Chicken with Apples and Stuffing
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Served Person: 6
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 4 pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to taste
- 1 -2 tablespoon honey to taste
- 1 package seasoned stuffing mix flavor of choice
- 1 can apple pie filling
- Carbohydrate 3.78604166666667 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.09756666666667 g
- Fiber 0.486149990081787 g
- Protein 0.0455683333333333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.151331833333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (15g)
- Sodium 207.4541 mg
- Sugar 3.29989167658488 g
- Trans Fat 0.0453141666666665 g
- Calories 24 calories
My Simple, Flavorful Chicken with Apples and Stuffing
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Chicken with Apples and Stuffing recipe has become a staple in our home, and I'm excited to share it with you. It’s surprisingly easy to make and offers a fantastic blend of sweet and savory flavors that always leaves us wanting more.
The inspiration came from a recipe I found in Taste of Home's "Five Ingredient Cookbook," but over time, I've made it my own. I’ve tweaked it, adjusted it, and experimented until I achieved the perfect balance of flavors that suits our taste buds perfectly. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit what you have on hand. Sometimes I find it difficult to locate the exact measurements called for, which is how I ended up using a whole box of stuffing mix instead of the suggested smaller amount - and the extra stuffing makes a lovely side dish!
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can use pork loin chops instead of chicken if that's what you prefer, and you can easily adjust the spices to your liking. For instance, if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to add a bit more. I personally prefer to chop the chicken breasts before cooking; I find it cooks more evenly and blends better with the other ingredients. But if you prefer, you can certainly leave them whole.
The combination of tender chicken, sweet apples, and savory stuffing is incredibly satisfying. The sweetness of the apple pie filling complements the savory flavors of the chicken and stuffing remarkably well. It's a perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and delicious. The entire process is surprisingly quick and easy, which is a huge bonus for me, especially on those busy evenings.
I often serve this dish with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans for a complete and balanced meal. It's also great for meal prepping—prepare it ahead of time and reheat it throughout the week. It’s a meal that’s as versatile as it is tasty. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this Chicken with Apples and Stuffing will surely become a family favorite.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Add some veggies: Toss in some chopped onions or celery to the stuffing for added flavor and texture.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the stuffing before baking for a richer flavor.
- Use different apples: Experiment with different varieties of apples for a unique flavor profile.
- Substitute sausage: Replace the chicken with Italian sausage for a hearty and flavorful twist.
So, give this Chicken with Apples and Stuffing recipe a try. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Let me know what you think in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your experiences and any variations you try.
Happy cooking!
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Chop chicken, season with salt, pepper and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, rubbing dry spices in thoroughly.
- In a skillet, brown chicken in oil over medium-high heat, adding honey as soon as the chicken hits the pan and starts sizzling!
- Toss to coat chicken.
- Remove as soon as chicken is cooked on all sides.
- Meanwhile, prepare stuffing according to package directions.
- Spread pie filling in a greased 8-in. x 8-in. square baking dish.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon if not already included in pie filling.
- Note: At this juncture, you may want to remove apples from their sauce and dice them up, then return. I find that though the apple flavor blends nicely, the whole apple slices frequently overpower the other components of the dish.
- Add chicken over the top of the pie filling, and then add the stuffing on top.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover; bake 5-8 minutes longer or just until the top of stuffing browns just a bit and pie filling starts to bubble.
