Pin This homestyle chicken and stuffing skillet transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting one-pan meal that reminds me of Sunday family dinners. The combination of tender chicken pieces nestled in herb-infused stuffing and topped with crispy onions creates layers of texture and flavor that make this dish irresistible.
I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something comforting but quick. My family was so impressed by how restaurant-quality it tasted that it's now in our regular rotation when we need a homestyle meal without hours of preparation.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and become juicy and tender when cooked this way
- Carrots celery and onion: create the classic mirepoix flavor base that gives depth to the stuffing
- Day old bread or stuffing mix: absorbs all the savory flavors while maintaining texture look for bread with a sturdy crumb
- Chicken broth: infuses moisture and flavor throughout choose low sodium to control salt levels
- Dried herbs like sage thyme and rosemary: provide that classic stuffing flavor profile without needing fresh herbs
- Crispy fried onions: create an irresistible textured topping that browns beautifully select a quality brand for best flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Season bite sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper then brown them in a hot oiled skillet until just cooked through about 5 to 6 minutes. The chicken will continue cooking later so avoid overcooking now. The pieces should have golden edges but still be juicy inside.
- Create the vegetable base:
- Using the same skillet with all those flavorful chicken bits sauté your diced carrots celery and onions until they begin to soften about 4 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic during the final minute to release its aromatics without burning. The vegetables should become slightly translucent but still have some bite to them.
- Combine the stuffing elements:
- Add your bread cubes or stuffing mix to the skillet along with the dried herbs melted butter and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly ensuring every piece of bread gets moistened. The mixture should be wet but not soggy with the herbs evenly distributed throughout.
- Reintroduce the chicken:
- Gently fold the cooked chicken pieces back into the stuffing mixture distributing them evenly throughout the skillet. This ensures every serving will have a good balance of chicken and stuffing.
- Add the crispy topping:
- Sprinkle the crispy fried onions in an even layer across the entire surface of the skillet. Make sure to cover the edges too as these will develop extra crispiness in the oven.
- Bake to perfection:
- Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes. The top should become golden brown and crispy while the stuffing beneath heats through completely. You might see some bubbling around the edges which indicates it's cooking nicely.
- Rest before serving:
- Allow the skillet to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier as the stuffing firms up slightly.
Pin My absolute favorite part of this dish is how the bottom layer of stuffing gets slightly crisp where it touches the skillet while the middle remains tender and moist. It reminds me of my grandmother's Thanksgiving stuffing which always had those coveted crispy edges everyone fought over.
Make It Your Own
This skillet dinner welcomes customization based on your preferences and what you have available. Try adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor or bell peppers for sweetness and color. The vegetable base can easily accommodate – cups of additional vegetables without changing the cooking method.
For a creamier version fold in ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese before baking. This creates a more casserole like texture that's especially comforting on cold evenings. You could also add a handful of shredded cheese to the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight making this possibly even better the next day. For best results reheat individual portions in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
For freezing portion the cooled dish into freezer safe containers. It will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To restore some crispness to the topping reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.
Holiday Variations
Transform this everyday meal into a holiday worthy dish with a few simple adjustments. Substitute turkey for chicken and add ¼ cup dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture for a Thanksgiving inspired meal any time of year. For an extra special touch mix 1 tablespoon of orange zest into the stuffing.
During the Christmas season add chopped chestnuts and a pinch of nutmeg to evoke traditional holiday flavors. A sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving adds festive color and a bright flavor contrast to the rich dish.
Pin To restore some crispness to the topping reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey works well in place of chicken and gives the dish a festive twist. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- → What type of bread works best for the stuffing?
Day-old white or whole wheat bread, or packaged stuffing mix, absorb flavors well and create a hearty texture.
- → How can I make the stuffing creamier?
Add half a cup of cream of chicken soup with the broth to make the stuffing richer and more moist.
- → Are there suggested vegetables to add?
Carrots, celery, and onion form the classic base, but you can include peas or corn for extra sweetness and color.
- → Do I need a special pan?
An oven-safe skillet is ideal, as it goes from stovetop to oven seamlessly, keeping the process simple.