There’s something about the cozy mix of tender chicken, herb-seasoned stuffing, and creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe truly shines on busy days when you want comfort without fuss—and trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
From the first time I made this dish, it quickly became a staple in my meal rotation. What’s not to love? It’s simple, flavorful, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the kind of inviting aromas that make everyone rush to the table.
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do its magic—no babysitting required.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of creamy soups, seasoned stuffing, and tender chicken creates a dish that’s rich but never heavy.
- Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or even try different types of stuffing to suit what you have on hand or your taste.
- Great for Busy Days: Whether it’s a hectic weekday or a chilly weekend, it’s reliable and satisfying every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe plays a key role in making the dish flavorful and comforting without complicated prep. Here’s why they work so well together and a few shopping tips to keep in mind.
- Carrots: Their sweetness balances the savory flavors, and they hold up well in slow cooking without turning mushy.
- Broccoli Florets: Adding a pop of green, fresh or frozen broccoli brings texture and nutrients without extra effort.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great if trimmed well; both absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds deep umami and earthiness, making the sauce rich and velvety.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Pairs perfectly with the mushroom soup to create that classic creamy base for the stuffing and chicken.
- Water or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Thins out the condensed soups slightly so the dish doesn’t end up too thick or salty.
- Pepperidge Farm Herb-Seasoned Stuffing Mix: The star of the show, it provides seasoning, texture, and those delicious herb notes that make stuffing irresistible.
- Butter (melted): Drizzled on top for a golden, slightly crispy finish — it adds luscious richness.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything to life without overpowering the other flavors.
Make It Your Way
This recipe has been a playground for my creativity. I encourage you to tailor it to your preferences—sometimes I swap broccoli for green beans or sneak in some diced onions for extra flavor. The slow cooker method means you can experiment without worrying about ruining anything.
- Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking for some melty goodness—guaranteed to be a hit with the kids!
- Dietary Modification: For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free stuffing mix and verify your soups, so you don’t miss out on the comfort.
- Seasonal Twist: During fall, swap in butternut squash cubes alongside carrots for an extra layer of sweetness and color.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker and Veggies
First things first—spray your slow cooker insert with a little nonstick spray. This helps with easy cleanup later, especially since the stuffing can get a bit crispy on the edges. Then, peel and slice your carrots and toss them in the bottom, along with your broccoli florets. Layering the veggies down first gives them a chance to soak up the juices as it cooks.
Step 2: Season and Add the Chicken
Season your chicken thighs or breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. I usually go a bit heavier on the pepper for a nice kick. Place the chicken directly on top of the veggies—this setup allows the chicken juices to drip down and flavor everything below.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce and Pour It Over
In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water or broth. This combo creates that luscious sauce we're after. Pour this evenly over the chicken and veggies—don’t miss any spots!
Step 4: Top with Stuffing and Melted Butter
Sprinkle the stuffing mix evenly over the top of the sauced chicken. Then drizzle melted butter over all of it to help the stuffing crisp up and brown perfectly. I’ve found this step crucial for getting that classic, slightly crunchy topping.
Step 5: Set and Forget—Cook Low and Slow
Put the lid on tight and cook on LOW for about 4 to 6 hours, or if you’re pressed for time, HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The low setting really lets all the flavors marry beautifully, but the high works great too if you keep an eye on it. Your chicken should be juicy and cooked through, and the stuffing perfectly fluffy with slightly crisp edges.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe foolproof and extra delicious. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and get consistent results every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Giving your chicken room helps it cook evenly and keeps the stuffing from getting soggy.
- Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay tender and moist even after hours of slow cooking—breasts can work but watch for dryness.
- Butter is Key: Melted butter on top is what gives the stuffing that irresistible golden crust.
- Resist Lifting the Lid: Every time you peek, heat escapes and increases cooking time—trust the process and keep the lid on.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a little squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up beautifully, cutting through the richness.
Side Dishes
While this one-pot meal is hearty on its own, I often pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for some extra texture and veggies. Light, steamed green beans or a simple cranberry sauce also work amazingly well for a classic comfort food vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve scooped this into mini cast iron skillets to serve individual portions—looks impressive but remains easy! Also, layering the components in a clear glass casserole dish before cooking creates a lovely visual effect with distinct veggie, chicken, and stuffing layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend letting it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture spot on.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftovers in portions, wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll barely notice the difference.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions on medium power until warm, stirring halfway through to avoid hot spots. Alternatively, gently warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just be aware that cooking time might be a bit longer, and it’s safest to cook on the low setting until the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
While you could substitute with homemade stuffing, keep in mind the dry mix is designed to cook well in the slow cooker without getting mushy. If using homemade stuffing, add it closer to the end of cooking to avoid it becoming overly soggy.
You can swap out cream of mushroom soup for additional cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer. Just ensure your sauce is creamy enough to keep the stuffing moist.
Make sure to drizzle melted butter on top of the stuffing to help it crisp up. Also, cooking on low heat and avoiding lifting the lid during cooking helps maintain the right texture. If the stuffing is still too soft for your liking, you could spread it out and broil it briefly at the end.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my heart (and my recipe box). It’s the kind of dish that brings people together at the table with minimal effort and maximum warmth. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—nothing beats cozy comfort food made easy, right?
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, creamy soups, and herb-seasoned stuffing cooked slowly to perfection. Ideal for an easy, satisfying meal, it requires minimal prep and yields a flavorful one-pot dinner packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 (12 ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets or about 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Protein
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Soup & Sauce
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
Stuffing
- 3 ½ cups (about 7.5 ounces) dry Pepperidge Farm Herb-Seasoned Stuffing Mix
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
Seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Add Vegetables: Place the peeled and sliced carrots followed by the broccoli florets at the bottom of the slow cooker to serve as a vegetable base for the chicken.
- Season and Layer Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Mix Sauces: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, and ¼ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Add Stuffing and Butter: Sprinkle the dry herb-seasoned stuffing mix evenly over the top of the sauced chicken. Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing to add richness and help it crisp during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours or on HIGH setting for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the stuffing is soft and flavorful.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli if preferred, adjusting the quantity to approximately 4 cups.
- Low-sodium chicken broth can replace water to enhance flavor while controlling salt levels.
- Chicken thighs provide juicier results, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- For a crispy topping, remove the stuffing lid near the end and cook on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes if your slow cooker allows.
- Make sure to spray the slow cooker well to prevent sticking, especially with buttery stuffing on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 854 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 2501 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 121 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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