If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that basically cooks itself while you relax, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe is a divine blend of tender, juicy chicken nestled under a layer of perfectly moist stuffing, all flavored by a creamy, savory sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those dishes that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers satisfying flavors with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for busy nights or anytime you want a fuss-free, delicious dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy soup base that keeps the chicken moist to the stuffing mix that soaks up all those wonderful flavors. Together, they create a cozy, balanced dish you’ll love.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein foundation for tender, juicy bites every time.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Adds rich creaminess and deep savory notes to the dish.
- ½ cup sour cream: Contributes tang and silkiness to the sauce, making it irresistible.
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (such as Stove Top): The fluffy, flavorful crust that seals in all the deliciousness.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and infuses it with extra chicken flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth and warmth to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick balancing the creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional): Offers a subtle herbal touch for complexity.
- 2 cups frozen green beans or peas (optional, stirred in at the end): Brightens the dish with veggies and color, plus extra nutrition.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Creamy Sauce
First things first, spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme if you’re using it. This mixture is the heart of the recipe—its creamy, tangy richness will keep your chicken moist and flavorful throughout cooking. Spread a little of this mixture evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker to create a delicious base.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Sauce
Next, place the chicken breasts in a single layer right on top of the sauce in the slow cooker. Don’t crowd them—letting each piece have its own space helps everything cook evenly. Then spoon the rest of the creamy sauce over the chicken, making sure they’re well coated. This step ensures every bite is infused with mouthwatering flavor.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Stuffing
In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is fully moistened but not soupy—just enough to absorb the savory broth. For an extra touch, you can mix in a tablespoon of melted butter to the stuffing before adding it for a richer finish. Spoon this stuffing evenly over the saucy chicken in your slow cooker, covering it completely to seal in the juices.
Step 4: Cook Until Perfectly Tender
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow, gentle heat works magic, transforming the chicken into a tender, juicy main and the stuffing into a fluffy, flavorful topping. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in any frozen green beans or peas if you want to add some vibrant veggies. This also keeps them crisp-tender and bright.
Step 5: Finish and Fluff the Stuffing
Once cooking is complete, fluff the stuffing gently with a fork to separate the grains and enhance the texture. This simple touch makes your dish look as wonderful as it tastes!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme to bring a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy chicken and stuffing beautifully. A little grated Parmesan cheese on top can also add a delightful umami twist.
Side Dishes
Since this Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe is a complete comfort meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted root vegetables makes for a well-rounded plate. Steamed broccoli or a tangy coleslaw can also add a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the contents of the slow cooker straight onto a large platter and let everyone help themselves to the juicy chicken and fluffy stuffing. Alternatively, scoop the stuffing first onto plates and top with a chicken breast for a neat, restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making your second serving even more delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen leftovers can be kept for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep or quick future dinners.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. If microwaving, cover the container to retain moisture and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken. You can also refresh the stuffing texture by adding a splash of chicken broth while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and a bit more flavor, making them a great substitution in this Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe.
Is it necessary to add sour cream to the sauce?
The sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that brightens the dish, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or cream cheese if those are more accessible or to reduce fat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free sour cream alternatives and make sure to select a dairy-free cream of chicken soup to keep it creamy but align with your dietary needs.
How can I make the stuffing extra crispy?
If you love crispy stuffing, consider transferring the cooked stuffing to a baking dish after slow cooking and broil for a few minutes until golden and crunchy on top.
What other vegetables pair well in this dish?
Beyond green beans and peas, carrots, mushrooms, or corn make lovely additions added toward the end of cooking for texture and flavor variety.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe is pure comfort food magic with so little fuss. It’s great for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, bringing warm flavors and satisfying textures to your table without hours of prep. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved family classic!
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Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and spices, topped with savory stuffing mix. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, the dish can optionally include green beans or peas stirred in at the end for added veggies.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cream Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Stuffing
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Vegetables
- 2 cups frozen green beans or peas (optional, stirred in at the end)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme if using. Spread a small spoonful of this mixture on the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Layer Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on top of the spoonful of soup mixture in the slow cooker. Then spread the remaining soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to coat them well.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the chicken broth and stir until the mixture is moistened thoroughly.
- Add Stuffing Layer: Spoon the moistened stuffing evenly over the chicken and cream sauce layers in the slow cooker, creating a top crust.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through when done.
- Add Vegetables: If using frozen green beans or peas, stir them into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, fluff the stuffing with a fork to separate and serve immediately alongside the chicken and vegetables.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the stuffing mix before placing it on the chicken.
- Try variations by using cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken soup for different flavor profiles.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and choose a dairy-free cream soup variety.
