Chicken and Apple Stuffing Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Stuffed Chicken Cutlets with Herb Stuffing

Original Recipe Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• cup half-and-half
• 1 large egg
• teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
• cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix
• 2 cups chopped, unpeeled apples
• cup dried cherries
• cup chopped pecans, divided
• 6 chicken cutlets
• teaspoon paprika
• teaspoon dried rosemary
• Olive oil cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, egg, and crumbled sage. Set aside.
3. In a 12-inch oven-proof nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 4 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the stuffing mix. Add the chopped apples, dried cherries, and cup of chopped pecans. Stir everything together.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the half-and-half mixture. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly across the skillet.
6. Season the chicken cutlets with paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Place them on top of the stuffing, pressing them gently so that the tops of the cutlets are level with the stuffing.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cup of chopped pecans over the chicken. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil cooking spray.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken should read at least 165F (74C).
9. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	718
Total Fat	29g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	111mg
Sodium	2132mg
Total Carbohydrate	89g
Dietary Fiber	8g
Total Sugars	15g
Protein	27g
Vitamin C	5mg
Calcium	126mg
Iron	5mg
Potassium	567mg

Chicken and Apple Stuffing Casserole is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with the sweetness of apples and the savory flavors of seasoned stuffing. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners, especially during the fall when apples are in season. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet apples, dried cherries, and crunchy pecans creates a rich, satisfying flavor profile that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History and Origin

The Chicken and Apple Stuffing Casserole recipe has roots in American home cooking, where casseroles are a staple of comfort food. Casseroles have been popular in the United States since the mid-20th century, particularly in the Midwest, where they became a go-to for easy-to-make, filling meals. While stuffing with chicken is commonly seen in holiday meals, the inclusion of apples and dried fruits adds a unique twist. The use of apples in savory dishes is a reflection of the broader tradition of incorporating fruits into main courses in European and American culinary practices, often balancing the savory flavors with sweetness.

Regional Variations

In different regions of the United States, variations of stuffing casseroles may include regional ingredients. In the South, for example, cornbread might be used instead of herb-seasoned stuffing, and pecans are more likely to be featured due to their abundance in the region. In New England, you might find the addition of cranberries instead of cherries, playing into the regions love for tart berries. Similarly, apples are often chosen for their seasonal availability and ability to add both sweetness and acidity, complementing the savory ingredients of the dish.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Chicken and Apple Stuffing Casserole stands out from other stuffing-based dishes due to its combination of sweet and savory elements. Many similar casseroles, such as classic stuffing with chicken, rely heavily on herbs and bread for flavor. The addition of apples, dried cherries, and pecans creates a more complex dish with layers of flavor that balance sweetness with the richness of the chicken. Additionally, the stuffing in this casserole is moist and flavorful, as it is soaked in a mixture of chicken broth and half-and-half, unlike drier stuffing recipes that are baked to crisp up on top.

Where It's Typically Served

This casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings. It is most commonly enjoyed as a comforting family dinner, often served during the fall months when apples are at their peak. It can also be a great dish for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, where its combination of chicken, stuffing, and fruit pairs well with other traditional sides. The casserole is a perfect choice for potlucks and dinner parties, offering a hearty, crowd-pleasing option that can be easily doubled to feed a larger group.

Fun Facts

• Apples are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, dating back to over 4,000 years ago, and are native to Central Asia.
• In the United States, the tradition of serving stuffing with poultry dates back to the 18th century, with recipes evolving over time to include various meats, vegetables, and fruits.
• The use of pecans in this dish adds a southern twist, as pecans are native to North America and are often used in both sweet and savory recipes.
• Some variations of the dish include the addition of cheese, such as cheddar, which complements the apples and chicken for a creamy, rich casserole.

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