Tasty Tuesdays: Baked Chicken and Spinach Stuffing

The recipe I'm posting about won the Pillsbury Bake-Off a few years back, and although some opinions differ, I think with a few adjustments it can make a tasty and healthy meal that appeals to both kids and adults.  Here is the original recipe, but below is the way I make it:

3 tablespoons    pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons    100% peach fruit spread (no sugar added)

½ teaspoon       Worcestershire sauce

1 lb                   boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (I actually used strips in the pictures)

1/4 teaspoon      salt

1/4 teaspoon      pepper

4                        frozen Whole Wheat Waffles

1 tablespoon      butter

1/4 cup              chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon      poultry seasoning

1/2 teaspoon      dried sage

1 tablespoon      beaten egg white

2c                       Fresh Spinach

1 tablespoon      chopped pecans (leave out for small children)

THE DAY BEFORE SERVING (after the kids go to bed):

In a ziplock bag, mix syrup, preserves and Worcestershire sauce. Place chicken in the bag and remove air before closing and place in fridge. Toast waffles until golden brown. Cool slightly, about 2 minutes. Cut waffles into 3/4-inch cubes; set aside. Spray 1-quart casserole with cooking spray (or use 9x5-inch nonstick loaf pan; do not spray). In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in waffle pieces and broth, breaking up waffle pieces slightly to moisten. Sprinkle with poultry seasoning and sage. Remove from heat; cool about 5 minutes. Stir in egg white and spinach. Spoon stuffing into casserole. Sprinkle pecans over top.  Cover tightly and place in the fridge

.

THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE SERVING:

Place the chicken on top of the stuffing and discard the unused marinade.  Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 20-25 minutes if using thin cut chicken breasts (about 5-10 minutes longer for thicker breasts)

It soo easy to do it this way and I make a quick salad while the kids napping, so that all I have to do when it is dinner time is stick the casserole in the even and go play with my kids while it bakes.  The kids love it because of the naturally sweet taste of the maple syrup and the peaches and they get lean protein, super greens, whole grains, and fruit all in one dish.