I absolutely love how this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe turns out every time. It’s that perfect comfort dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. The beauty of throwing everything in the slow cooker and walking away means you get to come home to a house that smells amazing and a dinner that’s ready without stress.
You’ll find that this recipe is not only easy but incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for busy families or even when you want to impress guests without fuss. The tender chicken paired with the creamy, flavorful stuffing creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe, it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss ingredients in your slow cooker and go—minimal hands-on time for maximum comfort food.
- Tender, Flavorful Chicken: Slow cooking keeps the chicken juicy and infused with savory goodness from the soup and herbs.
- Creamy Stuffing Topping: The stuffing soaks up all those delicious juices, offering comforting textures and flavors.
- Family-Friendly and Cozy: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that fits effortlessly into busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a harmonious balance of creamy, savory, and herb-infused flavors. Plus, they’re easy to find at any grocery store, making this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe so convenient to prepare.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I prefer breasts for their lean protein, and they cook beautifully in the crockpot without overcooking too easily.
- Cream of chicken soup: This adds that rich, velvety base that makes everything creamy and comforting.
- Sour cream: It brings a tangy creaminess that balances the flavors perfectly.
- Diced white onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of texture contrast in the mix.
- Dried parsley flakes: For that herby, fresh taste that brightens up the dish without overpowering it.
- Chicken stuffing mix: This is the star topping soaking up all the juices—choose your favorite box brand or homemade stuffing mix for best results.
- Salted butter: Melts into the stuffing mix for extra richness and moisture.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note at the end.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or what my family’s craving. Feel free to personalize it—it’s very forgiving and can handle a twist or two.
- Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in a handful of frozen peas or diced carrots halfway through cooking for some extra color and nutrition.
- Herb Variations: Swapping dried parsley for thyme or rosemary gives a different herbal aroma that my family really enjoys.
- Cheese Addition: Adding shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top in the last few minutes of cooking creates a cheesy crust that’s out of this world.
- Healthier Option: Try low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt instead to lighten up the creaminess without losing flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Base Ingredients
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. I find using a slow cooker liner here makes cleanup a breeze. Then, pour the condensed cream of chicken soup over the chicken, followed by dollops of sour cream. Grab a rubber spatula to gently swirl the sour cream into the soup—don’t mix it too much; just enough to spread those creamy pockets around. This layering is what locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Add Onion and Herbs
Sprinkle the diced white onion and dried parsley flakes evenly over the top of the creamy chicken mixture. Onions bring a subtle sweetness, and the parsley adds that fresh, herby note which I love. This little step really enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Stuffing Topping
In a small bowl, melt your butter and toss it with the dry chicken stuffing mix. This simple trick ensures the stuffing stays moist and flavorful as it cooks on top. Spread this mixture evenly over everything in the crockpot. Don’t worry about the stuffing crisping up like in the oven; it gets wonderfully soft and soak-y with all the delicious chicken juices.
Step 4: Cook and Optional Finishing Touch
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I’ve learned that low and slow brings out the juiciest chicken and most flavorful stuffing, but high works in a pinch. If you want the stuffing to firm up just a bit more, uncover the crockpot for the last 45 minutes of cooking. It won’t crisp like oven stuffing, but it adds a nice texture contrast.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to add a little fresh parsley on top for color and extra brightness. Serve this hearty, creamy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe alongside mashed potatoes or your favorite veggies, and you’ll have a meal that everyone raves about.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Use Slow Cooker Liners: They make cleanup so much easier — a total game changer when you’re juggling busy weeknights.
- Don’t Overmix Sour Cream: Gently swirling keeps the texture creamy pockets rather than a flat mixture, giving a better mouthfeel.
- Uncover for Better Texture: If you like a slightly firmer stuffing topping, uncover for the last 45 minutes – the flavors intensify!
- Keep Chicken Evenly Sized: Using similar-sized breasts ensures everything cooks at the same rate, avoiding dry pieces.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it brightens up the creamy colors and adds a mild, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Occasionally, I’ll toss on a few red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a grating of Parmesan cheese for extra savory depth.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my go-to side because they soak up the creamy sauce perfectly. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also complement the dish nicely, adding a fresh and crisp texture that balances the softness of the stuffing.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special dinners, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a small dollop of sour cream on the side. It elevates the comfort food vibe to something just a bit fancy without extra effort. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that looks thoughtful on the plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. I like to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain moisture and flavor — plus, this helps prevent the stuffing from getting soggy.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you separate the chicken and stuffing into portions. I wrap them tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the dish reheats nicely without losing that creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture or use the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes. This helps bring back the creamy richness without drying out the chicken or stuffing.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs actually hold up even better during slow cooking because of their higher fat content, which keeps them juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed, but generally, they work wonderfully in this recipe.
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Is it possible to make the stuffing topping crispy?
Since this recipe cooks in a slow cooker, the stuffing won’t get crispy like it would in an oven. If you want a crispy top, you can transfer the cooked dish to an oven-safe dish and broil the top for a few minutes at the end—just watch carefully to avoid burning.
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Can I prepare this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble everything in your slow cooker insert, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add additional cooking time if going from cold. This makes it super convenient for busy schedules.
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What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with a homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom soup if preferred! Just ensure it’s thick enough to keep the dish creamy and flavorful.
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How many servings does this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe make?
This recipe serves about 6 people, perfect for families or small gatherings. It also reheats well, so leftovers can stretch your meal even further.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simultaneously simple and incredibly satisfying. I love how it frees up my day yet delivers a meal that feels like it took hours to craft. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for comfort food that’s effortless and always a hit—I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as my family does!
PrintCrockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe combines tender chicken breasts with creamy soup and savory stuffing mix, cooked low and slow in a slow cooker for a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken and Soup Mix
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 1/2 pounds)
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (122 grams)
- 1/4 cup diced white onion
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
Stuffing Topping
- 1 box chicken stuffing mix (6 ounces)
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Line a 6-quart slow cooker with a slow cooker liner or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken and Soup: Place the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the slow cooker. Pour the 2 cans of cream of chicken soup over the chicken breasts.
- Add Sour Cream and Mix: Add the ½ cup of sour cream on top and use a rubber spatula to gently swirl the sour cream and soup together, creating a creamy mixture covering the chicken.
- Season: Sprinkle ¼ cup diced white onion and 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes evenly over the mixture for added flavor.
- Prepare Stuffing Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 6-ounce box of chicken stuffing mix with ¼ cup melted salted butter. Toss until the mixture is well coated.
- Add Stuffing to Slow Cooker: Evenly sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix over the top of the chicken and soup mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Optional Finish: If desired, uncover the slow cooker during the last 45 minutes of cooking to allow the stuffing topping to firm up slightly. Note that it will not become crispy but will improve texture.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside mashed potatoes and a vegetable of your choice for a complete meal.
- Store Leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Using a slow cooker liner can help with easy cleanup.
- Uncovering the last 45 minutes is optional but helps the stuffing topping to firm up.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days to ensure freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg