Stuffed Breast Chicken is a comforting mid-century American dish that captures the charm of home cooking with simple pantry staples. Popular during the 1950s and 60s, this recipe features chicken breasts marinated in creamy Italian dressing, stuffed with a rich, cracker-based mixture bound together with condensed chicken soup for flavor and moisture. Baked until golden and tender, it delivers a satisfying combination of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors. Often topped with a bright touch of orange or celery jelly, it embodies the classic spirit of family dinners, hearty, nostalgic, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 5 chicken breasts (large, boned and flattened,skin on)
- 1 ½ bottles 1890 dressing (or use your favorite vinaigrette-style dressing)
- 1 box Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 2 cans undiluted chicken soup ( or celery soup)
- ½ cup poultry seasoning (to taste)
- ½ tsp Pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (to taste)
Optional
- Orange or cherry slices, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Bon and flatten 5 whole chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Step 2: Marinate
- Place chicken breasts in a bowl or resealable bag with about 1½ bottles of Italian dressing.
- Refrigerate and marinate overnight for full flavor absorption.
Step 3: Make the Stuffing
- Crush one box of Ritz crackers into fine crumbs.
- In a large bowl, mix the crushed crackers with 2 cans of undiluted chicken soup.
- Add poultry seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Remove chicken from marinade and lay flat.
- Spoon the cracker-soup mixture into each chicken breast, roll up tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
Step 6: Optional Garnish
- Top each breast with a thin slice of orange or celery jelly during the final 10 minutes of baking for a vintage twist.
Tips
- Substitute crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs for Ritz.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat Italian dressing and reduced-sodium soup.
- Add sautéed onions, celery, or mushrooms to the stuffing for extra depth.
- Swap Italian dressing with ranch or honey mustard for a flavor variation.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 48gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 640mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
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