Hearty Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe combines ultimate comfort food with incredible ease. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a delicious, satisfying meal that truly cooks itself. Get ready to enjoy tender chicken and savory stuffing, all from your slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

This comforting crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe is a game-changer for busy cooks. It delivers big flavor with very little fuss.

  • Effortless Prep, Hands-Off Cooking: Spend just minutes assembling, then let your slow cooker do all the hard work.
  • Rich, Savory, Comforting Flavor: Each bite offers tender chicken nestled in moist, herb-infused stuffing.
  • One-Pot Meal Simplicity: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone at the table will ask for seconds of this delightful dish.
  • Perfect for Busy Weeknights: It’s ideal for those evenings when you need a hearty meal without the stress.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

Gathering your ingredients for this easy crockpot chicken and stuffing is the quickest part! These simple pantry staples come together for a truly 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), full-fat recommended for richness
  • ¼ cup diced white onion
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1 box chicken stuffing mix (6 ounces), dry
  • ¼ cup salted butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley (for garnishing), optional

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit what you have on hand or personal preferences. Consider boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders for alternative protein options. Feel free to swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have sour cream, use cream cheese or plain Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. Enhance the seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of poultry seasoning. Try cornbread stuffing mix for a sweeter, more rustic taste. Any onion, such as yellow or sweet onion, works well in place of white onion.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making this easy crockpot chicken and stuffing requires only a few basic kitchen tools. You likely have most of these already!

  • Slow cooker: A 6-quart model is perfect for this recipe, ensuring everything fits comfortably.
  • Slow cooker liner: This is optional but highly recommended for incredibly easy cleanup.
  • Small mixing bowl: For tossing the stuffing mix with butter.
  • Rubber spatula: Great for gently swirling ingredients and scraping down the sides.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

Whip up this incredible crockpot chicken and stuffing with minimal effort. This easy recipe makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Place a slow cooker liner inside your 6-quart appliance if you are using one. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the lined slow cooker. This ensures even cooking for tender results.

Layering the Ingredients

Next, pour both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup directly over the chicken breasts. 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. Sprinkle the diced white onion and dried parsley flakes evenly over the creamy mixture. In a separate small bowl, toss the dry chicken stuffing mix with the melted salted butter until well combined. Carefully sprinkle this buttered stuffing mixture in an even layer over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker tightly with its lid. Cook the crockpot chicken and stuffing on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours. Alternatively, if you are short on time, cook it on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. You can optionally uncover the slow cooker during the last 45 minutes of cooking. This helps the stuffing topping firm up slightly, though it won’t become truly crispy. It still tastes just as delicious without this extra step. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked. The USDA recommends a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) for all poultry. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

Achieve the best results every time you make this crockpot chicken and stuffing. Following these simple tips ensures a delicious and tender meal.

  • Achieve tender chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken; it can become dry. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Ensure moist stuffing: Keep the lid on for most of the cooking to trap moisture, preventing the stuffing from drying out.
  • Add broth for a thinner gravy: If you prefer a thinner sauce, stir in a splash of chicken broth after cooking.
  • Avoid adding frozen chicken: Always use thawed chicken breasts for safe and even cooking in the slow cooker.
  • No need to brown chicken first: The beauty of this slow cooker recipe is its hands-off nature; no pre-browning is necessary.
  • Season to taste after cooking: The soup and stuffing mixes can be salty, so adjust seasoning at the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls for the best crockpot chicken and stuffing.

  • Not using a slow cooker liner: Liners make cleanup incredibly simple, saving you scrubbing time.
  • Lifting the lid too often: Each time you lift the lid, the cooking temperature drops significantly, extending the cooking time.
  • Using pre-made, cooked stuffing: This recipe calls for dry stuffing mix, which absorbs moisture and cooks with the chicken.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This crockpot chicken and stuffing is incredibly versatile, perfect for tailoring to your family’s tastes.

Make it a Meal: Delicious Sides

Serve your hearty crockpot chicken and stuffing with classic sides for a complete meal. Creamy mashed potatoes are an excellent companion. Pair it with roasted vegetables like crisp green beans, tender corn, or glazed carrots for added nutrition and color. Don’t forget warm dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious sauce, and a side of tart cranberry sauce for a festive touch.

Flavorful Variations to Try

Get creative with your crockpot chicken and stuffing! Stir in a cup of shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes for a cheesy twist. Add frozen peas and carrots directly to the slow cooker with the soup mixture for extra vegetables. For a little heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with bone-in chicken parts for a richer flavor, adjusting cooking time as needed. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken with chickpeas and vegetable broth, using vegetable stuffing mix.

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover crockpot chicken and stuffing to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to airtight containers. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. For longer storage, portion the cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Nutrition

This crockpot chicken and stuffing offers a fulfilling meal packed with protein. The estimated nutritional information below provides a general guide.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparations.

NutritionAmount
Calories519 kcal
Carbohydrates30 g
Protein46 g
Fat23 g
Saturated Fat10 g
Trans Fat0.3 g
Cholesterol160 mg
Sodium1349 mg
Fiber1 g
Sugar4 g
Unsaturated Fat9 g
Serving Size1 serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making the best crockpot chicken and stuffing? We’ve got answers!

  • Can I use frozen chicken? No, always thaw chicken breasts completely before adding them to the slow cooker for safe and even cooking.
  • Do I need to brown the chicken? There is no need to brown the chicken beforehand; it cooks perfectly in the slow cooker.
  • Does chicken need to be covered in liquid? The creamy soup mixture creates enough moisture for the chicken to cook tenderly and evenly.
  • Can I use cream of mushroom soup? Absolutely, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes for cream of chicken.
  • Can I add vegetables directly to the crockpot? Yes, you can add frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans along with the soup mixture.
  • How to prevent dry stuffing? Keep the slow cooker lid on throughout cooking to trap moisture, ensuring the stuffing stays moist and delicious.

Conclusion

This crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe truly embodies comfort and convenience. It’s a remarkably easy meal that brings a warm, savory aroma to your kitchen with minimal effort. Slow cooking offers many benefits, from tenderizing meats to enhancing flavors. Sweet Emily is all about making delicious dishes simple for busy parents and beginners, and this recipe delivers on that promise. Give this fantastic dish a try for your next family dinner! Share your experience and any creative twists you add in the comments below.

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Hearty Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

A comforting and easy crockpot recipe featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in creamy soup, seasoned, and topped with a savory buttered stuffing mix, cooked until perfectly tender.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 ½ pounds
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup 10.5 ounces each
  • 0.5 cup sour cream 122 grams
  • 0.25 cup diced white onion
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1 box chicken stuffing mix 6 ounces
  • 0.25 cup salted butter
  • fresh parsley for garnishing

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breasts in the 6-quart slow cooker liner.
  • Pour the condensed cream of chicken soup over the chicken breasts.
  • Add the sour cream and gently swirl it into the soup with a rubber spatula.
  • Sprinkle the diced onion and dried parsley over the top of the chicken and soup mixture.
  • In a small bowl, toss together the dry stuffing mix and melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • If desired, uncover the slow cooker for the last 45 minutes of cooking to allow the stuffing to firm up a little, though this step is not necessary.
  • Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm with mashed potatoes and a vegetable.
  • Store any remaining leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

For a firmer stuffing texture, uncover the slow cooker during the last 45 minutes of cooking. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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