Seasoned Chicken Breast with Stove Top Stuffing and No Green In Sight

For those of you who have been following my little adventure into the world of blogging (thank you), then you may already know that my baby brother passed away four years ago this month. His was a complicated passing, dying of cancer. It was a peaceful death, for that we can be grateful. His cancer could not be treated and his death was only a matter of time. The disease was discovered when Brother Dear was awaiting a heart transplant. He had already been fitted with a heart pump. Without the pump, he would die. With the pump, cancer treatment was not possible. He was a good man. We don’t dwell on his passing but rather remember him fondly and celebrate his life in simple ways.

There were two things Brother Dear loved (besides McDonald’s, pizzas and popcorn) and that good chicken served with stove top stuffing. He hated most vegetables of any kind – especially anything green such as asparagus, broccoli or green beans. Sometimes I got him to eat his vegetables simply by hiding them in his food. Finely chopped carrots in spaghetti sauce was one such trick.

Each December, in honor of my darling Brother I whip up a simple baked chicken dinner and serve it along side his favorite Stove-Top Stuffing. It is one of those rare time when there is no green in sight. We give thanks for the time the Good Lord gave us as a family, and raise our forks of stuffing to Heaven, knowing that he is smiling down.

These breasts are baked with a simple seasoning, and no breading. They are cooked at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time. The result is a breast that is packed with flavor, and unbelievably moist. I chose to use Mrs. Dash Seasoning mix. You could use just about any dried seasoning combination such as onion powder, garlic powder or lemon pepper. Be sure to let chicken rest for about 10 minutes after removing from oven for their natural juices to settle.

Seasoned Chicken Bake
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 Tablespoons Mrs. Dash Seasoning
2 Tablespoons Sweet Paprika
Olive Oil Spray

Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts. Set aside.

On a flat plate, sprinkle 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Seasoning with ½ tablespoon paprika. Spread out thinly on the plate.

Lightly spray chicken breasts on both sides with olive oil. Working with one breast at a time, press breast onto the plate of seasoning to lightly coat. Turn breast over, press other side. Place breast onto a shallow, rimmed baking sheet.

Repeat with 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Seasoning and ½ tablespoon paprika for each breast, spreading seasoning on the plate.

Place chicken into the hot oven and bake for 10 minutes. Turn breast over; continue to bake another 10 minutes.

Remove from oven, cover with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. While breasts are resting, the Stove-Top Stuffing.

Uncover chicken, place on individual plates, slice and serve with Stove-Top on the side.

Easy Stove-Top Chicken Stuffing
3 Ribs Celery, Chopped
1 Small Onion chopped
3/4 Cup Butter
2 Teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
3 Cups Chicken Stock (broth is okay)
2 Box Chicken Flavored Stove-Top Stuffing

Melt 1/2 cup butter in a sauce pan over low heat until just beginning to foam.

While butter melts, chop celery and onion. Set aside until ready to use.

Saute vegetables in butter over medium heat until just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Season with poultry seasoning.

Add Chicken Stock to the pan, bring to a rolling boil. Add remaining 1/4 cup butter. Once butter has melted, stir to blend.

Empty Stove-Top Stuffing into the pot. Lower heat and allow stuffing to absorb the liquid.

Remove from heat, fluff with a fork. To serve, place stuffing into a decorative serving bowl.