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Discover all the steps to prepare a perfect Christmas stuffed chicken. From cooking tricks to fillings recipes, here are all the tips from Fine Dining Lovers.
When the holidays approach, dishes tend to become bigger and bolder, and flavours more pronounced. This is why Christmas stuffed chicken is a must for the party table. Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, stuffed chicken is the perfect recipe for a family lunch. Preparing stuffed chicken is simple, but there are various rules for choosing the best chicken, for cooking and for fillings that will transform a good recipe into a great dish.
Stuffed chicken: the difference between chicken and capon
When it comes to stuffed chicken, it's important to learn to pick your bird carefully. It goes without saying that for ethical and sustainability reasons, it's better not to choose a battery-reared chicken, but a free-range one. Once you have chosen your trusted supplier, it's a good idea to clarify the difference between chicken and a capon. A capon is a male chicken (rooster) that's castrated 60 days after birth. Chickens are castrated for food purposes only and it's a practice that makes the meat more tender and tasty. A capon is nourished up to 75% by cereals up to a month before slaughter, then it is fed with dairy products only. The rules for choosing a good whole chicken are:
- The legs must be shiny and intact.
- the skin must be uniform in colour and free from patches.
- the meat must be clear.
- the subcutaneous fat should be evenly disposed and light yellow in colour.
Crispy stuffed chicken: don't skimp on the seasoning
A good stuffed chicken depends on its seasoning. Being white meat, chicken has its own flavour but is clearly very delicate. For this, it is necessary to give an extra boost with salt and spices. Massage the chicken with a mixture of salt, pepper and finely chopped aromatic herbs. Also add a fat that will make the skin crunchy: you can use butter, oil or both.
Don't be afraid to overdo it, a good stuffed chicken will, without doubt, be very tasty.
