This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is a warm, comforting meal made with tender chicken and tasty stuffing. It’s so simple—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Who doesn’t love a meal that requires hardly any effort? I enjoy it especially on busy days when I want something cozy and yummy without spending hours in the kitchen! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you have chicken thighs on hand, they can be a great substitute, adding even more flavor and moisture.
Stuffing Mix: I love using herb-flavored stuffing mix for the added seasoning. You can easily swap this with a different flavor like cornbread or even a homemade stuffing mix if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cream of Chicken Soup: For a healthier option, consider using a low-fat or organic cream of chicken soup. If you’re avoiding cream products, you can replace it with a homemade white sauce or simply use more broth along with seasonings.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water will work too. Adding a bit of extra seasoning can give it a nice boost of flavor!
Onion and Celery: Fresh chopped onions and celery add great texture. If you’re short on fresh veggies, dried onion flakes and celery seed can serve as quick substitutes.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken juicy and full of flavor, follow these key techniques:
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 5 to 6 hours is essential. This gentle cooking allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors from the soup and stuffing.
- Searing (Optional): Some like to sear the chicken briefly before adding it to the crock pot for extra depth of flavor. It’s not necessary, but worth it if you have a little extra time!
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in moisture.
- Check Doneness: Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results.
These steps will help guarantee a delicious, comforting dish every time! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (6 oz) box of herb-flavored stuffing mix
- 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time and then 5 to 6 hours of cooking on low in the crock pot. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a cozy meal waiting for you when you get home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Start by lightly spraying the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. This will help keep everything from sticking.
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crock pot. Don’t worry too much about how they look; they’ll cook beautifully!
3. Mix the Soup Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, melted butter, chopped onion, chopped celery, garlic powder, thyme (if you’re using it), along with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed!
4. Pour Over the Chicken:
Gently pour the delicious soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them as much as possible.
5. Add the Stuffing Mix:
Take the herb-flavored stuffing mix and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the soup mixture. Make sure to cover everything well with stuffing.
6. Cook It:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and the stuffing is nice and tender.
7. Optional Crispiness:
If you like a slightly crispier topping, during the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking, carefully remove the crock pot insert and place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done, feel free to garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a little extra flair. Serve it warm and enjoy your comforting meal!
This recipe will leave you with moist, flavorful chicken and soft stuffing, all made so effortlessly in the crock pot—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s essential to extend the cooking time to ensure they cook through completely. When using frozen chicken, aim for 6 to 8 hours on low. It’s best to ensure they are thawed for easier mixing with the other ingredients if possible.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just place it in the crock pot and let it cook during the day. This is a great way to have dinner ready when you come home!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it up on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems too dry during reheating.
Can I Customize the Stuffing Flavor?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with the stuffing mix. You can use cornbread stuffing, wild rice stuffing, or even add dried fruits and nuts for an extra twist. Just be mindful of the flavors you choose and how they will complement the chicken!
