This easy crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe is a true weeknight hero! Imagine tender chicken, savory stuffing, and crisp green beans all cooking together, creating a comforting meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss. Let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you relax.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
You will quickly discover why this slow cooker recipe becomes a family favorite. It delivers maximum flavor with minimal prep, making your cooking journey simple and enjoyable.
- Effortless Preparation: Just a few simple steps get this cozy dinner ready for the slow cooker.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, saving you precious time on dish duty.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Enjoy tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce in every bite.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the familiar flavors of this delicious crockpot chicken and stuffing.
Ingredients
Gather these basic ingredients to create your next favorite weeknight meal. This easy crockpot chicken and stuffing comes together with pantry staples you likely already have.
- 3 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package (6 oz.) stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.75 oz.) cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans (12 oz.)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with these ingredients! Feel free to adjust based on what you have and your family’s preferences for this comforting crockpot chicken and stuffing.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor. You can also make a homemade condensed cream soup alternative with broth, flour, and a touch of milk.
- Stuffing Mix: Any flavor of stuffing mix works well here. Sage, herb, or roasted garlic are all delicious choices. Consider a low-sodium stuffing mix for dietary needs.
- Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans are both excellent. You can substitute with thawed mixed vegetables or broccoli florets for variety.
- Chicken: Chicken thighs work great too! Adjust cooking time if using larger cuts.
Equipment
You only need a few essential items for this easy slow cooker recipe.
- 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
- Cooking spray
- Medium-size bowl
- Stirring spoon
How To Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Creating this comforting crockpot chicken and stuffing is incredibly simple with these clear, step-by-step directions. Just follow along and let your slow cooker do the work.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle them generously with a dash of salt and pepper to season.
- Add Stuffing Mix: Pour the dry stuffing mix evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. There’s no need to prepare the stuffing mix separately beforehand.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In a medium-size bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and water. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Layers: Spoon the creamy soup mixture over the dry stuffing and chicken in the crockpot. Then, evenly spread the green beans on top of all the ingredients.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on high for 4 hours, or cook on low for 8 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Before serving, gently stir all the ingredients in the crockpot to combine the savory chicken, tender stuffing, and flavorful sauce. Enjoy your delicious crockpot chicken and stuffing!
Pro Tips
Follow these simple tips to ensure your crockpot chicken and stuffing turn out perfectly every time. A few small adjustments can make a big difference in the final taste and texture.
- Prevent Dryness: If your stuffing seems too dry, add an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth to the soup mixture. This ensures a moist and flavorful result.
- Check Chicken Doneness: Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. To ensure food safety, it’s wise to follow official government advice. The USDA provides a detailed guide explaining the importance of cooking chicken to a safe internal temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
- Don’t Overcook Green Beans: Adding green beans on top helps them steam without becoming mushy. If using fresh, ensure they are tender-crisp.
- Mix Before Serving: A gentle stir before dishing out combines all the incredible flavors and textures. This ensures every bite of your crockpot chicken and stuffing is amazing.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are quick fixes for common problems with your crockpot chicken and stuffing.
- Stuffing Too Dry: If the stuffing lacks moisture, stir in a splash of chicken broth or a bit more sour cream after cooking. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb.
- Chicken Overcooked: Next time, try reducing the cooking time by 30 minutes to an hour, especially if your slow cooker tends to run hot. Smaller chicken breasts cook faster.
- Crockpot Temperature Variations: Slow cookers can vary. If yours cooks hot, monitor it closely or consider using a slow cooker liner for more even heat distribution.
Serving, Storing, and Variations
This versatile crockpot chicken and stuffing is a fantastic meal on its own, but you can also enhance it with sides or creative additions. Make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty crockpot chicken and stuffing with a side of cranberry sauce for a classic touch. A simple crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables also complements the dish beautifully. It’s a complete meal in one pot, but these additions make it even more special.
Storage Instructions
- Store any leftover crockpot chicken and stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This storage timeframe is consistent with federal food safety advice. For more information, you can review the FDA’s official recommendations on handling leftovers to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage. This makes for delicious and convenient future meals.
Reheating Instructions
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat it in an oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) until hot, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Variations to Try:
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of dried thyme, poultry seasoning, or a dash of paprika to the soup mixture for extra depth of flavor in your crockpot chicken and stuffing.
- Mushroom Lover’s Dream: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them in with the green beans for an earthy addition.
- Broth Boost: For an even richer flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the soup mixture.
Nutrition Information
This slow cooker meal provides a balanced and hearty option for your family. Enjoy this easy crockpot chicken and stuffing knowing you’re serving a nutritious dinner.
| Serving Size | 1 g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 526 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Protein | 44 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 137 mg |
| Sodium | 1368 mg |
| Potassium | 946 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Vitamin A | 839 IU |
| Vitamin C | 9 mg |
| Calcium | 129 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about making this delightful crockpot chicken and stuffing? Here are answers to common queries to help you cook with confidence.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low, or 30-60 minutes on high, to ensure it cooks through properly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the soup mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the crockpot just before cooking.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli florets, corn, or mixed vegetables are great substitutes for green beans. Add them frozen or fresh.
What size crockpot should I use?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. If you have a larger one, it will also work perfectly.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, adding shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella during the last 30 minutes of cooking is a delicious option. It makes the crockpot chicken and stuffing even richer.
Conclusion
This easy crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, making it ideal for any busy schedule. We hope this recipe brings joy and confidence into your kitchen. Give this wonderful crockpot chicken and stuffing a try and discover how easy delicious dinners can be
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- cooking spray
- Medium-size bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts boneless, skinless and halved
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 package stuffing mix 6 oz. package
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.75 oz. can
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 cups green beans fresh or frozen, 12 oz.
Instructions
Instructions
- Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry stuffing mix over the seasoned chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and water until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the stuffing, then top with green beans.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 8 hours. Before serving, stir all ingredients together.