Delicious Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

Welcome to a world where dinner practically makes itself! This easy crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe is the ultimate comfort food, designed for busy days. With minimal prep and a simple “set it and forget it” approach, you can create a hearty, delicious meal that warms the soul and delights the whole family. Get ready for tender chicken and savory stuffing, all cooked together in one pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Convenience: This crockpot chicken and stuffing is a true “set it and forget it” meal. Your slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day.

• Busy Weeknight Hero: Perfect for hectic evenings, this recipe ensures a wholesome, hot meal is ready when you are. It’s an easy family meal solution everyone will appreciate.

• Simple Ingredients: You’ll only need a handful of readily available ingredients, making grocery shopping a breeze. No exotic finds required for this delicious dish.

• Irresistible Comfort: Enjoy classic, savory comfort food flavors that appeal to all ages. This slow cooker chicken with stuffing is pure nostalgic goodness.

• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, significantly reducing your post-dinner dishwashing. That’s a win-win in any kitchen!

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe is simple, ensuring a delicious and straightforward cooking experience. These readily available items combine to create a deeply satisfying meal.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 ½ pounds)

• 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces each)

• ½ cup sour cream (122 grams)

• ¼ cup diced white onion

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

• 1 box chicken stuffing mix (6 ounces)

• ¼ cup salted butter

• Fresh parsley (for garnishing)

Notes and Substitutions

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative to breasts. Thighs stay incredibly moist and add a richer flavor, though cooking times will remain similar.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Feel free to use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. For a homemade alternative, whisk together 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 ½ cups chicken broth, simmering until thick.

• Stuffing: Cornbread stuffing mix offers a slightly sweeter, crumblier texture. You can also use a savory herb stuffing mix for a traditional taste.

• Onion: Yellow onion or sweet onion work wonderfully. If you prefer to skip the onion, you can omit it or use onion powder instead (about 1 teaspoon).

• Butter: Unsalted butter is fine, just adjust the added salt to taste. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter alternative.

• Broth: If you prefer a looser consistency or more “gravy,” add ½ to 1 cup of chicken broth along with the cream of chicken soup.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing this crockpot chicken and stuffing even easier. You won’t need anything fancy, just standard kitchen essentials.

• 6-quart slow cooker: This size is ideal for fitting all the ingredients comfortably.

• Slow cooker liners (optional): These make cleanup incredibly easy, saving you scrubbing time.

• Small bowl: For combining the stuffing mix and melted butter before sprinkling.

How To Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

Making this crockpot chicken and stuffing is incredibly straightforward, promising a comforting meal with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Place a slow cooker liner inside your 6-quart slow cooker. This will make cleanup a breeze after your crockpot chicken and stuffing are ready.

2. Add the chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the lined slow cooker.

3. Layer the soup: Pour both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup directly over the chicken breasts. Spread it out gently to cover.

4. Incorporate sour cream: Add the sour cream on top of the soup. Use a rubber spatula to gently swirl the soup and sour cream together, creating a creamy base for your chicken and dressing in the slow cooker.

5. Season the base: Sprinkle the diced white onion and dried parsley flakes evenly over the creamy chicken mixture. This adds aromatic depth.

6. Prepare the stuffing topping: In a small bowl, toss together the dry chicken stuffing mix and the melted salted butter until well combined. The butter helps the stuffing toast lightly and meld.

7. Add the stuffing: Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and creamy sauce layer. Do not stir it in.

8. Cook the meal: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 6-7 hours or on the high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded, and the stuffing should be cooked through.

9. Optional browning: If you prefer the stuffing topping to firm up a little more, remove the lid during the last 45 minutes of cooking. This won’t make it crispy like oven-baked, but it can enhance the texture. This step is completely optional, and your easy chicken stuffing casserole will taste delicious either way.

10. Season and serve: Once cooked, season the entire crockpot chicken and stuffing with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately alongside mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable for a complete meal.

11. Store leftovers: Place any remaining crockpot chicken and stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

• Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. For the most tender crockpot chicken and stuffing, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The USDA confirms this is the safe minimum internal temperature for all poultry.

• Check for Doneness: The chicken should shred easily with a fork when ready. The stuffing should be softened and fully hydrated, absorbing the creamy liquid.

• Prevent Sticking: Always use a slow cooker liner for effortless cleanup. If you don’t have one, lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.

• Troubleshooting Dry Stuffing: If your stuffing seems too dry, gently stir in an extra splash of chicken broth (about ¼ cup at a time) during the last hour of cooking.

• Make Extra Gravy: If you love extra gravy, add ½ cup of chicken broth to the slow cooker along with the cream of chicken soup in step 3. This will create a more abundant sauce for serving.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and add additional salt and pepper as needed. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also boost flavor.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this comforting crockpot chicken and stuffing with classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. A fresh garden salad adds a nice contrast. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage

• Store any leftover crockpot chicken and stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully.

Reheating Instructions

• Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger amounts, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You might add a tablespoon of broth or water if it seems dry.

Variations:

• Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots along with the chicken and soup mixture for an all-in-one meal.

• Mix Cream Soups: Experiment with different cream soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a unique flavor profile.

• Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese over the stuffing during the last hour of cooking. This creates a gooey, savory crust.

Nutrition Information

This crockpot chicken and stuffing offers a hearty and satisfying meal. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving.

Name	Value
Calories	519 kcal
Carbohydrates	30 g
Protein	46 g
Fat	23 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Trans Fat	0.3 g
Cholesterol	160 mg
Sodium	1349 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	4 g
Unsaturated Fat	9 g
servingSize	1 serving

Note: The nutrition information provided is an estimate only and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. It is intended as a general guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? We do not recommend using frozen chicken for crockpot chicken and stuffing. Frozen chicken can release too much water, making the dish watery, and may not cook evenly in the slow cooker. Always thaw chicken completely first. This recommendation aligns with food safety principles, as official slow cooker food safety guidelines warn that frozen food may not reach a safe temperature quickly enough, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.

Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker? Absolutely! Diced carrots, celery, or frozen mixed vegetables can be added directly to the slow cooker with the chicken and soup mixture. This enhances both flavor and nutrition in your slow cooker chicken with dressing.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? Doubling the recipe is possible, but you will need a larger slow cooker, likely an 8-quart model. You might also need to increase the cooking time slightly, so check for doneness carefully.

How can I make this dish gluten-free? To make a gluten-free crockpot chicken and stuffing, substitute the regular chicken stuffing mix with a gluten-free stuffing mix. Also, ensure your cream of chicken soup is certified gluten-free, or make a homemade gluten-free cream sauce.

Conclusion

This crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe proves that incredible flavor and comfort can come with minimal effort. It’s an accessible, heartwarming dish perfect for any home cook looking to bring joy to their kitchen. We hope this simple yet satisfying recipe becomes a beloved staple in your family’s meal rotation, empowering you to cook with confidence and passion. Give it a try tonight and taste the magic of slow cooking!