If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is an absolute gem. Tender chicken breasts cook slowly in a luscious blend of creamy soup and sour cream, nestled under a perfectly seasoned stuffing layer that absorbs all the savory flavors. With minimal hands-on time and maximum comfort food vibes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a hearty, homey meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and come together effortlessly while delivering incredible taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role in balancing creamy richness, savory depth, and the classic comforting crunch of stuffing.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors as it slow cooks.
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix: Adds that irresistible, seasoned crunch and absorbs the juices beautifully.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy, flavorful base that keeps the chicken moist.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and velvety texture to the sauce layer.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and helps hydrate the stuffing mix perfectly.
- 1 cup frozen vegetables (optional): Green beans or mixed veggies bring color, added nutrition, and a fresh bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them neatly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This simple step ensures the chicken is perfectly flavored as it cooks low and slow, becoming wonderfully tender and juicy.
Step 2: Mix the Stuffing
In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the chicken broth. If you’re using frozen vegetables, fold them into the stuffing mixture now. Spread this flavorful mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker to create that classic stuffing layer that will absorb all the delicious juices.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce will go on top of the stuffing, adding moisture, tang, and rich flavor that melds everything together.
Step 4: Cook
Spread the creamy sauce evenly over the stuffing layer. Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. By the end of cooking, the chicken will be tender and cooked through, and the stuffing will be perfectly moist but not soggy.
Step 5: Serve
When done, fluff the stuffing gently with a fork to loosen up the texture. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is best enjoyed warm, straight from the crockpot, showcasing the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in every bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme scattered on top add a pop of color and bright aroma that lifts the dish beautifully. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of melted butter can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of steamed vegetables to complement the hearty stuffing. A crisp green salad adds freshness and balance against the richness of the chicken and sauce, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, rustic appeal. You can also plate it alongside roasted root vegetables or drizzle with a homemade gravy to elevate the comfort food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld even more after sitting, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to keep portions for later. Portion out the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture if needed. Stirring halfway through helps ensure the stuffing and chicken heat evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and may even add extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content.
Do I have to add frozen vegetables?
Vegetables are optional but highly recommended to add color, texture, and nutrition. You can skip them or swap in your favorites based on what you have on hand.
What happens if I cook it longer than recommended?
Cooking too long might cause the chicken to dry out or the stuffing to become overly mushy, so it’s best to stick close to the suggested times for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your soup is gluten-free to enjoy this comforting meal without gluten worries.
Is it possible to double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely. Just double all ingredients and use a larger slow cooker to ensure even cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed but monitor tenderness to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen while actually being incredibly easy. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and comforting, and I truly hope you give it a try. Once you do, it might just become your new go-to for effortless, warm dinners that bring smiles at the table.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts layered with flavorful stuffing mix, creamy chicken soup, and optional frozen vegetables. This effortless one-pot meal is perfect for busy days, delivering a hearty and savory dinner with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing Mix
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen vegetables (optional: green beans, mixed veggies)
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a solid base layer for the dish.
- Mix the stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the chicken broth. If you’d like to add extra nutrition and flavor, fold in the frozen vegetables of your choice, such as green beans or a mixed vegetable blend. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Create the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Gently spread this rich sauce over the top of the stuffing mixture, covering it completely to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should reach full doneness, becoming tender and flavorful, and the stuffing will soak up the sauces beautifully.
- Serve: Once cooking is complete, fluff the stuffing gently with a fork to loosen it. Serve the chicken and stuffing warm, pairing it with comforting sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some dried herbs like thyme or parsley into the stuffing mixture.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Using frozen vegetables is a great way to incorporate extra veggies without added prep time.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave.
