Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Bacon and Celery Stuffing [Recipe]
Ever since I tried roasting chicken with stuffing, there’s just no going back for me! There’s something incredibly comforting and delicious about a whole roasted chicken stuffed to perfection. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite way to prepare it—stuffed with a savory blend of bacon and celery. This recipe is a game changer for your dinner routine, creating a meal that’s both heartwarming and thoroughly satisfying.
Why Will You Love this Recipe?
- Flavorful and Juicy: The stuffing made with bacon and celery not only infuses the chicken with moisture but also with rich, savory flavors that permeate every bite.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is a show-stopper, ideal for special occasions or family dinners. It’s sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and tantalizing aroma.
- Comfort Food at its Best: There’s a real homeliness to a whole roasted chicken that just feels like a hug in food form. It’s a complete meal that brings everyone around the table.
Recipe Variations
- Different Stuffings: Feel free to experiment with the stuffing by adding different herbs, nuts, or even fruits like apples for a touch of sweetness.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or extra cayenne pepper to the spice mix for the chicken. It’ll give a nice kick that contrasts beautifully with the rich stuffing.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the bacon with chopped mushrooms or diced butternut squash for a hearty, flavorful stuffing.
Tools You’ll Need
- Roasting Pan: A good-sized roasting pan is essential to comfortably fit the chicken and ensure it cooks evenly.
- Skillet: You’ll need a skillet for cooking the stuffing ingredients, helping to blend their flavors before stuffing the chicken.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensuring your chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out is crucial. A meat thermometer will help you cook your roast chicken to the right temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Waffles and Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Chicken Piccata With Artichokes
- Chicken and Steak Quesadilla
Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Bacon and Celery
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
Stuffing
- 5.3 ounces bacon diced
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1.8 ounces celery
- 2 teaspoons parsley chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 4 pound whole chicken
- Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, rosemary, oregano for seasoning
Side Dish
- 2.4 pounds potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 carrots peeled and sliced
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1½ teaspoons oregano
- Pepper and cayenne pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Stuffing
- In a skillet, fry the diced bacon until crispy. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet using the bacon fat, sauté the onion first, then add the celery. Cook until they are soft.
- Add the chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, a pinch of salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix in the crispy bacon, then remove from heat.
Stuffing and Roasting the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the cavity of the chicken with salt and pepper, then fill it with the prepared stuffing.
- Truss the chicken, then rub the outside with a mix of salt, pepper, cayenne, rosemary, and oregano.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and surround it with the prepared potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Season the vegetables with salt, paprika, oregano, pepper, and cayenne.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.