Holiday Fruit Stuffed Roasted Chicken: Easy, Festive Recipe Guide

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Holiday Fruit Stuffed Roasted Chicken

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in a meal that is both festive and comforting. One such dish that has become a holiday favorite is the Holiday Fruit Stuffed Roasted Chicken. This recipe brings together the savory flavors of roasted chicken with the sweet and tangy notes of fruit stuffing, creating a dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a festive gathering, this dish will be the star of your holiday table.

Stuffing a chicken not only enhances its flavor but also helps keep the meat moist and tender during the roasting process. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is chicken stuffed?”, the answer lies in the culinary tradition of adding moisture and flavor to the bird, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish. This recipe also explores “What to stuff under chicken skin?” and provides tips on achieving the perfect roast.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 lemon, sliced

For the Fruit Stuffing:

  • 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Optional Accompaniments:

  • Cooked rice or wild rice blend
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary) for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If you are wondering “What is the cooking temp for stuffed poultry?”, 375°F is an ideal temperature to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
  2. Prepare the chicken by removing any giblets from the cavity and patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during roasting.
  3. Season the chicken by rubbing it with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Be sure to get the seasoning under the skin as well, especially over the breast area, which is the most delicate part of the bird. “What to stuff under chicken skin?” You can also add lemon slices and fresh herbs under the skin for an extra burst of flavor.

Making the Fruit Stuffing:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped dried apricots, cranberries, raisins, walnuts, and apple. These fruits add a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat until just warm. Pour this mixture over the fruit and nut combination, stirring to coat the ingredients evenly.
  3. Let the stuffing mixture sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the dried fruits to soak up the flavors.

Stuffing and Roasting the Chicken:

  1. Gently stuff the chicken cavity with the prepared fruit mixture, making sure not to overfill. Any leftover stuffing can be placed in a small baking dish and cooked alongside the chicken.
  2. Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
  3. Place the stuffed chicken on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, cooking it evenly.
  4. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. This step addresses the question, “What is the cooking temp for stuffed poultry?”
  5. Baste the chicken with its own juices every 30 minutes to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Finishing Touches:

  1. If you have a convection oven, you might be asking, “Is fan bake good for chicken?” The answer is yes! During the last 15 minutes of cooking, switch to fan bake (convection) mode if your oven has this feature. This will help achieve an extra crispy skin.
  2. Remove the chicken from the oven once fully cooked and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender chicken.

Tips and Variations

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with the seasonings and lemon slices.
  • To ensure even cooking, bring the chicken to room temperature before roasting.
  • For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning blend.

Variations:

  • Holiday Fruit Stuffed Roasted Chicken with Rice: Cook a wild rice blend and mix it with the fruit stuffing for a heartier meal.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the fruit stuffing for a spicy kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients, especially the dried fruits and nuts, are certified gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Sodium: 500mg

This Holiday Fruit Stuffed Roasted Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration on a plate. The combination of succulent chicken and sweet, flavorful fruit stuffing is sure to make your holiday feast unforgettable. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time.

Don’t forget to pair it with a side of rice or wild rice for an even more satisfying meal. If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below, share it on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more festive recipes.

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