If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that practically makes itself, the Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is an absolute game changer. Picture tender chicken breasts layered with savory green beans and hearty stuffing, all bathed in a creamy, buttery sauce that melds together over hours of slow cooking. This easy recipe not only fills your home with irresistible aromas but also delivers a satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether delivering rich flavor, luscious texture, or vibrant color. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—few ingredients, but each one carefully chosen to make the final result shine.
- Chicken breasts (3, boneless skinless): The hearty protein base that will become tender and juicy as it cooks low and slow.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A mild, savory note that really elevates the seasoning on the chicken.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that adds depth and a touch of earthiness.
- Green beans (1 can, 14.5 ounces, drained): Introduces a fresh vegetable component along with a satisfying texture contrast.
- Chicken stuffing mix (1 box, 6 ounces): The star carbohydrate that soaks up all the delicious flavors and creates that classic comforting feel.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces, low-sodium): Provides a luscious, creamy base that keeps everything moist and rich.
- Chicken broth (1 1/4 cups, low sodium): Used in two stages—helps build flavor and loosen the stuffing, ensuring it’s perfectly moist.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tang and a velvety texture, balancing the creaminess without heaviness.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): A final touch of richness that brings everything together perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients
Start by preparing your slow cooker with a light coating of nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup a breeze. Then place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom—this creates a wonderful base that cooks evenly. Mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl and sprinkling it over the chicken infuses each bite with delicious herby and savory notes. Next, add the drained green beans on top, followed by sprinkling the stuffing mix—this layering technique ensures every flavor gets its moment during cooking.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
In another bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, most of the chicken broth (one cup), sour cream, and melted butter. This luscious sauce is the key to turning simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece. Pour it gently over the stuffing layer—resist the urge to stir because the slow cooker will do the magic for you, keeping layers intact yet perfectly mingled.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and let the dish cook on high for about 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours. This slow and steady cooking method guarantees juicy chicken and a well-hydrated, fluffy stuffing. The important thing is that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit—safe, juicy, and ready to enjoy.
Step 4: Fluff and Finish
Once cooking completes, uncover and carefully fluff the stuffing with a fork to revive its light texture. If the stuffing feels a little dry, stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of chicken broth to loosen it up—whatever it takes to keep it moist and perfect. Serve everything hot and watch how quickly this comforting plate disappears!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top add a lovely burst of color and freshness to contrast the creamy, golden stuffing. A light drizzle of melted butter or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken can elevate flavors beautifully, giving it just the right brightness and richness to knock your socks off.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is already a complete meal, but if you want to add more, simple steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad can add lightness and extra nutrition. Roasted carrots or a sauté of garlic spinach also pair wonderfully to round out the plate without overwhelming the homemade flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or bowls topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or crispy fried onions. You could even transform leftovers into a cozy casserole topped with extra stuffing crumbs and baked until golden crisp—comfort food that keeps on giving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this heartwarming meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners during the busy week.
Freezing
If you want to save your extra Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep everything moist. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and bring back that freshly cooked comfort.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken cooks through completely and reaches 165°F in the center.
Is it possible to make this recipe without canned soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade béchamel or a blend of cream, chicken broth, and a bit of flour to thicken. This will deliver a fresher taste but keep the same creamy texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in carrots, mushrooms, or celery for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure they are cut into bite-size pieces and layered along with the stuffing for even cooking.
What do I do if my stuffing turns out too dry?
Simply add a little more chicken broth, stirring gently to moisten the stuffing. The slow cooking sometimes absorbs more liquid than expected, but a splash of broth fixes that easily.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger crockpot and adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and reaches a safe temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely comforting and homey about the Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or just craving a cozy solo dinner, this dish brings savory, creamy, and hearty all in one slow-cooked package. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding slow cooker meals can be!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken breasts layered with green beans and classic chicken-flavored stuffing mix. The dish is made creamy and flavorful with a sauce of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Stuffing
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) green beans, drained
- 1 box (6 ounce) chicken stuffing mix
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 ounce) low-sodium cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Prep and layer: Coat the inside of a 6-quart crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the crock pot. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning, then sprinkle this seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. Layer the drained green beans evenly on top of the chicken, followed by the chicken stuffing mix.
- Make sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of chicken broth, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until well combined. Pour this sauce carefully over the stuffing layer in the crock pot, but do not stir the layers together to maintain distinct textures.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours, or alternatively on low for 6 to 7 hours. Cook until the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Fluff and serve: Remove the lid and gently stir the stuffing using a fork to fluff it up, mixing the layers slightly for serving. If the stuffing appears dry, add the remaining 1/4 cup of chicken broth to moisten it. Serve the dish hot directly from the crock pot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken for food safety.
- If you prefer other vegetables, you can substitute or add carrots or corn with the green beans.
- For a lower sodium option, verify all canned ingredients are low sodium or no salt added.
- You can prepare this meal the night before and store it in the fridge, then cook in the morning for a fresh meal.
- Fluff the stuffing gently to avoid mashing the texture.
