If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that fills your home with the most inviting aromas, you have got to try this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender, juicy chicken cooked low and slow with savory vegetables, topped with buttery, flavorful stuffing that soaks up every delicious drop of slow cooker magic. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this dish promises effortless comfort and big smiles around the table, making it an instant favorite on chilly evenings or anytime you want a simple, satisfying dinner without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe lies in its simplicity and straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—fresh veggies for natural sweetness and texture, a whole chicken for unbeatable juiciness, and buttery stuffing for that irresistible crunch and flavor. You won’t find any complicated spices here, just pure, honest goodness.
- 2 medium carrots (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color that brightens the dish.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Provides a savory base that mellows beautifully as it cooks.
- 2 medium celery ribs (diced): Gives a fresh crunch and aromatic lift to the mix.
- 5 pounds whole chicken: The heart of the recipe, ensuring moist, flavorful meat every time.
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted): Locks in richness and helps seasonings cling to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
- 6 ounces box stove top stuffing (any flavor): The comforting, crispy topping that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken
Start by tossing the diced carrots, onion, and celery into the bottom of your slow cooker. These veggies create a natural flavor base that keeps the chicken elevated and infuses the whole dish as it cooks. Place your cleaned whole chicken right on top of the veggies, discarding the innards to make sure only the freshest flavors shine through.
Step 2: Butter and Season the Chicken
Drizzle the melted salted butter generously over the chicken, then sprinkle with poultry seasoning and paprika. Using your hands or a spoon, rub everything evenly over the chicken’s skin, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. Feel free to add salt and pepper if you want a bit more punch—this step really makes the flavors pop.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on high for 5 to 6 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes irresistibly tender, absorbing the delicate flavors of the vegetables and seasonings while filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that’s impossible to resist.
Step 4: Remove Chicken and Prepare for Stuffing
Once cooking is complete, carefully lift the chicken out and set it on a platter, covering it loosely with foil to keep warm. Pour off all the liquid from the slow cooker but reserve about 1.5 cups—that flavorful broth is essential for bringing the stuffing to life. Leave the cooked vegetables in the pot for extra flavor and texture.
Step 5: Add and Cook Stuffing
Dump the box of stove top stuffing right into the slow cooker. Stir it around, making sure the stuffing soaks up that precious 1.5 cups of broth evenly. Put the lid back on and let it cook for about 10 minutes. When done, fluff the stuffing with a fork to create that irresistibly light and crumbly finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your wonderfully tender chicken any way you like—breast, thighs, or drumsticks—and either serve it alongside the stuffing or place everything back in the slow cooker for a warm and inviting presentation. This final step makes it super easy to serve family-style and keep the meal cozy and hot until everyone’s ready to eat.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe even more, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top just before serving. The green pop of color adds freshness and a pretty finishing touch that makes the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is already a full meal with protein, veggies, and stuffing, pairing it with something light and crisp works best. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon gives a lovely contrast and keeps everything balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests or add a bit of flair, serve the chicken sliced on a large wooden board surrounded by heaps of fluffy stuffing. Add small bowls of cranberry sauce or gravy on the side for dipping. This rustic presentation invites everyone to dig in and enjoy a cozy, family-style meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and stuffing in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day. It’s best to consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe on hand for longer, freezing is a great option. Store the chicken and stuffing separately in freezer-safe bags or containers, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven, covering to retain moisture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating can help keep the stuffing soft and the chicken juicy. Avoid overheating to maintain texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Using chicken thighs or breasts works well, but cooking times may vary slightly. Just be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
What stuffing flavors work best for this recipe?
Classic herb or chicken-flavored stuffing mixes are perfect. Feel free to experiment with savory variations like garlic and onion or even cornbread stuffing for a twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You can, but the texture will differ since the slow cooking allows the flavors to develop deeply, and the stuffing to cook just right. If using an Instant Pot, you may want to cook the chicken first, then add the stuffing separately on a sauté or warm cycle.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms would all be tasty additions. Just chop them to similar sizes for even cooking and add them with the other veggies in Step 1.
Do I need to baste the chicken during cooking?
Not necessary with this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe. The slow cooker traps moisture, keeping the chicken juicy without needing to open the lid and baste.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe a try because it’s one of those feel-good meals that never disappoints. Easy to prepare, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for sharing around the table—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy making it your own and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe offers a comforting, all-in-one meal that is perfect for a hassle-free dinner. Tender whole chicken is slow-cooked over a bed of aromatic vegetables with buttery seasoning, then paired with flavorful stove top stuffing cooked right in the crockpot. The result is juicy, seasoned chicken alongside fluffy, savory stuffing—a perfect home-cooked meal with minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium celery ribs, diced
Main
- 5 pounds whole chicken (cleaned and prepared with cavity emptied)
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6 ounces box stove top stuffing (any flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and chicken: Place the diced carrots, onion, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the whole cleaned chicken on top of the vegetables, discarding any contents inside the chicken cavity.
- Season the chicken: Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning and paprika on top, then rub the seasonings all over the chicken thoroughly. Add salt and pepper if desired for extra flavor.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high heat for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare for stuffing: Carefully remove the cooked chicken and transfer it to a platter. Cover with foil to keep warm. Drain all the liquid from the slow cooker except for about 1.5 cups, leaving the cooked vegetables inside the cooker.
- Cook the stuffing: Add the entire box of stove top stuffing mix into the slow cooker with the retained liquid and veggies. Stir thoroughly to combine, then cover again and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Once cooked, fluff the stuffing with a fork.
- Serve: Slice the chicken as desired and serve alongside the stuffed vegetables. Optionally, return the sliced chicken to the slow cooker for a nice presentation. Enjoy your hearty Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing!
Notes
- Make sure to discard any giblets or contents inside the chicken cavity before cooking.
- You can customize the stuffing flavor to suit your taste preference.
- Adding salt and pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on dietary needs.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Use the reserved cooking liquid to ensure the stuffing remains moist and flavorful.
- This meal can be prepared in advance and reheated for convenience.
