Stuffed chicken as the name suggests is a chicken dish made by stuffing the chicken. It can be prepared by stuffing whole chicken or the individual chicken pieces. Stuffed chicken makes use of different ingredients consisting of vegetables, cheese, meats, breads, herbs and sauces. Stuffed chicken recipes are mostly used for Thanksgiving Day.
History and Origin of Stuffed Chicken Recipes
A stuffed chicken is a way of filing the void of chicken and it is an old way of cooking. The chicken preparation by stuffing has been mentioned in a Roman cookbook, Apicius' De Re Coquinaria of the Middle Ages. The stuffing was done by using variety of herbs, vegetables and nuts. However, the mention of stuffed chicken in New England is done in Pilgrims.
Ingredients Used In Stuffed Chicken Recipes
Stuffed chicken is mostly made chicken breast pieces. A whole chicken can also be used for the stuffing. The filling can vary for stuffed chicken recipes. Basil, rosemary and thyme are the most used herbs for filling. Cheeses along with spinach, broccoli, mushroom, tomatoes are some of the vegetables that can be filled in the chicken. The stuffed pieces are placed in the baking dish and seasoned with salt and pepper. The chicken can be topped with an Italian dressing or any other for better taste and flavor. Once done and fully cooked, the chicken is served hot with onion rings. A variety of ingredients can be used as a filling for stuffed chicken recipes. Ham, apple, and goat cheese can be used for chicken fillets. Other combination of meat and fruits that can be used for filling is apple and sausages combined with bread crumbs. Cornmeal or bread crumbs together with fresh herbs and spices enhance the taste of whole chicken.
Serving Stuffed Chicken
Stuffed chicken offers a variety of serving choices. If a whole chicken is stuffed, it can be served as a main dish. The stuffed chicken breasts are mainly eaten as appetizers. Other small boneless cuts can be served as finger foods and snacking items. Zinfandel and Chard are some of the few wines which enhance the taste of stuffed chicken dishes. Tomato sauce or a coriander and mint dip makes the chicken more delicious to taste.
Stuffed Chicken Recipes –Preparation
Although, cooking method for stuffed chicken recipe is mainly baked, the dish can also be made by slow cooking, steaming or grilling. Depending on the filling, the meat is prepared for stuffing. One of the common ways is to put the filling under the skin. It is mostly done when the filling is soft and smooth. Mashed potato filling can be stuffed by this procedure. In the second way, the chicken is flattened with a mallet and then the filling is rolled along with the skin. This is mostly done when a thigh piece is to be stuffed.Sometimes the chicken is sliced, in order to make a slit and the stuffing is done. This is used for the fillings which can be easily spread. Cheese and tomato filling can be stuffed using this way.Last but not the least; a whole chicken is stuffed making use of breadcrumbs or corn meal. This is very popular while making chicken for Thanks giving day.
Popular Stuffed Chicken Recipes
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast- It is a crisp and spicy chicken recipe. The chicken breasts are stuffed with assortment of crushed garlic, spinach leaves, peeper jack cheese, sour cream, black pepper and sliced bacon.
Honey Glazed Stuffed Chicken- It is one of the delicious stuffed chicken recipes made by stuffing the vegetables. The veggies are roasted prior to stuffing for enhancing the flavor. Sliced bacon and cheese give a creamy texture to the dish and the honey glaze makes it perfect for afternoon lunch or snack.
Chili Stuffed Chicken Recipe- This is a spicy chicken recipe which makes use of chopped green chilies with garlic, butter, lettuce and Monterey jack shredded cheese.
Indian Vegetable Stuffed Chicken- Indian stuffed chicken is a tangy and spicy chicken recipe with vegetables such as carrots, spinach, peas and bell peppers as stuffing. Cashew nut paste is also used to give the recipe a creamy and smooth flavor. The chicken is seasoned with red chilies, salt, pepper and coriander after frying in the oil.
Stuffed Chicken Fillets- It is a juicy chicken recipe which comprise of chicken fillets, mushrooms, ham, onions and basil herb. The filling is amazing and it is one of the most delicious stuffed chicken recipes.