This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing dish is a cozy meal you can set and forget! Juicy chicken and fluffy stuffing come together for a tasty comfort food experience.
The best part? It cooks all day while you go about your business. When you come home, a warm and delicious smell greets you—what’s not to love? I enjoy serving it with a side of veggies to keep it balanced! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use boneless thighs—they stay juicy and flavorful.
Seasoned Stuffing Mix: A classic savory herb flavor is my go-to. If you’re gluten-free, many brands offer gluten-free stuffing mix, or you can make your own using gluten-free bread. Just season to taste!
Cream of Chicken Soup: For a lighter option, you can use cream of mushroom soup. If you want a homemade touch, mix equal parts of milk and chicken broth with a tablespoon of flour for a quick substitute.
Dried Cranberries: They add a nice sweetness! You could swap them for raisins or omit them entirely if you prefer a savory dish.
Butter: I like to use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. You could replace it with olive oil or even leave it out if you’re watching your fat intake.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the chicken just right in the crock pot is key. Here are some handy tips:
- Always place the chicken in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. This helps it cook evenly.
- Check for doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer is a great tool for this!
- If you prefer shredding the chicken, cook it longer. It will fall apart easily, making it great for mix-ins or wraps!
- Don’t forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, leading to tender pieces!
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (6 oz) box seasoned stuffing mix (such as savory herb flavor)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Gravy, for serving (optional)
- Green beans or other steamed vegetables, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is easy to manage with about 10 minutes of prep time. Cooking takes 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. Just set it in the morning and come back to a delicious, home-cooked meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your crock pot. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Mix the Stuffing:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the seasoned stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dried cranberries (if you’re using them), chopped celery, diced onion, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely mixed.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Now, take the stuffing mixture and spoon it evenly over the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is well-covered with the stuffing goodness!
4. Add Butter:
Dot the top of the stuffing with small pieces of butter. This will add extra flavor and moisture during cooking.
5. Cook:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the stuffing will be fluffy and cooked through.
6. Serve:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken and stuffing from the crock pot. Place the portions on plates and spoon any delicious liquid left in the crock pot over the top for added flavor. If you like, warm some gravy to serve alongside this comforting dish.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing hot, and pair it with steamed green beans or your favorite vegetable side for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious, hearty dinner!
This comforting dish combines juicy slow-cooked chicken with flavorful, tender stuffing, making it perfect for busy days when you want a hearty homemade meal with minimal fuss!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
While fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to a minimum of 8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and stuffing mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pour it into the crock pot and let it cook. Just remember to set the cooking time accordingly since it starts cold!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Can I Customize the Stuffing Mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, nuts, or herbs to the stuffing mixture. You can also use a different flavor of stuffing mix, such as cornbread or garlic herb, to change things up!
