YaYa’s Stuffing for Roast Chicken
This old-fashioned stuffing for roast chicken is a true taste of home. Made from simple pantry staple; crumbled bread, chopped celery, butter, and a hint of thyme or marjoram; it’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and memories. Mama Shirley’s version has the perfect balance of buttery flavor and tender texture, and it’s just right for roasting chicken, turkey, or even pork chops.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread crumbs day-old bread works best
- ¼ small onion minced (optional)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon thyme or marjoram optional
- ⅓ cup butter melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together bread crumbs, onion, celery, salt, and thyme.
- Slowly pour in the melted butter, tossing with a fork until the mixture is well blended and evenly coated.
- Lightly toss; do not pack.
- Place stuffing in a frying pan and sauté gently over medium heat until lightly browned.
- Use immediately to stuff your chicken or turkey.
- Estimate about ¾ to 1 cup of stuffing per pound of poultry.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
To get that golden, flavorful stuffing every time, remember to use day-old bread so it soaks up the butter just right.
- Use a mix of white and wheat bread for added depth.
- Sauté the onion and celery gently before mixing for extra flavor.
- Don’t over-pack the cavity; lightly spoon in the stuffing so it cooks evenly.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if you prefer a softer, moister stuffing.
- You can also bake the stuffing separately in a small casserole dish for a crispier top.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
If you’d like to make this stuffing your own, there are so many cozy variations.
- Stir in a handful of chopped apples and pecans for a touch of sweetness, or crumble in a bit of cooked sausage for a hearty version that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs like sage or rosemary; makes it fragrant and special.
For another comforting Southern favorite, try pairing this stuffing with my Roast Chicken or Hot Potato Salad recipes from Yaya’s Cookbook. They make a perfect Sunday dinner combination that brings the whole family together.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
