Oven-baked chicken stuffed with mushrooms

Delicious Recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken Stuffed with Mushrooms

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a tasty meal prepared with lots of love? Oven-baked chicken stuffed with mushrooms is one of those classic recipes that brings joy to every home. Not only is it simple to make, but it's also full of flavors that will delight the taste buds of family and friends. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Here’s how you can prepare this delight step by step, with useful tips and tricks to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients

- 1 large chicken (approximately 1.5 - 2 kg)
- 500 g chicken liver
- 1 large onion
- 1 raw egg
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 6 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- Chicken spices (to taste)
- 250 ml oil (for preparation)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 500 ml cold water
- 2 tablespoons vegeta (or another spice mix)
- 300 g champignon mushrooms (fresh or canned)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Chicken
Start by cleaning the chicken, removing any feather remnants and washing it well under cold running water. Dry it with a paper towel. Make sure the chicken is completely thawed if using a frozen one. A well-cleaned chicken will taste much better.

2. Preparing the Filling
In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Then, add the chicken livers and diced mushrooms. Sauté everything for 5-7 minutes until the livers are well cooked.
To add a touch of freshness, chop the parsley and add it to the liver mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and vegeta, mixing well. Finally, add the breadcrumbs and the raw egg, mixing until you achieve a homogeneous composition. This will be your delicious filling.

3. Stuffing the Chicken
Stuff the chicken with the liver and mushroom mixture, being careful not to overfill it. Tie the chicken with kitchen twine or secure it with toothpicks to prevent it from coming apart during baking. A well-stuffed chicken will have a uniform and tasty texture.

4. Baking the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a baking dish, place the stuffed chicken and brush it with the remaining oil. Add the cold water to the dish to maintain moisture during baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove the foil and let it brown for another 30 minutes. Check if the chicken is well cooked using a kitchen thermometer (the internal temperature should be 75 degrees Celsius).

5. Serving
After the chicken has been taken out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step is essential to maintain the juiciness of the meat. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can also add a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Chicken: Opt for a quality chicken from a local farmer if possible. The taste of the meat will be incomparable.
- Spices: Play with the spices! Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a special flavor.
- Variations: You can replace the mushrooms with other vegetables like zucchini or carrots to adapt the recipe to your preferences.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This recipe offers a balance of proteins, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a nutritious option. A serving has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the size of the chicken and the ingredients used.

Stories and Memories

Stuffed chicken is often prepared in families for festive meals or Sundays spent together. I fondly remember how my mother would gather us all around the table, and the aroma of the baked chicken would draw us in like a magnet. It’s a recipe that brings people together, sharing not just flavors but also beautiful stories and memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use thawed chicken? Yes, but make sure it is completely thawed and well cleaned before cooking.
- How do I know if the chicken is cooked? Use a kitchen thermometer or check if the juice coming out of the meat is clear, without traces of blood.
- Can I prepare the chicken a few hours in advance? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and leave it covered in the refrigerator, then bake it before serving.

What to Serve Alongside?

This recipe pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a fresh lemonade. Additionally, a side of steamed vegetables or a salad with yogurt dressing will complete the meal perfectly.

In conclusion, oven-baked chicken stuffed with mushrooms is not only a simple and delicious recipe but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together. With every bite, you will feel the warmth of your home and the joy of sharing a well-cooked meal. Enjoy your meal!