This cozy, hands-off Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is exactly what you need when you want a comforting meal with minimal fuss. Imagine tender chicken infused with buttery herbs nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked stuffing—that’s dinner done, really!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe saved me on busy evenings. It’s simple but feels special, and the slow cooker does almost all the work for you, making dinner both stress-free and delicious.
- Effortless Comfort Food: Toss in a few ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner time—no babysitting required.
- All-in-One Meal: Chicken and stuffing cooked together means fewer pots and more flavor blending.
- Moist, Flavorful Chicken: Cooking low and slow keeps the chicken juicy and tender every time.
- Customizable Seasonings: You can easily adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe shines because simple, fresh veggies meet well-seasoned chicken and classic stove top stuffing. Each element brings something to the table—literally! Plus, it’s easy to find everything at your local store.
- Carrots: Add a natural sweetness and soften beautifully while cooking.
- Yellow Onion: Gives depth of flavor and aroma that makes the whole dish cozy.
- Celery: Offers subtle crunch and freshness that balances the richness.
- Whole Chicken: Using a whole bird is cost-effective and yields juicy meat and rich broth as it cooks.
- Salted Butter: Melts into the chicken and veggies, delivering a rich, silky mouthfeel.
- Poultry Seasoning: Classic blend that pairs perfectly with chicken and stuffing flavors.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- Stove Top Stuffing Mix: The magic ingredient—absorbs all the savory juices and cooks into fluffy, flavorful stuffing.
Make It Your Way
One of the reasons I’m obsessed with this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is how easily you can change it up. I love mixing in fresh herbs or swapping stuffing flavors based on the season or cravings.
- Variation: Sometimes I add chopped mushrooms to the veg base for extra umami—trust me, it’s a game changer.
- Dietary Swap: For a lighter option, using chicken breasts works too, though cooking time might be shorter.
- Spice It Up: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne when guests want a little kick without overpowering the comforting flavors.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Layer Those Veggies
I start by dicing carrots, onion, and celery, then laying them evenly on the bottom of my slow cooker. This veggie bed keeps the chicken elevated and infuses the dish with subtle sweetness and fragrance. Quick tip: don’t skip cleaning the inside of the whole chicken before placing it on top. It makes for a cleaner flavor and presentation.
Step 2: Butter and Season Generously
After melting half a cup of salted butter, I pour it all over the chicken and rub it in with the poultry seasoning and paprika. If you like, adding salt and pepper here seals in flavor. Don’t rush this step—it’s the seasoning that turns everyday chicken into a winner.
Step 3: Slow Cook with Patience
Cover the crockpot and set it to high for 5 to 6 hours. I usually check around the 5-hour mark to see if the chicken is tender and juices run clear. The slow heat is what makes the chicken fall-off-the-bone tender and the veggies melt into the base.
Step 4: Fluff Up the Stuffing
Once the chicken is done, I carefully remove it and keep it warm wrapped in foil. Then, I drain excess liquid, keeping about 1.5 cups in with the veggies. Add the stuffing mix right into the crockpot, stir well, then cover again and cook for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork to keep it light and airy.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Slice the chicken however you prefer or shred it for easy serving. I sometimes nestle the slices back on top of the stuffing in the crockpot for a pretty, ready-to-serve presentation. This way, everything stays warm and inviting until the table's set.
Top Tip
Over time, I've learned that a few tweaks make all the difference with this recipe. These tips help keep the chicken moist, the stuffing fluffy, and your kitchen stress low.
- Don’t skip the butter: It adds richness and helps keep the chicken skin soft and flavorful.
- Save the right amount of liquid: Exactly 1.5 cups keeps the stuffing moist without turning it soggy.
- Layer veggies under the chicken: It’s a simple trick that helps veggies cook evenly and infuses flavor upward.
- Take your time with seasoning: Rubbing the chicken thoroughly ensures every bite is seasoned perfectly.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top right before serving. It brightens the dish visually and adds a little fresh herbiness that balances the butter and seasoning perfectly.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette pairs nicely to cut through the richness. Or for a heartier meal, roasted green beans or sautéed spinach add a lovely, fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I like serving this in a rustic cast-iron skillet or family-style on a big wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It invites people to dig in together and makes an impressive, homey statement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it actually tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes well too. I separate the chicken from the stuffing and freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps keep the stuffing moist while warming it back up.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for a quicker cook time, but be mindful not to overcook as breasts dry out faster than a whole bird. Adjust cooking time to 3-4 hours on high.
Any classic stove top stuffing mix works well, whether herb, chicken, or even wild rice flavors. Pick your favorite or experiment to find your best combo!
While this recipe is designed for slow cookers, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot using the slow cook function or pressure cook chicken separately and then prepare stuffing on the stove.
Saving exactly 1.5 cups of liquid and stirring stuffing gently before cooking helps prevent soggy results. Avoid adding too much broth or liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and it couldn’t be easier to make. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—it’s my go-to when I want something delicious with minimal kitchen time but maximum comfort. Give it a try and make it yours!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with flavorful vegetables and classic stuffing for a comforting and easy one-pot meal perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 medium celery ribs diced
Chicken
- 5 pounds whole chicken
Seasonings and Extras
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6 ounces box stove top stuffing any flavor
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables and Chicken: Add the diced carrots, onion, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker. Clean out the inside cavity of the whole chicken, discard any contents, then place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Season the Chicken: Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning and paprika on top, and rub the seasonings all over the entire chicken. Optionally, add salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Prepare Stuffing: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Pour out most of the liquid from the slow cooker, reserving 1.5 cups along with the cooked vegetables.
- Cook Stuffing: Add the box of stove top stuffing mix into the slow cooker with the retained liquid and vegetables. Stir well to combine, then cover and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Serve: Fluff the stuffing with a fork. Slice the chicken as desired and serve alongside the stuffing, or place the chicken back into the slow cooker for an attractive presentation. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- To add extra flavor, season the chicken inside the cavity with salt and pepper before cooking.
- You can use any flavor of stove top stuffing box to customize the taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a crispier skin, you can broil the chicken in the oven for 5 minutes after slow cooking.
- If you prefer a salt-free version, use unsalted butter and low-sodium stuffing mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Leave a Reply