If there’s one dish that captures the pure comfort of home cooking and the simplicity of a no-fuss dinner, it’s Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing. This beloved recipe brings together juicy chicken, creamy sauce, savory stuffing, and a medley of herbs into one irresistibly cozy meal—all with just a few minutes of prep and your trusty slow cooker doing the heavy lifting. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student with a serious craving for nostalgia, or just someone who loves hearty food for minimal effort, this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing just might become the weeknight hero in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component is easy to find and plays a key part in building comforting layers of flavor, rich texture, and that signature homey aroma.
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts—they cook up tender and soak in all the sauce without drying out.
- Cream of chicken soup: This is your shortcut to a luscious, creamy foundation—low-sodium versions work well if you’re watching salt.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and helps create that velvety sauce consistency stirred throughout the dish.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist, ensures flavorful stuffing, and prevents the dish from drying out as it cooks.
- Stuffing mix: Classic boxed stuffing like Stove Top gives this recipe its soul—herby, savory, and quick to plump up in the slow cooker.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way to deepen and round out the background flavors.
- Onion powder: Brings out that cozy, home-cooked taste, no chopping required.
- Dried thyme: The familiar earthiness of thyme gives the stuffing a lovely herbal lift.
- Frozen green beans or mixed vegetables (optional): Stir these in for a boost of color and a built-in side of veggies with zero hassle.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste and season before serving—the soup and broth may already have salt, so season accordingly.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot
Give the inside of your crockpot a quick mist or rub with nonstick spray or oil. This step makes cleanup so much easier and ensures that nothing sticks to the sides as your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing cooks to creamy perfection.
Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the secret to juicy chicken and irresistibly creamy stuffing—it takes just a minute but makes all the difference.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts flat on the bottom of the crockpot. This helps them cook evenly and ensures that each piece will soak up maximum flavor from the sauce and stuffing above.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Pour the creamy sauce mixture right over the chicken, spreading it evenly to cover. Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the top—don’t stir! This keeps the stuffing light and flavorful as it steams. If you’re adding frozen veggies, scatter them on top or nestle them around the sides for a pop of color and nutrition.
Step 5: Set It and Forget It
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork, and the stuffing is fluffy and moist. Try not to lift the lid until the last hour—this helps keep all the steam inside where it belongs.
Step 6: Fluff, Shred, and Serve
Right before serving, use a fork to gently fluff the stuffing. At this point, you can shred or slice the chicken to your liking. Dish it all up while it’s piping hot for ultimate comfort food bliss!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle over a little chopped parsley or fresh thyme. If you’re feeling decadent, a light dusting of grated cheddar or a swirl of extra sour cream adds even more flavor and eye appeal.
Side Dishes
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is satisfying all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted carrots, or a simple side of cranberry sauce. If you want to lean into comfort, warm dinner rolls or mashed potatoes will make it a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the creamy chicken and stuffing mixture into hollowed bell peppers and bake for a few minutes to brown the tops, or serve individual portions in ramekins for a cozy, personal touch at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. It reheats remarkably well and makes for a comforting next-day lunch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely and pack it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—surprisingly, the flavors get even cozier!
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave, covering loosely to keep in the moisture. Larger portions can be baked, covered, at 325°F until heated through. A splash of broth or water in the dish revives the creaminess if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious in Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing. They’re juicier, so if you love ultra-tender chicken, thighs are a great choice—just make sure they’re boneless and skinless for best results.
Is it okay to use homemade stuffing instead of boxed?
Yes! If you have leftover homemade stuffing or just prefer making your own, you can use it here. Prepare the stuffing as usual and layer it on top as you would with boxed; just adjust for moisture as homemade may absorb liquid differently.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course. Frozen peas, diced carrots, or even fresh baby spinach can all be added to boost color and nutrition. Just add them on top or nestle them around the chicken before cooking, and you’re good to go.
How can I prevent the stuffing from getting soggy?
The stuffing will be soft, but to keep it from getting too mushy, make sure not to stir it into the sauce before cooking. Also, avoid adding too much extra liquid—stick to the amounts in the recipe for the best texture.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes! You can assemble everything the night before and refrigerate the (unplugged) crockpot insert overnight. The next morning, just set it in the base, turn it on, and you’ll come home to hot, comforting Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation, look no further than Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing. It’s ridiculously easy, endlessly comforting, and practically guarantees clean plates all around. So grab your ingredients, fire up the crockpot, and enjoy a soul-soothing meal that just might become a new tradition!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with a creamy sauce and savory stuffing in a slow cooker for a delicious family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Soup Mixture:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing:
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
Optional:
- 2 cups frozen green beans or mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Lightly grease the crockpot. Mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place chicken breasts in the crockpot. Spread soup mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle stuffing mix on top. Add vegetables if desired.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Fluff the stuffing, shred the chicken, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soup and broth if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add shredded cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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