Ah, nothing warms the heart quite like a delicious home-cooked meal, right? For me, that meal has always been a comforting dish of Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing. I remember the first time I made it a few years ago. It was a chilly fall afternoon, and it felt like the universe was urging me to find a recipe that would embrace my family like a warm hug. The smell wafting through my kitchen as this delightful dish slow-cooked all day was enough to bring everyone rushing home eager for a taste.
What makes this recipe so special—besides its unbeatable comfort factor—is how it effortlessly blends savory flavors with a delightful texture. Picture tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce paired with fluffy stuffing. It’s the kind of dish that screams family gatherings, holiday dinners, or even simple weeknight meals. Unlike other recipes that can feel rushed or complicated, this one is entirely approachable and practically cooks itself. Plus, it’s customizable to fit whatever your heart desires!
In this post, I promise you’ll learn how to create this comforting dish, with tips and tricks that will make it even better. Ready for some kitchen magic? Let’s dive in!
What Are Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing?
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing is a delightful medley of tender chicken breasts, delectable stuffing mix, and a creamy sauce that envelopes everything in yumminess! The dish probably originates from the American South, where hearty meals are the backbone of family traditions. Its taste is a harmonious mixture of savory and creamy, and you’ll love the contrasting textures of soft chicken and fluffy stuffing.
This dish stands out because it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a dish you want to gather around and enjoy with loved ones, especially when the weather turns chilly. Whether it’s a regular weeknight or a holiday celebration, preparing this recipe in your slow cooker gives you the freedom to embrace the cozy moments you cherish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe boasts incredibly easy prep. Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing while you tackle other tasks or enjoy a well-deserved break.
- Cost-Effective: Let’s talk about budget! This homemade version of chicken and stuffing is not only delicious but also far less expensive than ordering out or buying pre-made meals.
- Customization Galore: With ingredients that can easily be swapped out for your favorites or dietary needs, you can make it uniquely yours. Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Swap in gluten-free stuffing? Easy peasy!
- Flavor Worthy of a Restaurant: Trust me, the taste of this slow cooker version will rival any restaurant offering. You’ll wonder why you ever thought you needed to eat out!
- Perfect for Meal Prepping: Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for busy weeks, this recipe yields generous servings that reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs): Choose high-quality, organic chicken for the best flavor.
- 1⅓ cups chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended for better control over saltiness.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning: This adds a lovely herbal aroma.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Freshly ground for the best flavor!
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Fresh garlic works too—just adjust the quantity.
- 1 tsp onion powder: For richness without the sharper bite of raw onions.
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup: Look for low-sodium or organic brands.
- 10.5 oz cream of celery soup: A fantastic way to add depth of flavor.
- 2 celery stalks (finely chopped): Fresh for crunch!
- 2 boxes Stovetop stuffing mix (6 oz each): Use turkey flavor for an extra twist!
- 6 Tbsp salted butter (melted): Always have at room temp for easy mixing.
Preparation Notes:
- Quality Counts: Try to select fresh, organic ingredients for the best taste.
- Room Temperature Butter: Using melted butter makes it easier to mix with the stuffing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken: If the chicken breasts are extra thick, slice them in half horizontally so they cook evenly and shred easily later.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in an even layer in the slow cooker.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour 1 can of chicken broth over the chicken.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add Celery: Top with the chopped celery.
- Creamy Goodness: Spread the cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup evenly over the chicken.
- Cook Time: Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours, or on HIGH for 3 hours. You know it’s done when the chicken shreds easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Return to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
- Stuffing Layer: Sprinkle both boxes of stuffing mix over the chicken mixture and drizzle with melted butter, pressing gently into the liquid but do not mix.
- Finish Cooking: Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the stuffing is soft and fluffy.
- Serve it Up: Serve immediately, scooping chicken, stuffing, and sauce together.
Chef’s Tips:
- Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking; this makes a huge difference in texture.
- Visual cues: The chicken should be tender and the stuffing fluffy and moist, not soggy.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Storage Recommendations: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: Prep everything the night before, store in the fridge, and start in the morning!
- Reheating Tips: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist.
- Common Problems: If your stuffing is too dry, try adding a little extra broth or butter before serving.
- Layering Alternatives: Instead of layering, you can mix everything together before adding the stuffing if you prefer a more homogenous dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing alongside a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal. For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley to elevate the dish visually. This is perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday dinners, or even a casual weeknight feast with a glass of wine. Your friends will be asking for seconds!
Variations & Substitutions
- Flavors: Toss in some mushrooms or frozen peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Dietary Adaptations: Need it gluten-free? Substitute with gluten-free stuffing and use gluten-free broth!
- Seasonal Touches: In fall, swap in diced apples or cranberries for a lovely sweet contrast.
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (on LOW) or 3 hours (on HIGH)
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (or 3 hours 15 minutes)
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Estimated Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Storage: Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just increase the cooking time by about an hour on LOW and make sure it’s fully cooked before shredding.
- Is this recipe spicy? Not at all! It’s mild, but you could add some cayenne or hot sauce for a kick.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead? Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and moisture.
- What can I serve with this dish? Great sides include green beans, cornbread, or a simple salad.
- Does the stuffing get soggy? If layered correctly and not mixed, the stuffing should stay fluffy thanks to the careful cooking method.
- How do I know when it’s done? Chicken should shred easily, and stuffing should be fluffy.
- Can I make it in advance? Yes, prep everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
- What’s a good alternative to cream soups? You can make a homemade white sauce as a replacement if desired.
- Can I adjust the seasoning? Feel free to modify the seasonings to your personal taste—herbs de Provence or sage work wonderfully!
- Will leftovers keep well? Yes, they reheat well and are perfect for lunch the next day!
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing recipe is truly a gem worth keeping in your cooking repertoire. It’s simple, comforting, and a surefire hit for family and friends alike. I can’t wait for you to give it a try; I promise it will leave your hearts and tummies happy! Please feel free to reach out with any comments or feedback—I love hearing from you. And don’t forget to check out my other cozy recipes on the blog! Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- 3 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs) Choose high-quality, organic chicken for the best flavor.
- 1.33 cups chicken broth Low-sodium recommended for better control over saltiness.
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds a lovely herbal aroma.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground for the best flavor!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic works too—just adjust the quantity.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder For richness without the sharper bite of raw onions.
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup Look for low-sodium or organic brands.
- 10.5 oz cream of celery soup A fantastic way to add depth of flavor.
- 2 stalks celery (finely chopped) Fresh for crunch!
- 12 oz Stovetop stuffing mix (2 boxes of 6 oz each) Use turkey flavor for an extra twist!
- 6 Tbsp salted butter (melted) Always have at room temp for easy mixing.
Instructions
Preparation
- If the chicken breasts are extra thick, slice them in half horizontally so they cook evenly and shred easily later.
- Place the chicken breasts in an even layer in the slow cooker.
- Pour 1 can of chicken broth over the chicken.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Top with the chopped celery.
- Spread the cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 300 minutes or on HIGH for 180 minutes. It’s done when the chicken shreds easily.
- Remove the chicken and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Return to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
- Sprinkle both boxes of stuffing mix over the chicken mixture and drizzle with melted butter, pressing gently into the liquid but do not mix.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the stuffing is soft and fluffy.
- Serve immediately, scooping chicken, stuffing, and sauce together.