If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy, flavorful stuffing cooked together slowly to meld all those delicious tastes. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—minimal prep transforms into a satisfyingly rich dinner that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this recipe makes dinner effortless and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe comes from simple, down-to-earth ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role: the butter adds richness, the onions and celery contribute aromatic sweetness, and the creamy soup and sour cream keep everything moist and luscious.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides a rich base for sautéing vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Diced onion (½ cup): Adds a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor to the stuffing mixture.
- Diced celery (½ cup): Offers a slight crunch and refreshing balance to the dish’s creaminess.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½-2 pounds): Your tender protein base, which soaks up all the wonderful seasonings.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): Lends a fragrant medley of herbs that elevate the savory profile.
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Introduces a subtle, warm garlic flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Chicken stuffing mix (6 ounces/1 box): Creates that classic, fluffy texture with a cozy herb flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces/1 can): A creamy element that binds everything together with comforting richness.
- Sour cream (8 ounces/1 small container): Adds tanginess and a smooth texture to the sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (½ cup): Keeps the stuffing moist without overwhelming the other flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker and Sauté the Veggies
Begin by spraying your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent any sticking later on. Then, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and celery, letting them soften and turn translucent, about five minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and builds a fragrant base flavor. Once softened, transfer the veggies to a large bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Season and Layer the Chicken
While the vegetables cool, season your chicken breasts generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoning combo gives the chicken a tasty herbaceous kick and complements the creamy elements to come. Place the seasoned chicken directly at the bottom of the slow cooker, forming a flavorful base layer for the dish.
Step 3: Add the Stuffing Mix
Sprinkle the entire box of stuffing mix evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. This dry layer soaks up the delicious juices as the chicken cooks and creates a fluffy, textured layer that’s anything but boring.
Step 4: Combine and Pour the Creamy Mixture
Return to your bowl with sautéed vegetables and add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything thoroughly to form a smooth, creamy sauce. Pour this mixture gently over the chicken and stuffing layers in the crockpot. This step is key—it ensures the stuffing gets perfectly moist while the chicken stays tender and flavorful during the cooking process.
Step 5: Set and Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours if you prefer a longer, slower cook. The low and slow approach lets all the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy and the stuffing tender without drying out.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make this dish pop visually and add fresh notes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over each serving to bring a vibrant green contrast. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper just before serving can also brighten the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Since this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is already hearty, pairing it with crisp, fresh sides creates wonderful balance. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest. Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts beautifully round out this meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, serve this dish in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and broil briefly for a golden crust. Alternatively, spoon it over mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist, or roll it up in warm tortillas for a comforting chicken and stuffing wrap that’s perfect for casual lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe cools completely, transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after a day, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. Just remember to keep it covered well to preserve moisture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the leftover chicken and stuffing into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep things moist. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from drying out. Stir occasionally for even warming and the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
You absolutely can use bone-in chicken pieces, but cooking times may need to be extended slightly. Just make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and falls off the bone easily before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or cashew-based sour cream, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Check your soup to ensure it’s dairy-free or use a homemade substitute to keep the creamy texture.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
You could make a stovetop version by cooking the chicken and stuffing in a deep skillet or Dutch oven, combining the ingredients and simmering gently until cooked. Just keep an eye on moisture levels and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
What type of stuffing mix works best?
Any chicken-flavored stuffing mix works well, but you can experiment with herb or cornbread varieties for slight flavor variations. Just make sure the mix is designed for cooking and absorbs liquids well.
Can I add vegetables like carrots or peas?
Absolutely! Adding diced carrots or frozen peas can add color and extra nutrients. Add carrots along with the onions and celery during the sauté step, and stir in peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them bright and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe captures everything wonderful about home cooking: ease, flavor, and that cozy, comforting feeling you want at the end of the day. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big on taste and requires minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a reliable, delicious meal. I hope you give this recipe a try—it truly has a way of turning an ordinary day into a special, tasty memory.
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6-7 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (high) or 6 hours 5 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with savory chicken stuffing mix and a creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Perfect for a hands-off, hearty meal that is easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced celery
Main Ingredients
- 1½–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 6 ounces chicken stuffing mix (1 box)
Sauces & Liquids
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 8 ounces sour cream (1 small container)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the crock of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Transfer to a large bowl to cool.
- Season the Chicken: While vegetables cool, season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the chicken stuffing mix evenly over the chicken.
- Combine Sauce: In the bowl with cooled sautéed vegetables, add cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine into a creamy mixture.
- Add Sauce Over Stuffing: Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the stuffing and chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is tender and flavorful.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh herbs in your Italian seasoning blend if possible.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup according to preference.
- Make sure to spray the slow cooker well to prevent sticking of the stuffing mix.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the chicken broth amount slightly.
- This dish pairs well with a green vegetable or salad to balance the creamy richness.
