Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing

Sausage-Apple Stuffing Roast Chicken Recipe with Thyme and Rosemary

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special family dinner or holiday meal. The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs creates a flavorful stuffing that pairs perfectly with tender roast chicken.

History

Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. The combination of sausage and apples in stuffing is a popular flavor profile that has stood the test of time. This recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

0.5 cup plus 2 tbsp butter
1 cup chopped scallions
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 lb (454 g) pork sausage
1 tsp fresh sage, crushed
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp fresh rosemary, crumpled
3 cup cubed, dried bread
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1 roasting chicken, about 6 lb (2.72 kg)
3 tart apples, peeled, cored, and cubed

How to prepare

Melt butter in a small oven. Add half of the thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the herb butter. Set it aside.
In a large oven, melt 2 tbsp butter over moderate heat. Add scallions and cook until they wilt.
Scrape the butter and scallions into a large bowl. Set it aside. Add sausage to the pan and cook, stirring to crumble until it is browned. Use the scallion mixture for mixing the stuffing.
Add egg, bread cubes, apples, scallion mixture, and the remaining seasoning. Mix well.
Loosely stuff the chicken cavity and tie the legs together. Save the remaining stuffing. Place the chicken, breast side up, on a rack in an oven.
Brush the chicken with the herb butter and roast until the internal temperature reaches 175°C and the chicken is golden brown. Baste it every 30 minutes. Add the extra stuffing during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
Serve the chicken hot and plain over rice.

Variations

Substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Add dried cranberries or nuts to the stuffing for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to tie the chicken legs together before roasting to help the chicken cook evenly.

- Basting the chicken with herb butter throughout the roasting process will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.

- Be sure to let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender bird.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken at a high temperature will help create a crispy and golden skin.

- Basting the chicken with herb butter will infuse the meat with flavor and keep it moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.

- Substitute pears or dried apricots for the apples in the stuffing.

Make Ahead Tips

The stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. The chicken can also be seasoned and stuffed ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and apple slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing contains approximately 30 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and eggs.

Summary

Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a special occasion or family dinner. The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and aromatic herbs creates a flavorful stuffing that pairs perfectly with tender roast chicken. Enjoy this classic dish with your loved ones for a memorable and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing. It was a brisk autumn afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had belonged to my mother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and tattered scraps of paper, this particular recipe caught my eye. The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and tender roast chicken seemed like a perfect dish to warm the soul on a chilly evening.

I had always been drawn to the art of cooking. From a young age, I would watch my mother and grandmother work their magic in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into delicious meals that brought our family together. As I grew older, I began experimenting with different recipes and techniques, eager to learn all that I could about the culinary world.

This recipe for Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was a labor of love, requiring skill and patience to execute perfectly. The thought of preparing such a dish filled me with both excitement and trepidation, but I was determined to master it.

I spent hours poring over the recipe, studying each step and ingredient carefully. The directions were detailed and precise, leaving little room for error. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - a plump whole chicken, flavorful sausage, crisp apples, fragrant herbs, and warm spices - and set to work in my kitchen.

As I prepared the stuffing, the aromas of sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of apples and the rich aroma of the sausage. I felt a sense of contentment as I mixed everything together, the colors and textures coming together in a harmonious blend.

Once the stuffing was ready, I carefully stuffed it into the cavity of the chicken, ensuring that every nook and cranny was filled with the savory-sweet mixture. I seasoned the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika, then placed it in a roasting pan and popped it into the oven.

As the chicken roasted, I basted it with its own juices, watching as the skin turned golden brown and crispy. The scent that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, a tantalizing mix of savory and sweet that made my mouth water in anticipation.

After what felt like an eternity, the chicken was finally done. I carefully removed it from the oven and let it rest, the juices running clear and the skin crackling with each bite. I carved into the bird, revealing the succulent meat and flavorful stuffing within. The first bite was a revelation - the tender chicken, the perfectly seasoned sausage, the juicy apples all coming together in a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I served the Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing to my family that evening, watching as their eyes lit up with delight at the sight and smell of the dish. The flavors were a hit, the perfect balance of savory and sweet that left us all craving more.

From that day on, Roast Chicken with Sausage-Apple Stuffing became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us together, a labor of love that I was proud to share with my loved ones. And as I passed the recipe on to my own children and grandchildren, I knew that it would continue to bring joy and comfort for generations to come.