Herbed Chicken with Spinach Stuffing

The rub mixture of basil, oregano and parsley adds a wonderful flavor to the roast chicken. Follow the make-ahead tips for an easy entertaining entree.


Herbed Chicken with Spinach Stuffing


by 1  person


read comments


add your rating
add a comment

Prep Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
Servings: Makes 10 servings.
See More Better Homes and Gardens Recipes
Ingredients
 
savings in
 
  • 1  5- to 6-pound  whole roasting chickenOn Sale
  • 1  tablespoon  olive oil or cooking oilOn Sale
  • 1  teaspoon  dried basil, crushedOn Sale
  • 1  teaspoon  dried oregano, crushedOn Sale
  • 1  teaspoon  dried parsley flakesOn Sale
  • 1/4  teaspoon  garlic saltOn Sale
  • 2  10-ounce packages  frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drainedOn Sale
  • 1  cup  finely chopped red or green sweet pepperOn Sale
  • 4  ounces  prosciutto or fully cooked boneless ham, choppedOn Sale
  • 3/4  cup  soft bread crumbs (1 slice)On Sale
  • 1/2  cup  sliced green onionOn Sale
  • 1/3  cup  pine nuts or slivered almondsOn Sale
  • 1/4  cup  margarine or butter, meltedOn Sale
  • 1/4  teaspoon  pepperOn Sale

Directions
1.
Rinse chicken; pat dry with paper towels. Brush with oil. In a small bowl combine basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic salt; sprinkle on the outside of the bird, then rub in. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
2.
For stuffing, in a large mixing bowl combine the spinach, red or green sweet pepper, prosciutto or ham, bread crumbs, green onion, pine nuts or almonds, melted margarine or butter, and pepper. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours, if desired.
3.
Slip your fingers between the skin and breast meat of the bird, forming a pocket. Spoon some of stuffing into pocket. Spoon some of the stuffing loosely into the neck cavity. Pull neck skin to back; fasten with a small skewer. Lightly spoon the remaining stuffing into the body cavity. Tuck drumsticks under the band of skin that crosses the tail. If there is no band, tie drumsticks to the tail. Twist the wing tips under the chicken.
4.
Place stuffed chicken, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the center of one of the thigh muscles. The bulb should not touch the bone. Roast, uncovered, in a 325 degree F oven for 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 hours or until meat thermometer registers 180 degrees F to 185 degrees F. At this time, chicken is no longer pink and the drumsticks move easily in their sockets. When the bird is two-thirds done, cut the band of skin or string between the drumsticks so the thighs will cook evenly.
5.
Remove chicken from oven and cover it with foil. Let stand 10 to 20 minutes before carving. Makes 10 servings.

Nutrition information
Calories 514, Total Fat 38 g, Saturated Fat 8 g, Cholesterol 93 mg, Sodium 586 mg, Carbohydrate 7 g, Protein 38 g. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Add Your Review
how-tos

Recommended Recipe:
Prosciutto & Fontina-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Prosciutto & Fontina-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

These stuffed chicken breasts can be assembled and refrigerated for up to three hours before cooking.

See Recipe