Stuffed chicken with mushrooms, ribs, and vegetables in the tray

Stuffed chicken with mushrooms, bacon, and vegetables

Who doesn't love the aroma of a beautifully roasted chicken, stuffed with deliciousness, emanating tempting scents? This stuffed chicken recipe with mushrooms and bacon is the perfect choice for a special dinner or a family meal. The preparation is simple, but the result is truly impressive. Let's embark on this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 150 g mushrooms (champignon or shiitake, according to preference)
- 150 g bacon (kaiser or pancetta)
- 2 slices of bread (without crust)
- 1 cup of white wine (a dry wine is recommended)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 5-6 cloves of garlic (crushed)
- 1 onion (medium size)
- Salt, pepper, paprika (sweet or spicy, according to preference)
- 50 g brown sugar
- 100 g garlic powder
- Thyme and tarragon (fresh or dried, according to preference)
- Olive oil (for a more intense flavor)

Recipe history:
Stuffed chicken is a classic dish found in many culinary cultures throughout history. This recipe has evolved over time, adapting to available ingredients and local preferences. Fillings have varied from grains and dried fruits to vegetables and meats, each variation having its charm. Today, we will explore a recipe that combines mushrooms, bacon, and vegetables to create a savory dish.

1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by cleaning the chicken. Remove any hair and rinse it well under cold running water. Then, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess water. It is essential for the chicken to be dry so that the marinades adhere better.

2. Preparing the dressing:
In a bowl, mix 50 ml of olive oil with 100 g of garlic powder, 50 g of brown sugar, salt, thyme, and tarragon. This dressing will give the chicken a sweet and savory aroma. Use your hands to massage the chicken well with this mixture, ensuring it reaches inside too. A good massage will intensify the flavors.

3. Preparing the filling:
Chop the mushrooms and bacon into small cubes. Finely chop the onion, and crush the garlic cloves. Tear the bread slices into small pieces. In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the mushrooms, bacon, onion, and garlic for 4-5 minutes until tender. Add the torn bread and mix, then deglaze with the white wine. Season with salt, tarragon, and thyme. Let the mixture cool slightly.

4. Stuffing the chicken:
Before stuffing the chicken, grease the inside with a little butter. Then, carefully fill the chicken with the mushroom and bacon mixture. To prevent the filling from leaking, tie the chicken's legs with kitchen twine and make sure to leave a little space.

5. Baking the chicken:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a baking dish, add a splash of oil, a cup of white wine, a few finely chopped garlic cloves, and bay leaves. Place the chicken in the dish, sprinkle salt and tarragon on top. Bake the chicken for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, turning it every 30 minutes. Use the sauce from the dish to baste the chicken and keep it tender.

6. Serving:
Once the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help retain the juices. It is delicious served with creamy mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes. Enjoy your meal!

Practical tips:
- Make sure the chicken is of good quality, preferably free-range, for tastier and more tender meat.
- You can experiment with different types of mushrooms for the filling, such as shiitake or porcini, to add a touch of originality.
- If you like a spicier taste, you can add a little hot paprika to the dressing or the filling.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure it is completely thawed before preparing it.
- What other side dishes go well with this dish? Besides mashed potatoes, you can also opt for a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
- How can I store leftovers? You can keep any leftover chicken in the refrigerator, covered, for 3 days. Reheat it in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

Nutritional benefits:
This stuffed chicken recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while mushrooms provide essential vitamins and minerals. Bacon adds a savory flavor, but you can opt for a leaner version or even a vegetarian substitute like marinated tofu to reduce fat intake.

Original version:
If you want to try a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can replace the chicken with a large zucchini, sliced lengthwise, and stuffed with mushrooms, vegetables, and spices. Baking will preserve the delicious flavors and provide an easy-to-make, yet equally tasty alternative.

Regardless of the occasion, this stuffed chicken with mushrooms, bacon, and vegetables will surely impress everyone who tastes it. So, embrace the magic of cooking and enjoy this easy-to-make yet flavorful recipe!