Savor the delight of a wholesome and flavorsome meal with Stuffed Tomato Roast Chicken. This dish is a delightful blend of juicy chicken and a stuffing comprising fresh tomatoes, cereals bread, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for shared meals, let this recipe elevate your family or friend gatherings.
How to Make a Fruit Pizza:
History and Origins of the Recipe:
The concept of stuffed and roasted poultry dishes is a culinary tradition spanning centuries across various cultures. Stuffed roast chicken remains a beloved dish worldwide, often adapted to incorporate regional ingredients and preferences.
Tools Needed, Number of People, Cooking Time:
Tools:
- Roasting pan
- Mixing bowl
Serving: Suitable for approximately 4 individuals
Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 whole roasting chicken (around 4-5 lbs)
- 3 fresh tomatoes for a touch of freshness
- 2 slices of cereals bread for a crispy texture
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley for a delicate flavor
- 1 garlic clove for an aromatic note
- 1 cup of cold milk for a creamy stuffing
- A touch of olive oil to enhance the flavors
- 2 tablespoons softened butter for perfect tenderness
- 1 teaspoon thyme for a Provençal fragrance
- 1 tablespoon mustard for a touch of character
- Salt and pepper for flavor balance
- 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence for an authentic Provençal note
Ingredient Substitutes:
- Fresh Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes can be substituted, but adjust quantities for desired moisture.
- Cereals Bread: Regular bread or whole-grain bread are fine substitutes for cereals bread.
- Cold Milk: Half-and-half, heavy cream, or even almond milk can serve as alternatives for a similar creamy texture.
- Softened Butter: Margarine or a plant-based alternative can substitute butter.
- Herbes de Provence: If unavailable, a mixture of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, and marjoram can be used.
Steps:
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare Chicken: Wash the chicken thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry using paper towels.
- Make the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, crumbled cereals bread, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, cold milk, olive oil, softened butter, thyme, mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until a homogeneous stuffing is formed.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill the cavity of the chicken evenly with the prepared stuffing mixture.
- Arrange in Roasting Pan: Place the stuffed chicken in a roasting pan. Add a few additional tomatoes around the chicken for added flavor.
- Season and Roast: Sprinkle the chicken with Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper to taste. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting it regularly with cooking juices.
- Check for Doneness: Test for doneness by piercing the chicken thigh with a fork. Clear juices indicate readiness.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:
1. Overstuffing the Chicken:
Avoid overfilling the chicken cavity with stuffing, as it can hinder even cooking. Ensure a well-balanced stuffing and avoid packing it tightly.
2. Underseasoning the Chicken:
Ensure the chicken is generously seasoned both inside and out to enhance its flavor. Check seasoning at intervals during cooking.
3. Inadequate Cooking Time:
The chicken must be cooked thoroughly. Verify doneness using a thermometer, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Not Resting the Chicken:
Letting the chicken rest after cooking is crucial. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
FAQ:
1. Can I use dried herbs in place of fresh?
Yes, dried herbs can be used, but in smaller quantities due to their more concentrated flavors. Adjust to taste.
2. What can be used instead of cereals bread?
Regular bread, whole-grain bread, or even bread crumbs can be used as substitutes for cereals bread.
3. Can I skip the milk in the stuffing?
If you prefer, water or a low-sodium broth can be used to moisten the stuffing instead of milk.
4. How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Additionally, verify clear juices from the pierced thigh.
5. Can I roast the chicken without extra tomatoes around?
Certainly, the additional tomatoes are for added flavor, but the dish can be prepared without them as well.