Celery Herb Stuffing and Savory Chicken

Hearty Comfort: Celery Herb Stuffing and Savory Chicken

Dive into a world of savory goodness with our Celery Herb Stuffing and Savory Chicken recipe. This comforting dish brings together tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic herbs and flavorful celery stuffing, creating a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving a hearty and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Ingredients:

Meat:

  • 1 (3-pound) whole chicken

Produce:

  • 1/2 cup Celery, finely chopped
  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp Dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp Dried sage
  • 1/4 cup Fresh savory, chopped
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme

Baking & Spices:

  • 1 tbsp Ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp Celery salt

Bread & Baked Goods:

  • 6 slices Stale bread, cubed

Dairy:

  • 1/2 cup Butter, melted

Instructions:

For the Celery Herb Stuffing:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, chopped celery, chopped onion, fresh parsley, dried rosemary, dried sage, fresh savory, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and celery salt. Toss until well combined.
  3. Drizzle the melted butter over the bread mixture and toss again to evenly coat all the ingredients.
  4. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
  5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and lightly browned on top.
  6. Once done, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the top layer, if desired.
  7. Remove the stuffing from the oven and set aside while you prepare the chicken.

For the Savory Chicken:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the whole chicken in a roasting pan or baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the dried rosemary, dried sage, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and celery salt.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the surface of the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
  4. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
  5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
  6. Serve the carved chicken alongside the warm Celery Herb Stuffing.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • For a more intense flavor, you can sauté the chopped celery and onion in a skillet with a tablespoon of butter until softened before mixing them into the stuffing.
  • Feel free to customize the herb blend to your liking by adding your favorite herbs or spices such as thyme, oregano, or garlic powder.
  • If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can toast the cubed bread in the oven for a few minutes before mixing it with the other stuffing ingredients.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for the stuffing?

A: While stale bread is traditionally used for stuffing as it absorbs the flavors better, you can use fresh bread if that’s what you have on hand. To mimic the texture of stale bread, you can cut the fresh bread into cubes and let it sit out at room temperature for a few hours to dry out slightly.

Q: Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake as directed.

Q: How can I ensure that the chicken is cooked through?

A: The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (usually the thigh) and make sure it registers at least 165°F (75°C). If the juices run clear when you pierce the chicken with a knife, it’s also a good indication that it’s done.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Replace the stale bread with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb stuffing option.
  • Use ghee instead of butter for a higher fat content.
  • Skip the onion in the stuffing mixture to reduce the carb count.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Substitute the bread with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a low-carb stuffing alternative.
  • Increase the amount of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the stuffing without adding extra carbs.
  • Use olive oil instead of butter for a low-carb option.

In conclusion, our Celery Herb Stuffing and Savory Chicken recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its aromatic herbs, flavorful stuffing, and tender roasted chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a hearty and satisfying meal, this recipe has you covered. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering dish that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul!