Chicken with Cranberry Stuffing
I came up with this dish by combining various elements my family enjoyed from other recipes. It's a very pretty way to dress up plain chicken breast halves. —JoAnne Cloughly, East Worcester, New York
I came up with this dish by combining various elements my family enjoyed from other recipes. It's a very pretty way to dress up plain chicken breast halves. —JoAnne Cloughly, East Worcester, New York
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup onion chopped
- 3-1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice
- 8 bacon strips
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- creamy mustard sauce:
- 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- Carbohydrate 111.957057379262 g
- Cholesterol 306.141562630097 mg
- Fat 77.0396946684405 g
- Fiber 3.71960825852886 g
- Protein 77.837728328429 g
- Saturated Fat 40.9032975981421 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1003g)
- Sodium 1435.55311873676 mg
- Sugar 108.237449120733 g
- Trans Fat 4.44925600733783 g
- Calories 1446 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender. Add the broth, brown rice and wild rice; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 55-65 minutes or until rice is tender. Drain excess liquid if necessary. Stir in the cranberries, parsley, thyme and pepper.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until cooked but not crisp; drain on paper towels.
- Flatten chicken to 1/4-in. thickness. Top each with 1/4 cup rice mixture; roll up from one end. Wrap two strips of bacon around each roll-up and secure with toothpicks. Place remaining rice mixture in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish; place roll-ups over rice.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat honey, uncovered, on high for 30 seconds; spoon over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 28-30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Discard toothpicks.
- In a small saucepan, combine cream and mustard. Cook over medium-low heat until mixture is reduced and begins to thicken, stirring constantly. Serve warm with chicken.
Chicken with Cranberry Stuffing: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school runs, and trying to squeeze in a workout. But even in the midst of the chaos, I refuse to compromise on good food. This Chicken with Cranberry Stuffing recipe has become a lifesaver – it’s elegant enough for company, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It's a beautiful dish that elevates a simple chicken breast into something truly special.
The inspiration for this dish came from a desire to create something both comforting and visually appealing. I love the sweetness of cranberries, the savory notes of the chicken, and the satisfying crunch of bacon. The combination is simply irresistible. The stuffing, a blend of brown and wild rice with cranberries and herbs, adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that always leaves my family wanting more. The creamy mustard sauce ties everything together beautifully. It's a rich, tangy sauce that adds another layer of complexity to the dish.
Why this recipe works for busy individuals:
- Minimal Prep Time: While there are a few steps, the prep work is relatively quick. Many of the ingredients can be prepped ahead of time, saving you time on busy evenings.
- One-Pan Wonder (mostly!): Most of the cooking happens in one baking dish, minimizing cleanup.
- Make-Ahead Potential: The stuffing can be prepared in advance, allowing you to assemble the dish quickly before baking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe always receives rave reviews, whether it’s a family dinner or a small get-together.
- Versatile: You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or types of rice.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it’s about creating memories. I often find myself reminiscing about family dinners around the table, sharing stories and laughter. This dish has become a part of those cherished moments, a comforting reminder of family and good food. The process of making this meal, from the careful preparation to the satisfying aroma filling the kitchen, is a mindful experience that allows me to disconnect from the day's stressors and reconnect with what truly matters. The simple act of cooking, and sharing a meal, brings people together. This recipe is a testament to that, a symbol of nourishment for both body and soul.
Beyond its practicality, this Chicken with Cranberry Stuffing is a recipe for celebration. It’s a dish that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a special occasion. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it a feast for the senses. It's a meal that embodies the spirit of togetherness, a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle of life, there’s always time for good food and good company. And that, to me, is priceless.
So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, easy, and impressive meal, give this Chicken with Cranberry Stuffing a try. I guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen, a cherished recipe you’ll turn to time and again. It's more than just a recipe; it's a love letter to family, friends, and the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal together.
