Are you craving a mouthwatering, hassle-free dinner that combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly seasoned stuffing? Look no further! This Baked Chicken Pieces and Stuffing recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that promises to impress both family and guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Imagine a dish that brings together the classic comfort of home-cooked chicken with the rich, savory goodness of stuffing - all baked to golden perfection in just one pan!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides, making sure to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to package instructions, using the chicken broth instead of water. Add chopped onions to enhance the flavor and provide extra moisture.
- Spread the prepared stuffing mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base for the chicken pieces.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the stuffing, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space between them for even cooking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out during the initial cooking phase.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes covered, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired, and enjoy with a side of vegetables or salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure a crispy, flavorful exterior.
- Use chicken broth instead of water in the stuffing mix for an extra layer of flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish - give the chicken pieces some space to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- For extra moisture, you can add a splash of white wine or additional chicken broth to the stuffing.
- Experiment with different herb seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or sage to customize the flavor profile.
- If you prefer crispier chicken skin, finish the last few minutes of cooking under the broiler (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
