Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that will transport you straight to grandma's kitchen? Get ready to experience the most delectable baked chicken dish that combines perfectly seasoned chicken thighs with a rich, flavorful stuffing that will make your taste buds dance! This American classic is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the stuffing gets a nice golden color.
- In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix and chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is evenly moistened. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- While the stuffing is soaking, prepare the vegetables. Chop the celery and onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the chopped celery and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Once the celery and onion are cooked, mix them into the soaked stuffing mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large baking dish, arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up. This allows the skin to crisp up nicely while cooking.
- Evenly distribute the stuffing mixture around and on top of the chicken thighs in the baking dish. This will allow the stuffing to absorb some of the juices from the chicken as it cooks.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes covered. This helps the chicken cook through without drying out.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Serve the baked chicken thighs alongside the stuffing, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious baked chicken dish with stuffing!
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in all the juicy flavors.
- Use fresh vegetables for the stuffing to enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish. Finely chopped celery and onions provide a subtle, aromatic base.
- Don't skip the resting time after cooking—this crucial step allows the chicken juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and tender.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to guarantee it reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures it's fully cooked without being dry.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing mixture or as a garnish before serving.
- If you prefer a crispier top on the stuffing, remove the foil a bit earlier or broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
