It’s a classic recipe that never gets old. A 7lb stuffed chicken is a comforting main dish that can be served for a variety of occasions. But how long do you need to cook a 7lb stuffed chicken to ensure it’s cooked through and juicy?
Don’t worry – you won’t need to be a master chef to get this right. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to cook the perfect 7lb stuffed chicken.
Contents
Preparing the Chicken
Before you start cooking the chicken, it’s important to prepare it correctly. Start by washing the chicken and patting it dry with paper towels. Then, season the skin of the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, for additional flavor.
Next, stuff the chicken with your desired ingredients. Popular stuffed chicken recipes include spinach, mushrooms, and feta cheese, as well as classic combinations such as breadcrumbs, butter, and herbs. Once the chicken is stuffed, tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine.
Cooking the Chicken
When it comes to cooking the chicken, there are several methods you can use. The most popular option is roasting the chicken in the oven. To do so, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan, cover it with aluminum foil, and place it in the oven.
Roasting Times
For a 7lb stuffed chicken, you’ll need to cook it for approximately 2 1/2 – 3 hours. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The temperature should read at least 165°F (75°C).
Table 1: Cooking Times for 7lb Stuffed Chicken
| Weight of Chicken (lbs) | Cooking Time (hours) |
|---|---|
| 4-5 | 1 1/2 – 2 |
| 5-7 | 2 – 2 1/2 |
| 7-9 | 2 1/2 – 3 |
| 9-10 | 3 – 3 1/2 |
Finishing the Chicken
When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will help to seal in all the juices. Then, remove the kitchen twine and carve the chicken to serve.
Special Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Chicken
For the best results, be sure to baste the chicken with the juices from the roasting pan several times throughout the cooking process. This will help to keep the chicken moist and juicy.
If you’re short on time, you can also cook the chicken in a pressure cooker. To do so, add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker and place the chicken in the pot. Cook the chicken on high pressure for 25 minutes and then let the pressure release naturally before serving.
Conclusion
Cooking a 7lb stuffed chicken can seem like a daunting task, but with the right instructions, you’ll be able to cook the perfect meal every time. Whether you choose to roast it in the oven or cook it in a pressure cooker, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with your delicious dish!
Just remember: “Cook it low and slow, and you’re sure to have a feast!”
