Stuffed chicken

Stuffed chicken: A family delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Stuffed chicken is a classic recipe that has been praised throughout the ages for its rich flavor and impressive presentation. This dish has gathered not only family and friends around the table, turning any occasion into a celebration. Preparing a stuffed chicken requires a little skill, but the result will be worth every effort. I invite you to discover the essential steps to get the perfect stuffed chicken that will delight the taste buds of your loved ones.

Ingredients needed:
- 1 suitable chicken (boneless)
- 200 g fresh sausage (choose a variety with intense flavor)
- 150 g sliced Prague ham
- 2 eggs
- 1 courgette (preferably medium)
- 1 red bell pepper (for extra color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sprig of fresh parsley
- Thread and sewing needle (to close the chicken)
- Olive oil (for frying)

Steps to prepare a delicious stuffed chicken:

1. Bone the chicken: This is the most challenging part of the recipe, but fear not! Start by cutting the chicken breast inside, being careful to leave the wings intact. Use a sharp knife and cut carefully so as not to damage the skin. If you are a beginner, feel free to watch some video tutorials to familiarize yourself with the technique.

2. Prepare the omelette: In a frying pan, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and heat it up. Thinly slice the zucchini and dice the bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until slightly soft. Add finely chopped parsley, salt and pepper, stirring well. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and whisk them into the heated vegetables. Pour the mixture into the frying pan and cook the omelette, turning carefully on both sides. Once done, transfer to a plate covered with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.

3. Filling the chicken: Place the boneless chicken on a wooden platter. Sprrinkle salt and pepper all over. Lay the ham slices evenly, then add the omelette, making sure it covers the chicken. Place the skinned sausage in the middle. This will add a delicious flavor and wonderful texture to the stuffing.

4. Rolling the chicken: Carefully roll the chicken, trying to give it its original shape. Use the thread and sewing needle to sew the chicken tightly so that the stuffing doesn't come out during cooking. This technique is essential to keep all the flavors inside.

5. Baking: Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil and place in a baking pan. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and put the chicken in. Leave in the oven for about 2 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and the flavors will combine perfectly.

6. Serving: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Then cut into generous slices and serve with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables. You can also add a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast.

Helpful tips:
- Choose a quality chicken, as better meat will greatly influence the final taste of the dish.
- Instead of sausage, you can use minced meat or even cheese for a vegetarian option.
- Experiment with spices: adding aromatic herbs such as rosemary or oregano can add flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe is high in protein, thanks to the chicken and eggs. The sausage adds some fat, but choosing a leaner variety can help control calories. Each serving of stuffed chicken has about 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Zucchini and bell peppers contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious, but also healthy.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I prepare the stuffed chicken in advance? Yes! You can debone and stuff the chicken the day before, then bake it when you're ready to serve it.
- Which garnish goes best? Stuffed chicken goes great with mashed potatoes, rice or grilled vegetables. A fresh green salad will also add a nice contrast.

Now that you have all the information you need, all you have to do is put on your apron and start cooking this delicious stuffed chicken. This recipe will bring a dash of flavor and warmth to every meal, turning it into a memorable moment. Enjoy!