Southwestern Stuffed Chicken with Savory Ham and Olive Filling
Experience a taste of the American Southwest with this delightful and succulent stuffed chicken recipe. Tender roasted chicken envelops a flavor-packed filling of savory ham, refreshing lemon zest, and vibrant olives, balanced with sweet raisins and hearty potato. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Inspired by the timeless traditions of regional American cuisine, this recipe offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors with every bite.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
roasting chicken
5 lbs (giblets saved and cooked, chopped)
ham
1 lb (chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
lemon zest
1 (grated)
olives
8 (chopped)
egg
1 (hard-cooked and chopped)
pepper
to taste (none)
raisins or sultanas
1/2 cup (none)
potato
1 (peeled and finely diced)
Instructions
1
Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is partially cooked and starting to become tender.
2
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Reserve some of the cooking liquid (stock) for moistening the stuffing and basting the chicken while roasting.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, salt, lemon zest, olives, hard-cooked egg, pepper, raisins (or sultanas), and diced potato. Mix well, adding a little of the reserved stock to moisten ingredients if needed. The stuffing should have a consistency that holds together without being too wet.
4
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5
Carefully stuff the chicken cavity with the prepared filling. Secure the opening with kitchen twine or toothpicks to ensure the stuffing stays in place during roasting.
6
Place the stuffed chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 60 to 75 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and the meat is fully cooked through.
7
Baste the chicken periodically with the reserved stock to keep it moist. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the meat for safe consumption.
8
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Carve and serve with your choice of sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this Southwestern recipe?
The recipe is for Southwestern Stuffed Chicken with Savory Ham and Olive Filling.
How many people does this stuffed chicken recipe serve?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What size of chicken should I use?
You should use a 5 lb roasting chicken.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
Place the chicken in a large pot, cover with cold water, and simmer for about 30 minutes until partially tender.
Why should I reserve the cooking liquid from the chicken?
The reserved stock is used for moistening the stuffing and basting the chicken while it roasts.
What ingredients are included in the ham and olive filling?
The filling consists of chopped ham, salt, lemon zest, chopped olives, hard-cooked egg, pepper, raisins or sultanas, and diced potato.
How much ham is required for the stuffing?
The recipe requires 1 lb of chopped ham.
How should the egg be prepared for the stuffing?
The egg should be hard-cooked and then chopped.
Can I use sultanas instead of raisins?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of raisins or sultanas.
How should the potato be prepared?
The potato should be peeled and finely diced.
How do I adjust the consistency of the stuffing?
You can add a little of the reserved stock to the mixture until it holds together without being too wet.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
How do I keep the stuffing from falling out of the chicken?
Secure the cavity opening with kitchen twine or toothpicks after stuffing.
How should the chicken be positioned in the roasting pan?
The stuffed chicken should be placed breast side up.
What is the total roasting time for the stuffed chicken?
Roast the chicken for approximately 60 to 75 minutes.
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out in the oven?
Baste the chicken periodically with the reserved stock.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving.
What should be done with the chicken giblets?
The giblets should be saved, cooked, and chopped.
Is there lemon in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses the grated zest of one lemon.
How many olives are used in the stuffing?
The recipe calls for 8 chopped olives.
What regional cuisine inspired this dish?
This recipe is inspired by the American Southwest and regional American cuisine.
What seasoning is used for the meat?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste.
Is the chicken fully cooked in the pot?
No, it is only partially cooked for 30 minutes in the pot and then finished in the oven.
What texture should the chicken skin have?
The skin should be roasted until it is golden brown.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is suitable for family dinners.
What is the primary flavor profile of the filling?
The filling is savory and salty from the ham and olives, with sweetness from the raisins and brightness from the lemon.
How is the lemon prepared?
The lemon should be grated to produce lemon zest.
What tools are needed to close the chicken?
Kitchen twine or toothpicks are needed to secure the opening.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The current nutritional data for calories, fat, and protein is not provided in the source.