Chicken stuffed with spicy vegetables and fruits

Stuffed chicken with spicy vegetables and fruits – A savory and aromatic recipe

I present to you a truly special recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a festive occasion. This stuffed chicken with spicy vegetables and fruits is an explosion of flavors and textures, and its rich marinade will make every bite a true delicacy. Let’s dive into preparing this delicious dish, full of color and flavor!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 12 hours (ideally overnight)
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 13 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the chicken:
- 1 chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)

For the marinade:
- 3 tablespoons curry powder
- 4 teaspoons garlic puree or crushed garlic
- 4 teaspoons ginger powder
- 150 g natural yogurt (preferably Greek)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 4 teaspoons sesame seeds

For the stuffing:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 green chili, deseeded and finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger powder
- 100 g onion, finely chopped
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 100 g dried apricots, chopped
- 50 g raisins
- 100 g corn kernels, drained (canned or thawed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cheese
- 100 g mushrooms, finely chopped
- 200 ml white wine

Preparation

Marinating the chicken

1. Preparing the marinade: In a large bowl, mix the garlic puree, curry powder, ginger powder, and yogurt. Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix well until you achieve a smooth marinade.

2. Grinding the seeds: Use a grinder or mortar to grind the poppy seeds and sesame seeds. These will add a distinct flavor to the chicken and provide an interesting texture. Add the ground seeds to the marinade and mix again.

3. Marinating the chicken: Place the chicken in the marinade, rubbing it well both on the outside and inside. Make sure every part of the chicken is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. This step is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Preparing the stuffing

4. Removing the chicken: The next day, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This step is important for ensuring even cooking.

5. Preparing the stuffing: In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the chili, ginger, and chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

6. Adding the ingredients: Incorporate the breadcrumbs, raisins, apricots, and corn, mixing well. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ingredients are well combined.

7. Finalizing the stuffing: Finally, add the fresh coriander, cheese, and chopped mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool.

Stuffing and baking the chicken

8. Stuffing the chicken: Fill the chicken with the cooled mixture, being careful not to overstuff to avoid leaks. Tie the chicken’s legs with kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside.

9. Preparing for baking: Melt the remaining butter and grease a baking tray with it. Place the chicken in the tray, covering it with aluminum foil.

10. Baking the chicken: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the chicken covered for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and pour 200 ml of white wine over the chicken and in the tray. Continue baking for another 30-40 minutes, basting the chicken frequently with the liquid from the tray. This process will ensure a delicious and juicy crust.

Serving

11. Finishing: When the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it drizzled with the sauce from the tray, which will be absorbed into the meat, giving it an intense flavor and irresistible taste.

Recommended side dishes

The stuffed chicken with spicy vegetables and fruits pairs perfectly with a simple pilaf or cardamom rice, which will complement the spicy flavors of the dish. Additionally, a fresh vegetable salad can add a pleasant and crunchy contrast.

Useful tips

- Choosing the chicken: Opt for a quality chicken, preferably raised naturally. The meat should be pale pink, without spots or unpleasant odors.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with a large pumpkin or an eggplant stuffed with the same mixture of vegetables and fruits for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Marinating: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. You can leave the chicken marinating for up to 24 hours, but no less than 12 hours.
- Storing leftovers: If you have leftover chicken, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated. Additionally, leftover meat is perfect for salads or sandwiches.

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated)

- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g

This recipe for stuffed chicken with spicy vegetables and fruits is not just a dish, but a culinary experience. So, put on your cooking clothes, gather the ingredients, and prepare to surprise your family and friends with a special dish! They might want to know the secret behind your recipe, and you can respond with a smile, knowing that you created something truly special. Bon appétit!