Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Introduction

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is a comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The chicken is slow-cooked to juicy perfection, and the stuffing absorbs all the delicious flavors, creating a rich and savory dish. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful stuffing, and creamy gravy is sure to please everyone around the dinner table.

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something easy yet hearty, and it quickly became a family favorite. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The smell of the chicken cooking with the stuffing fills the house, creating a welcoming atmosphere and making everyone eager for dinner.

What’s great about this Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is how versatile it is. You can serve it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting feel.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Holiday gatherings
• Potlucks
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Here’s why Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing will become a family favorite:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into the crock pot and let it cook while you relax or take care of other tasks.
• Tender Chicken: The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking, infused with the flavors of the stuffing and broth.
• Fluffy Stuffing: The stuffing absorbs the juices from the chicken and broth, resulting in a moist and flavorful side dish that complements the meat perfectly.
• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with warm, filling ingredients that are perfect for a cozy meal.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in the crock pot, making it an easy and convenient meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-7 hours
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours (on low)
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix (use your favorite variety)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) chicken broth (or use low-sodium broth)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used for this recipe, as they cook easily in the crock pot and stay tender and juicy.
• Stuffing Mix: The stuffing mix is the base of the dish, soaking up all the flavors from the chicken and broth, becoming a savory, flavorful side.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: The cream of chicken soup adds richness and creaminess, helping to bind the ingredients together and enhance the flavor.
• Chicken Broth: The broth gives moisture to the stuffing mix and infuses the chicken with extra flavor as it cooks.
• Butter: The melted butter adds richness and depth to the stuffing, making it even more indulgent.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Chicken and Stuffing:

1. Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (if using). No need to sear the chicken first – just add it directly to the slow cooker.
3. Make the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and melted butter. Stir until well combined, ensuring the stuffing mix is evenly moistened.
4. Add the Stuffing: Spoon the stuffing mixture on top of the chicken breasts in the crock pot, spreading it out evenly.

Cook the Dish:

5. Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the stuffing should be fluffy and moist.
6. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and mix it with the stuffing.

Serve:

7. Serve and Enjoy: Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed with the stuffing. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is a satisfying dish that can be served in many ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve the chicken and stuffing on its own for a hearty, one-pot meal.
• With Vegetables: Pair it with roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or peas, for a complete meal.
• With Gravy: If you like, serve the dish with extra chicken gravy on top for even more flavor and richness.
• For a Holiday Meal: This dish works perfectly as a main course for Thanksgiving or Christmas, paired with mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce.

Additional Tips for Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe is perfect every time:

• Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: You can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, which will add more flavor and stay tender during slow cooking.
• Moisture Adjustments: If you like your stuffing a little wetter, add more chicken broth or soup to the mixture.
• Avoid Overcooking: Slow cook the chicken on low heat, as cooking on high may result in dry chicken.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you prefer, use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried for a burst of flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge, then cook the next day.

Recipe Variations for Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Veggies: Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the crock pot for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheesy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, into the stuffing for a cheesy twist.
• Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Cranberries: Add dried cranberries to the stuffing mix for a slightly sweet and festive flavor.
• Gluten-Free Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free option.
• Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the stuffing for an earthy flavor.
• Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Sausage: Incorporate cooked sausage into the stuffing for a more savory and hearty dish.
• Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Apples: Add chopped apples to the stuffing for a hint of sweetness and crunch.
• Low-Sodium Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing: Use low-sodium broth and a lower-sodium soup to make a healthier version of the dish.
• Buffalo Chicken and Stuffing: Add buffalo sauce to the chicken before cooking for a spicy, tangy flavor.
• Herbed Chicken and Stuffing: Add fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or rosemary to enhance the stuffing’s flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

• Freezing: This dish freezes well. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or crock pot.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Special Equipment for Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

• Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): A slow cooker is essential for this recipe, allowing the chicken and stuffing to cook to perfection.
• Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl is needed to prepare the stuffing mixture before adding it to the crock pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure out the ingredients for the stuffing and seasoning.
• Tongs or Forks: Use tongs or forks to shred the chicken once it’s fully cooked.
• Spatula: A spatula is helpful for spreading the stuffing evenly on top of the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, be sure to cook on low for 7-8 hours instead of 6-7 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
   Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to the crock pot for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them. Then, cook them in the crock pot the next day.
4. Can I use a different type of soup?
   Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor.
5. Can I cook this dish on high instead of low?
   Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but slow cooking on low produces the best results.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, moist stuffing, and rich broth, this dish is sure to satisfy. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, it’s a simple yet delicious option that everyone will enjoy. Simply set it and forget it while the slow cooker does the work for you!

This recipe is as convenient as it is tasty, making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays tender, and the stuffing absorbs all the savory flavors, creating a meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug.

I’d love to see how your Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!