This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is a cozy dish perfect for busy days! It features tender chicken cooked with savory stuffing and creamy soup for a fluffy, comforting meal.
You’ll love how little effort it takes to make! Just throw everything in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, dinner is ready. I often make this on chilly nights; it warms the whole house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for their tenderness. You can use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, just adjust cooking time slightly.
Stuffing Mix: A seasoned stuffing mix adds flavor and ease. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free stuffing choices. Homemade stuffing is another option but may require more prep time!
Cream Soups: Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups give a creamy texture. You can use low-fat versions if desired, or replace them with cream cheese mixed with broth for a lighter option.
Broth: Chicken broth enhances the flavor. Vegetable broth can be a great substitute for a lighter taste, especially if you want to reduce meat content.
Onion and Celery: These add freshness. Shallots or leeks can be substitutes for onion, and green bell pepper can replace celery if you like.
How to Ensure Your Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken in a crock pot is easy, but here’s how to make sure it’s perfectly done:
- Place chicken at the bottom of the crock pot so it gets the direct heat.
- Cooking on low for 6-7 hours is ideal for juiciness. If you’re short on time, 3-4 hours on high works too.
- Use a meat thermometer to check; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
Gently shred the chicken before serving—it’ll be tender and mix well with the stuffing!
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (6 oz) box seasoned stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or dried thyme
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 10 minutes of prep time. You can cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. This ensures that they cook through perfectly and remain juicy.
2. Mix the Soups and Seasonings:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, chopped celery, garlic powder, black pepper, and poultry seasoning or dried thyme. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looks creamy.
3. Add the Soup Mixture:
Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is well covered to keep it moist while cooking.
4. Top with Stuffing:
Now, sprinkle the seasoned stuffing mix evenly over the top of the soup mixture. This will create a delicious, fluffy topping as it cooks.
5. Slow Cook:
Cover the crock pot and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and can be easily shredded.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, gently shred the chicken using two forks right in the crock pot. Stir everything together so the stuffing mixes with the chicken and creamy sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve warm, spooning the comforting chicken and stuffing mixture onto plates.
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is a wonderful one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to favorite for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy your cozy meal!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just remember to extend the cooking time by about an hour if cooking on low. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge, then just plug in your crock pot in the morning. Alternatively, you can cook it completely, let it cool, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before reheating.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, just warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
What Can I Serve with This Meal?
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, consider some warm dinner rolls on the side!
