Homestyle Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with minimal effort! This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing recipe brings classic, savory flavors to your dinner table without the fuss. It is the perfect cozy meal for a busy weeknight or a relaxed family gathering. Let your slow cooker work its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a dish everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing

  • Effortless One-Pot Meal Prep: Simply layer ingredients and let your slow cooker handle the rest.
  • Ultimate Comforting Flavors: Enjoy the rich, savory taste of a traditional homemade meal.
  • Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: The slow cooking process ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Taste: You do not need fancy items for this incredibly flavorful dish.
  • Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Come home to a delicious, hot meal ready to serve.
  • Adaptable for Various Needs: Easily customize this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing to fit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 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, melted
  • Fresh parsley (for garnishing)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your pantry or preferences.

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders work wonderfully too. Adjust cooking time slightly if they are much smaller.
  • Cream Soup: Feel free to swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
  • Homemade Soup: If you prefer, use your favorite homemade condensed cream soup recipe. Just ensure it has a similar thickness.
  • Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream, adding a similar tang and creaminess.
  • Onion: If you do not have fresh onion, use 1 teaspoon of onion powder or finely diced shallots.
  • Stuffing: Try a cornbread stuffing mix instead of chicken stuffing for a delightful Southern twist.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter if that is what you have; simply taste and adjust the seasoning later.

Equipment

You will need just a few basic kitchen items for this easy recipe:

  • 6-quart slow cooker: This size is ideal for fitting all the ingredients.
  • Slow cooker liner (optional): Makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Small mixing bowl: For tossing the stuffing mix.
  • Rubber spatula: Helpful for mixing and spreading.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing meal. This simple method ensures a delicious result every time.

  1. Prepare your slow cooker. If using, place a slow cooker liner inside your 6-quart slow cooker for easy cleanup. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of the liner.
  2. Make the creamy sauce. In a small bowl, combine the two cans of condensed cream of chicken soup with the sour cream. Stir this mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
  3. Pour over chicken. Carefully pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them completely. Spread it evenly using your rubber spatula.
  4. Add seasonings. Sprinkle the diced white onion and dried parsley flakes evenly over the creamy sauce layer. This infuses the dish with aromatic flavors as it cooks.
  5. Prepare the stuffing topping. In a separate small bowl, toss together the dry chicken stuffing mix with the melted salted butter. Ensure the butter coats the stuffing crumbs well.
  6. Layer the stuffing. Sprinkle the buttery stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the soup and chicken. Do not stir it in; just let it rest on top.
  7. Cook. 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 very tender and easily shreddable.
  8. Optional browning. If you desire a slightly firmer stuffing texture, remove the lid for the last 45 minutes of cooking. This helps dry out the top a bit, though it will not become crispy like oven-baked stuffing. This step is completely optional.
  9. Shred and serve. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These tips will help you achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing.

  • Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there is enough space for even cooking. Overfilling can lead to unevenly cooked ingredients.
  • Chicken doesn’t need browning: The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; pre-browning the chicken is not necessary.
  • Achieving firmer stuffing texture: For a less soft topping, uncover the slow cooker during the last 45 minutes of cooking. This helps evaporate some moisture.
  • Preventing dryness: The soup and sour cream keep the chicken moist. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of chicken broth at the end.
  • Internal temperature for chicken: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safety. According to FoodSafety.gov, all poultry should be cooked to 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
  • Season to taste at end: Canned soups can be salty, so taste the dish before adding extra salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Elevate your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing with these delightful additions and serving ideas.

Serving Suggestions

  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
  • Roasted Green Beans: Provides a lovely fresh, crisp counterpoint to the rich flavors.
  • Simple Side Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness.
  • Fresh Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any extra gravy on your plate.
  • Cranberry Sauce: For a holiday twist, serve a spoonful of tangy cranberry sauce alongside.

Variations

  • Vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
  • Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese over the top during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
  • Herbs: Enhance the herb flavors by adding fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs with the chicken.
  • Gravy: If you prefer a thinner sauce, stir in a quarter cup or more of chicken broth at the end of cooking.
  • Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onions for a subtle kick.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage helps you enjoy your leftovers safely and deliciously.

  • Cool completely before transferring to storage containers.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent dryness.

Nutrition Information

Please remember that these nutrition facts are estimated values only. We calculate them using a nutrition calculator and they may vary based on specific brands, ingredient choices, and preparation methods.

NutrientValue
Calories519 kcal
Carbohydrates30 g
Protein46 g
Fat23 g
Saturated Fat10 g
Polyunsaturated Fat2 g
Monounsaturated Fat7 g
Trans Fat0.3 g
Cholesterol160 mg
Sodium1349 mg
Potassium860 mg
Fiber1 g
Sugar4 g
Vitamin A592 IU
Vitamin C3 mg
Calcium77 mg
Iron3 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing? No, you should always thaw frozen chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even and safe cooking.
  • Do I need to add extra liquid to the recipe? No, the condensed soups and sour cream provide sufficient moisture for this recipe. Adding more liquid might make it too watery.
  • Can I brown the chicken beforehand for extra flavor? You can, but it is not necessary for this particular recipe. The chicken gets plenty of flavor from the slow cooking process with the creamy sauce.
  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute a certified gluten-free chicken stuffing mix for the regular one.
  • How do I prevent the stuffing from becoming dry? Ensure the stuffing is adequately moistened with melted butter before sprinkling. Also, keep the lid on the slow cooker for most of the cooking time to trap moisture.

Conclusion

This Homestyle Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing is the epitome of comfort food, offering rich, savory flavors with incredible ease. It is an ideal meal for any busy parent or beginner cook, proving that delicious home cooking does not need to be complicated. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare for a family-favorite meal with minimal effort. We encourage you to try this amazing recipe soon! Please share your experience and any creative twists you add in the comments below.

mohamedb 47441 simple Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing taken wi c3f6240b cfd0 4b77 a45c 8af7428f2295 - Homestyle Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing

Homestyle Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing

A comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy soup base with savory stuffing, all prepared in a slow cooker. Perfect for a hearty family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 900 kcal

Equipment

  • 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)
  • 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

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Place the chicken breasts into a 6-quart slow cooker liner.
  • Pour the condensed cream of chicken soup over the chicken breasts.
  • Add the sour cream and gently swirl it together with the soup using a rubber spatula.
  • Sprinkle the diced onion and dried parsley evenly over the mixture.

Cooking

  • In a small bowl, toss together the dry stuffing mix and melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the chicken.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Optionally, uncover the slow cooker for the last 45 minutes of cooking to allow the stuffing to firm up slightly; this is not essential for taste.

Serving & Storage

  • Season the dish with salt and pepper as desired, then serve warm with mashed potatoes and a vegetable.
  • Store any remaining leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

To help the stuffing topping firm up a bit, you can uncover the slow cooker during the last 45 minutes of cooking. This is optional and mainly affects texture, not taste. Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating