All the scrumptious savory flavor you love at Thanksgiving but with a healthier spin! My recipe for Chicken and Sausage Stuffing, that I developed for Mealthy.com, takes traditional stuffing and gives it a healthier twist by using whole wheat ciabatta, chicken sausage and olive oil.
Even though I’ve added some healthier ingredients to this stuffing, there’s absolutely no sacrifice on taste. This stuffing is every bit as delicious as the one your mom always made. Fresh sage and thyme not only give this stuffing it’s fabulous flavor they also make the whole house smell amazing while the stuffing is baking.
This Herbed Chicken Sausage Stuffing is so delicious and easy to make, you’re gonna want to make it all your long. It’s a perfect comfort food side dish for fall and winter.
For a timesaver, assemble it the day before. Just add 10 minutes to the first bake time if baking right out of the fridge.
- 1 16-ounce loaf whole wheat ciabatta , torn into pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian chicken sausage , removed from casings
- 1 medium yellow onion , chopped
- 2 stalks celery , chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 4 cups chicken broth
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
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Spread bread on a baking sheet and let dry overnight or place the baking sheet in a 350°F oven and bake about 20 minutes, or until the bread is crisp but not browned. Transfer to large bowl.
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned stirring to break up, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and translucent, about 8 minutes. Transfer to bowl with sausage.
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Add bread, sage and thyme stir to combine. Add chicken broth and mix until the bread has absorbed all of the broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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Transfer stuffing to 2-quart baking dish. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake until golden, about 30 minutes.
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To serve, garnish with additional fresh sage and thyme leaves.
