A Fantastic One Pan Thanksgiving Skillet

Updated 11/2023 :: There is an inverse relationship between effort spent and overall enjoyment when it comes to Thanksgiving prep. Doing more doesn’t make you happier! It took me a while to learn that. But now I know better, and I keep things nice and easy in the kitchen. This skillet is a perfect example of that.

Like Thanksgiving in a skillet (for chicken lovers), this One Pan Thanksgiving Skillet is an easy, straight-forward, one-pan meal that will deliver the savory, cozy flavors of Thanksgiving in under an hour. Now, that’s my kind of recipe. I’m not crazy about turkey, if I’m being totally honest with you. I don’t dislike it, but it just doesn’t do a whole lot for me. I do, however, really love chicken and I think normalizing the inclusion of other birds on our holiday tables is a cool idea. You could probably do this with turkey tenderloins or some such substitution, but I think the chicken is absolutely delicious here. Plus, it’s easy to cook and easy to find. Win-win.

A One Pan Thanksgiving Skillet Meal

I know many, many people are forgoing big, elaborate holiday spreads this year due to Covid, so I think this One Pan Thanksgiving Skillet recipe would be a wonderful one to consider. It’s completely delicious and has every bit the holiday vibe of a full-on table of individually prepared dishes.

There is just something to be said about keeping things super low key this year (or any year), and this recipe is here for you if that’s what you’re looking for. You just can’t beat it. Also, if you want an easy, special meal that is much more laid back and quick to fix – then here’s a good game plan for you:

An Easy and Totally Laid Back Thanksgiving Meal Plan

• This One Pan Thanksgiving Skillet (of course)
• Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Whipped White Chocolate Ganache
• Best of all time Giant Salted Maple Butter Parker House Rolls
• Crispy Balsamic & Honey Soaked Brussels sprouts
• Honey Cream Dinner Rolls
• Garlicky Butternut Squash with Orange and Chili
• Green Bean Bundles
• Warm Radicchio Salad with Squash and Caramelized Dates

What you’ll need to make this One Pan Thanksgiving Skillet

Feel free to play around with this however you please, of course. But for my money and time, this combination of ingredients all comes together in such a delicious way. Deeply savory thanks to the sausage and the herb stuffing, the splash of wine ushers things along nicely, and the pops of sweetness from the cranberries and apples just rounds it all out beautifully.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 TBSP olive oil, plus more as needed
• ¾ lb. ground pork sausage
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning (or any seasoning blend that you love for chicken)
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 12 ounces sliced white mushrooms
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• ⅔ cup dried cranberries
• 3 garlic cloves, grated or minced
• ⅔ cup white wine
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 6 ounces cubed stuffing mix (about half a bag; 3 to 4 cups)
• 1 red apple, sliced

How to Make This One Pan Thanksgiving Skillet

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Adjust the rack to the middle position.
2. In a large, oven-proof skillet set over med-high heat, add 1 TBSP of the olive oil along with the sausage. Brown the sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks; about 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or tray.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and the poultry seasoning (if the seasoning has salt, go light on the salt)
4. Add 1 tablespoon more oil to the skillet, still set over med-high, and brown the chicken, skin-side down, until deeply browned; about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook an additional minute on the other side. Transfer to a plate/tray for now.
5. Reduce the heat under the pan to medium and add the diced, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, celery, and cranberries. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender; about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the stuffing and garlic and cook for one minute more (stirring). 
6. Add the wine and stir to mix it in. Next add the cream and the stock, stirring to incorporate. Add the sausage back in, stir to combine and the top with the chicken. Place apple slices around the chicken and then roast for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and nice and crispy-brown on top. Enjoy warm.

If you like the looks of this One Pan Thanksgiving Skillet, you might also enjoy:

Tunisian Harissa Chicken & Olive Skillet with Squash

Tex-Mex Smoky Chicken and Rice Skillet

Cozy and Comforting Cider Braised Pork and Apples

Cheesy French Onion Chicken and Potatoes

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