If you’re looking for an effortless weeknight crowd-pleaser, the Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe is pure magic in a slow cooker. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with flavorful, herbaceous stuffing and crisp-tender green beans, all simmered together in a luscious creamy sauce. The beauty lies not only in its comforting flavors but also in its one-pot convenience that frees up your evening for more fun and less fuss. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a crucial role in bringing rich flavor, pleasing texture, and vibrant color to your Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe. From the fresh veggies to the creamy soup base, everything works in harmony to create a dish that’s both homey and hearty.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays moist and tender after slow cooking.
- 12 oz fresh green beans: Adds a fresh snap and lovely green color, or frozen if pressed for time.
- 6 oz stuffing mix: Provides that familiar, comforting breadiness infused with herbs.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup: The creamy, savory base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to keep everything juicy.
- 3 tbsp butter, melted: Boosts richness and helps the stuffing brown beautifully.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the savory flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds gentle warmth with a subtle bite.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses aromatic depth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Compliments the garlic with sweet, savory tones.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing and trimming the green beans if you’re using fresh ones. It’s a simple prep step that ensures your vegetables are clean and crisp. Meanwhile, gather your chicken breasts and seasoning powders. Mix the stuffing with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl to distribute the flavors evenly; this makes sure every bite is full of savory goodness.
Step 2: Layer the Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe
Lightly spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Spread the green beans evenly across the bottom—this lays a fresh vegetable base that will cook perfectly. Place the chicken breasts on top of the green beans, and then sprinkle your seasoned stuffing mix over the chicken. This layering technique allows the flavors to meld beautifully without turning soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and melted butter. The butter adds richness while the creamy soup ensures the stuffing soaks up a luscious sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the crock pot, making sure the stuffing is moistened but not drenched, so it can absorb all those savory juices while maintaining some texture.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot, and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking method tenderizes the chicken perfectly and infuses the stuffing with the delicious flavors from the broth and soup. The green beans will become crisp-tender, providing a fantastic contrast that keeps each bite exciting.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When cooking is complete, gently fluff the stuffing around the chicken and green beans to combine everything without breaking the chicken apart. Serve warm. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright, herbal finish that compliments the savory richness of the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or even thyme elevates the dish visually and adds a pop of fresh flavor. A small drizzle of melted butter or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can bring an extra layer of indulgence and brightness that balances the creamy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe is quite a complete meal on its own thanks to the protein, veggies, and stuffing. However, to round it out, consider serving a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread for mopping up any leftover sauce—both make for an irresistible meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of flair, serve this dish in individual ramekins or small skillets to wow guests with personal portions. Alternatively, plate the chicken on a bed of the stuffing and green beans arranged neatly beside it to showcase the beautiful layers. Top with garnishes artistically placed for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delightful as the original meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When freezing, make sure the dish has fully cooled to maintain the best texture and flavor. Label your container with the date so you can easily keep track.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. To avoid drying out the chicken and stuffing, cover the dish with a damp paper towel or foil and add a splash of chicken broth before warming. This will keep everything moist and delicious just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer frozen green beans, add them about halfway through the cooking time so they don’t get too soft or mushy. They’ll still provide that fresh veggie texture and vibrant color.
What kind of stuffing mix works best?
Most traditional herb seasoned stuffing mixes work wonderfully here. Choose one you love or have on hand. If you want to customize, try adding dried cranberries or nuts to the mix before layering for extra texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will yield an even juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure the thighs are fully cooked through.
Is it okay to use low-sodium chicken broth?
Using low-sodium chicken broth is an excellent option if you want to control the salt content. Just taste the sauce before pouring it over the dish and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Can I double this Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe?
Definitely! Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the doubled ingredients comfortably. You’ll likely need to increase cooking time by about an hour to ensure everything is heated through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe is the perfect mix of homegrown comfort and simple, fuss-free cooking. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day and comes together with minimal effort. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy the cozy, delicious moments it brings to your table.
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Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe combines tender chicken breasts, savory stuffing mix, and crisp-tender green beans all cooked low and slow in a creamy chicken sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner, this dish provides a hearty balance of protein, vegetables, and flavorful stuffing in one pot.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed (or frozen green beans, added halfway through cooking)
Stuffing Layer
- 6 oz stuffing mix
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and trim fresh green beans if using. Gather the chicken breasts and seasonings. In a bowl, combine the stuffing mix with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Layer the Crock Pot: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray. Place the green beans evenly at the bottom of the crock pot as a vegetable base. Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the green beans, then sprinkle the seasoned stuffing mix evenly over the chicken.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and melted butter along with any remaining seasonings. Pour this sauce evenly over the layers inside the crock pot, making sure the stuffing gets moist but not soggy.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender, the stuffing will absorb the savory juices, and the green beans will stay crisp-tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: When cooking is complete, gently fluff the stuffing around the chicken and green beans with a fork. Serve the dish warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added color and freshness.
Notes
- For frozen green beans, add them halfway through the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing mix for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier top, transfer the stuffing layer to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes after slow cooking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven and taste great the next day.
