My chicken sausage stuffing is a perfect combination of savory flavors and comforting textures. This delicious dish features chicken sausage, sautéed with celery mixture and seasoned with poultry seasoning, mixed with bread cubes and chicken stock for the ultimate holiday side. Baked until golden brown in a greased casserole dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or special occasions. Whether you're preparing for a festive feast or a simple family dinner, this chicken sausage stuffing is easy to make and sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy this classic favorite!
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I have a special fondness for comforting dishes, and this chicken sausage stuffing always brings back warm memories of family gatherings during the holiday season. Growing up, my mom would prepare a similar stuffing, filling our home with the enticing aromas of sautéed vegetables and savory sausage. Her recipe was a staple at every Thanksgiving, blending stale bread with chicken broth and a medley of herbs. For me, this chicken sausage stuffing is more than just a side dish—it’s a cherished reminder of those joyful moments around the table, where laughter and love filled the air. It's easy to whip up, yet it feels so special, making every meal feel like a celebration. This is the best sausage stuffing around!
Looking for more stuffing recipes? Try my Croissant Stuffing Recipe, Onion and Sage Stuffing, Sourdough Bread Stuffing, and Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing. The leftover stuffing is great in my Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and Flavorful: This chicken sausage stuffing recipe features a delicious combination of savory chicken sausage and aromatic vegetables, seasoned perfectly with poultry seasoning. The blend of textures and flavors creates a comforting dish that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. And personally the crunchy edges are the best part!
Simple and Convenient: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this chicken sausage stuffing is quick to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but also impressive enough for holiday feasts and family gatherings, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan.
Crowd-Pleasing and Versatile: Whether you’re serving it alongside a festive turkey or as a hearty side for a cozy dinner, this chicken sausage stuffing is sure to impress. Its robust flavors and inviting aroma make it a standout dish that brings everyone together at the table.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Sausage – Adds a savory, spiced flavor to the stuffing, creating a hearty base. Cooked until browned and crumbled, it infuses the dish with robust taste and moisture.
Hand-Torn White Bread – Provides the essential base for the stuffing, contributing a soft texture that absorbs flavors. Torn into bite-size pieces, it ensures even distribution of seasonings and moisture. The best bread for this is usually day old bread.
Butter – Enhances the richness of the stuffing, adding a creamy texture and deep flavor. Melted and mixed with sautéed vegetables, it helps to bind the ingredients together. In a pinch you can also use olive oil, but the flavor will be changed.
Diced Yellow Onion – Brings a sweet, aromatic base to the stuffing, enhancing its overall flavor. Sautéed until softened, it creates a savory foundation that complements the sausage.
Minced Garlic – Infuses the stuffing with a robust, aromatic flavor that elevates the dish. Minced and sautéed, it releases its natural sweetness and enhances the savory notes.
Diced Celery – Provides a crisp, slightly peppery element that balances the richness of the sausage. Diced finely, it adds texture and freshness to the stuffing mixture.
Poultry Seasoning – Adds a warm, herby flavor that complements the chicken sausage and enhances the stuffing's overall profile. A key seasoning that ties the flavors together beautifully.
White Pepper – Offers a mild heat and depth, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Adds a subtle kick that elevates the stuffing.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning, these enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjusted to taste, they ensure a well-balanced dish.
Chicken Stock – Provides moisture and rich flavor, bringing all the ingredients together. Gradually added to the stuffing mixture, it ensures a perfect consistency without making it soggy.
Step by Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Bread: Place the torn pieces of 1 (16-ounce) loaf of white bread in a large bowl and set aside to dry slightly.
Cook the Chicken Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat or medium heat, add 1 pound of chicken sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and add it to the bowl with the bread.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same large skillet, add ½ cup of butter. Once melted, add 1 diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup of diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the onion mixture and any remaining butter into the bowl with the bread and sausage.
