Southern Comfort: Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cornbread Dressing
There’s nothing quite like the taste of home, and this recipe for Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cornbread Dressing delivers a big helping of Southern comfort right to your plate. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with a savory, slightly sweet cornbread dressing, baked to golden perfection. This dish is a delightful twist on classic Thanksgiving flavors, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend gathering. It’s easier to make than you might think, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Comfort Food Classic:** It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken and flavorful cornbread dressing.
* **Easy to Make:** While it looks impressive, this recipe is surprisingly simple to put together.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, it’s always a hit.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
* **Delicious Leftovers:** The leftovers are just as good, making it perfect for meal prepping.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
### For the Chicken:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
### For the Cornbread Dressing:
* 1 box (8.5 ounces) cornbread mix
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 large egg, beaten
* Salt and pepper to taste
### Optional Add-ins:
* Cooked sausage or bacon, crumbled
* Dried cranberries or raisins
* Chopped pecans or walnuts
* Your favorite vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
## Equipment
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Baking dish (9×13 inch)
* Meat mallet (optional, for tenderizing chicken)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cornbread Dressing masterpiece:
### Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread
1. **Bake the Cornbread:** Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package directions. Once baked, let it cool completely. This is crucial to prevent a mushy dressing. Once cooled crumble the cornbread into a large mixing bowl.
### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
1. **Sauté Onion and Celery:** In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Softening the vegetables before adding them to the cornbread mixture helps to develop their flavors and ensures a tender texture in the finished dressing.
### Step 3: Combine the Dressing Ingredients
1. **Combine Vegetables with Cornbread:** Pour the sautéed onion and celery mixture into the bowl with the crumbled cornbread. Stir gently to combine.
2. **Add Herbs and Spices:** Add the chopped parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the cornbread mixture. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten egg. Pour this mixture over the cornbread mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dressing tough. The goal is to moisten the cornbread without making it soggy. If adding any optional ingredients like sausage, cranberries, or nuts, fold them in gently at this stage.
### Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
1. **Pound the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps to tenderize the chicken and ensures that it cooks evenly. If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use the bottom of a heavy skillet or pot. Be careful not to pound the chicken too thin, or it will tear.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. This step adds flavor and helps to create a nice crust on the chicken as it bakes. Make sure to coat the entire surface of each breast for maximum flavor.
### Step 5: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
1. **Stuff the Chicken:** Place a generous amount (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup) of the cornbread dressing in the center of each chicken breast. Gently fold the chicken breast over the dressing, overlapping the edges to enclose the filling. You can secure the edges with toothpicks if needed to prevent the dressing from spilling out during baking. Alternatively, you can use kitchen twine to tie the chicken breasts closed. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of dressing or if the chicken breasts are very large.
### Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Chicken
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the chicken in to ensure even cooking.
2. **Bake the Chicken:** Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to touch the stuffing. If the chicken is browning too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
3. **Rest before serving:** Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overstuff:** Avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts, as this can cause the dressing to spill out and the chicken to cook unevenly.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is your best friend when cooking chicken. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the cornbread dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake the chicken.
* **Get Creative with Add-ins:** Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to the cornbread dressing to customize the flavor to your liking. Some popular options include sausage, bacon, cranberries, raisins, and nuts.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish. Choose fresh herbs, good-quality butter, and a flavorful chicken broth.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free cornbread mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use a dairy-free butter substitute and chicken broth to make this recipe dairy-free.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with large portobello mushrooms. Remove the stems and gills and stuff the mushroom caps with the cornbread dressing.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cornbread dressing for a little kick.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs in the cornbread dressing. Rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning would all be delicious additions.
## Serving Suggestions
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cornbread Dressing is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
* **Green Beans:** A classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken and dressing.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Sweet Potato Casserole:** Add a touch of sweetness to your meal with a sweet potato casserole.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** A tangy cranberry sauce is a great complement to the savory flavors of the dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and dressing.
## Storing and Reheating
* **Storing:** Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken breasts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the chicken may become slightly dry. To prevent the chicken from drying out, you can add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to the baking dish before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on estimated values):
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
This Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cornbread Dressing recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a taste of Southern comfort! Enjoy!
This recipe will be a star during:
* Thanksgiving
* Christmas
* Sunday family dinner
Your guest will be asking you for this recipe!