Also, do not cover your dish with too much liquid during cooking.
What are some healthy stuffing alternatives?
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Consider using quinoa or whole grain bread for your stuffing mix. You can also mix in ingredients like diced apples, nuts, or more vegetables for added fiber and nutrients. Using low-sodium broth and reducing the butter can also make your stuffing healthier.