Roast Chicken With Apple Stuffing
Tender roasted chicken stuffed with a flavorful mix of apples, raisins, celery, and aromatic herbs, perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 3 cups unseasoned stuffing mix ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped pared apples
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onions ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 whole broiler-fryer chicken (3 1/2 lb.) ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour 3/4 cup of melted butter over the stuffing mix.
- Mix in a large bowl and toss to moisten evenly.
- Add chopped apples, celery, raisins, minced onions, salt, sage, and pepper; mix well.
- Spoon the stuffing into the body cavity of the trussed chicken, packing loosely.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
- Brush the chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and lemon juice.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1½ hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, not touching bone, registers 190°F (88°C).
- Let the chicken stand for 10 minutes before carving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the stuffing. If you don't have unseasoned stuffing mix, you can use bread cubes seasoned with your favorite herbs. To enhance the apple flavor, try using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Ensure the chicken is trussed properly to keep the stuffing secure and maintain moisture during roasting.
Serving Suggestions
This roast chicken pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or the Zucchini And Yellow Squash Mixture. Leftover chicken can be shredded for use in Chicken (Turkey) Tetrazzini or in sandwiches for a delicious lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover roast chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating. Ensure the stuffing is heated to at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roast Chicken With Apple Stuffing contains roughly 504 calories, with 5g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1146mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought stuffing instead of making my own?
Yes, using store-bought stuffing is a great time-saver. Just follow the package instructions for preparation, and then mix in the apples, celery, and other ingredients as directed in the recipe. This will still yield a flavorful stuffing that complements the roast chicken.
What should I do if my chicken is browning too quickly?
If your chicken's skin is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing it to cook through. This will help maintain moisture and ensure the chicken is cooked evenly without compromising the texture of the skin.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to stuff the chicken. However, be sure to let it come to room temperature before using it to ensure even cooking during roasting.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).