Season the Mixture: Add 1 ¼ teaspoons of poultry seasoning, a dash of white pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
Add Chicken Stock: Gradually pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken stock, stirring as you go. Continue adding stock until the stuffing mixture is moist but not soggy, adjusting to your preference.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 2 ½-quart casserole dish and spread the stuffing mixture evenly into the dish.
Bake the Stuffing: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and crunchy.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting homemade sausage stuffing as a delightful side dish!
Substitutions & Additions
Different Meats: You can substitute the chicken sausage with turkey sausage or even mild Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Ground turkey will offer a lighter taste, while pork sausage will add richness.
Different Types of Bread: If you don’t have white bread, feel free to use sourdough, whole grain, or even French bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption of flavors.
Different Broths: Instead of chicken stock, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even beef broth for a heartier flavor. Each option will slightly alter the overall taste but can still create a delicious stuffing.
Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor by mixing in additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots. Sauté these with the onions, garlic, and celery to enhance the stuffing's flavor.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more. Consider adding chopped parsley, thyme, or sage for added aroma and flavor. Mix in fresh herbs just before baking for the best impact.
Nutty Flavor: For a unique twist, add toasted nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans. They provide a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the stuffing beautifully.
Cheese Option: For extra creaminess, stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or fontina before baking. This will add a cheesy richness to the stuffing that pairs well with the sausage and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Wine Pairing: A light-bodied white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of chicken sausage stuffing. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir can also complement the dish without overwhelming it.
Cranberry Sauce: Serve the stuffing with a side of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. The tartness of the cranberries provides a delightful contrast to the savory stuffing, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Cranberry Sauce – A tangy cranberry sauce is the perfect complement to this stuffing. Its bright, tart flavor contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory notes of the stuffing, adding a refreshing burst to each bite. Serve a dollop of cranberry sauce alongside the stuffing for a balanced and festive touch.
Gravy – Pouring a generous ladle of gravy over the stuffing adds extra richness and moisture. A savory, well-seasoned gravy enhances the flavors and ties the dish together, making it even more comforting. Opt for a classic turkey gravy or a homemade gravy for the best results.
Roasted Turkey – This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, making it an ideal choice for a holiday meal. The savory, herb-infused stuffing complements the tender, juicy turkey, creating a classic and satisfying combination. Serve the stuffing alongside slices of roasted turkey and mashed potatoes for a traditional and hearty feast.
FAQ's
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing ahead of time! Assemble all the ingredients and mix them in the baking dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're cooking it straight from the fridge.
To store leftover chicken sausage stuffing, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also add a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Chicken sausage stuffing will keep for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Be sure to let the stuffing cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing: To freeze, transfer the cooled stuffing to an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffing in a covered baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken stock or broth before reheating to help keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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📋 Recipe
Chicken Sausage Stuffing
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Equipment
- Large bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- 2 ½-quart casserole dish
- Oven
- Grease brush or cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce loaf of white bread hand-torn into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound chicken sausage casings removed
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup celery diced, about 3 stalks
- 1 ¼ teaspoons poultry seasoning
- Dash of white pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock or broth you may need more if necessary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the bread: Place the torn bread pieces in a large bowl and set it aside. You can do this step ahead of time if desired, allowing the bread to dry slightly.
- Cook the chicken sausage: In a skillet or frying pan, cook the 1 pound of chicken sausage over medium heat until fully browned and cooked through. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and add it to the bowl with the bread, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add ½ cup butter, 1 diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup diced celery, 1 ¼ teaspoons poultry seasoning, a dash of white pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender.
- Combine everything: Pour the cooked vegetables and any remaining butter from the pan over the bread and sausage mixture. Gradually stir in 1 ½ cups chicken stock, mixing as you go. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy; if necessary, add more stock until no dry spots remain.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 2 ½-quart casserole dish, and spread the stuffing mixture evenly into the dish.
- Bake the stuffing: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and crunchy.
- Serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve alongside your main dish.
Notes
- Use slightly dried or stale bread for better texture and absorption.
- Add more chicken stock or broth as needed
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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