Stuff Chicken
A savory stuffed chicken filled with a flavorful mixture of pork, ham, relish, hot dogs, cheese, and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped ham ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sweet relish ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 hot dogs, chopped ⓘ
- 4 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup peas ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pimientos ⓘ
- 1 onion, minced ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by removing all bones and meat, leaving the skin, wings, and legs intact.
- Soak the chicken in lemon juice and soy sauce.
- Chop the meat of the chicken finely.
- Mix ground pork and chopped chicken, then add ham, sweet relish, hot dogs, eggs, cheese, raisins, peas, ketchup, cornstarch, pimientos, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly to form a stuffing mixture.
- Stuff the chicken with the meat mixture.
- Sew up the opening to close the chicken.
- Bake in a moderate oven until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for the pork for a leaner option. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of raisins or swap them for chopped apples. Always ensure the stuffing reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable And Rice Primavera for a complete meal. Drizzle some extra ketchup or your favorite sauce over the top for added flavor. Slices of the chicken can also be served in sandwiches for a delicious next-day lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed chicken should be cooled completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, approximately 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuff Chicken contains roughly 441 calories, with 15g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2472mg per serving (107% 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 prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and stuffing mixture a day in advance. Just stuff the chicken and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. This allows the flavors to meld nicely, making it even more delicious.
What can I use if I don’t have sweet relish?
If you don't have sweet relish, you can use chopped pickles or a mixture of chopped cucumbers and a bit of sugar to replicate the sweetness. Alternatively, a bit of honey mixed with regular relish can also work well.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat. Using a meat thermometer can ensure accuracy. The juices should run clear, and the chicken should be golden brown on the outside.
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).