Introduction

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm, hearty meal on a busy weeknight, and this Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing delivers exactly that. Juicy chicken, savory stuffing, and rich, flavorful broth come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, creating a dish that tastes like it simmered all day without requiring constant attention. Perfect for families, meal prepping, or even a casual dinner party, this recipe is versatile, foolproof, and incredibly satisfying.

My Recipe Story

This recipe was born out of necessity during a hectic week when I wanted comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember coming home late one evening and tossing together a few pantry staples into my slow cooker. The result was magical: tender chicken, perfectly seasoned stuffing, and a savory aroma that filled the entire house. Since that night, this dish has become a family favorite, often requested for Sunday dinners and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless cooking—just set it and forget it in your crockpot.
Incredibly flavorful with minimal prep work.
Perfectly moist chicken every time.

Hearty, comforting, and satisfying for the whole family.
Customizable with vegetables, herbs, and seasonings.
Great for meal prep and easy leftovers.

Ingredient Breakdown

The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal because they remain tender and juicy when slow-cooked. You can also use bone-in chicken for extra depth of flavor, though cooking times may need slight adjustments.

The stuffing mix is the star of the dish. Store-bought dry stuffing mix works perfectly and saves time, but you can also make a homemade stuffing using day-old bread, herbs, and aromatics for a more personalized touch. The key is to ensure it soaks up the flavorful broth without becoming mushy.

Chicken broth provides a rich base that keeps everything moist and infuses the stuffing with savory goodness. Additional flavor comes from sautéed onions, garlic, celery, and a touch of butter, which create a comforting and aromatic backdrop for the main ingredients. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage elevate the dish and make it smell like Thanksgiving every time.

Optional ingredients such as mushrooms, carrots, or even a splash of white wine can add complexity and make the dish your own. Season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to suit your family’s tastes.

Equipment You’ll Need

Crockpot or slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)

Cutting board and sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula

Measuring cups and spoons
Optional: sauté pan for pre-cooking vegetables

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the vegetables: Dice onions, celery, and garlic. If you’re adding carrots or mushrooms, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté the vegetables in a small pan with a tablespoon of butter over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until softened. This step is optional but enhances flavor.

Layer the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs. Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
Add the stuffing and vegetables: Sprinkle the stuffing mix evenly over the chicken. Pour the sautéed vegetables and any optional add-ins on top. Avoid stirring at this stage to allow the flavors to meld while cooking.
Pour in the broth: Slowly pour chicken broth over the stuffing and chicken. The liquid should be enough to moisten the stuffing but not completely submerge it. Typically, 2 to 2 ½ cups of broth is perfect for a standard stuffing mix.

Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the stuffing is tender and flavorful. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as heat escapes and can extend cooking time.
Shred the chicken (optional): For a more homestyle feel, you can remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then stir it back into the stuffing. This ensures every bite is coated in savory broth and tender chicken pieces.
Serve and enjoy: Taste for seasoning and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Scoop generous portions of chicken and stuffing onto plates and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer darker meat with more flavor. You can also use turkey cutlets for a holiday-inspired twist. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free stuffing mix or homemade bread cubes. Add vegetables like peas, green beans, or bell peppers to increase nutrition and color. Herbs can be swapped according to preference; basil, oregano, or parsley work beautifully.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a hot pan before adding it to the crockpot.
Use low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.

Do not overfill your crockpot; leave space at the top to ensure even cooking.
If stuffing is too dry, stir in a splash of broth before serving.
Lift the lid only when necessary to maintain consistent heat and cooking time.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. This dish freezes well—freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For make-ahead convenience, assemble the crockpot ingredients the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, set it on low and let it cook all day.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Serve this Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing with a fresh green salad for a lighter touch, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. Cranberry sauce or a tangy apple chutney adds a sweet contrast to the savory dish. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the rich flavors perfectly.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken?: Yes, but add an extra hour of cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?: Absolutely! Use the sauté function for vegetables and then pressure cook the chicken and stuffing on high for 15–20 minutes.
How do I prevent the stuffing from getting mushy?: Use just enough broth to moisten the stuffing, and avoid stirring until the end. Low and slow cooking helps maintain texture.
Can I add cheese?: Yes, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
Can I make this vegetarian?: Yes, replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing is a perfect blend of convenience and comfort. With minimal prep, hearty flavors, and endless customization options, it has everything you need for a stress-free, satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe is a winner every time. Give it a try, and you might find it becoming your go-to weeknight favorite or a new holiday tradition.

Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing

Author: Sarah White
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes–6 hours 15 minutes

Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Hearty, flavorful, and effortless, this Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 box (6 oz) dry stuffing mix
2 ½ cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary

½ teaspoon dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Dice onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté in butter over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until softened.

Place chicken in the bottom of the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Sprinkle the stuffing mix evenly over the chicken, then add sautéed vegetables on top.
Pour chicken broth over the stuffing, ensuring it’s moistened but not fully submerged.

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and stuffing is tender.
Optional: Remove chicken, shred, and stir back into the stuffing before serving.
Serve warm and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the chicken before adding to the crockpot. Leftovers store in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours

Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American