If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that fills your home with warm, inviting aromas, you have to try this Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken nestled in a creamy, flavorful stuffing that’s bursting with herbs and cozy flavors. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish promises a satisfying and fuss-free meal that feels like a big, delicious hug. Trust me, once you taste this, it might just become your go-to recipe for easy, tasty dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients you probably already have on hand, making it a breeze to throw together anytime. Each item plays an essential role, from the mild creaminess of the soup to the savory herbs that bring it all to life, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender and juicy, they serve as the hearty base of the dish.
- Stuffing mix: Adds the classic bread-and-herb flavor with a satisfying texture.
- Cream of chicken soup: Provides richness and a luscious sauce that keeps everything moist.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the depth of flavor and keeps the stuffing from drying out.
- Sour cream (optional): Boosts creaminess and adds a subtle tang for extra indulgence.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These aromatics bring a savory warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Dried thyme (optional): A fragrant herb that lifts the entire dish with its gentle earthiness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Olive oil (optional): Perfect for browning the chicken to add depth and a slight crispness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by deciding if you want to add an extra layer of flavor by browning the chicken. Heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and searing the chicken breasts or thighs for about 2-3 minutes per side will give them a lovely golden color and richer taste. This step is totally optional, but I highly recommend it if you have the time!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Once your chicken is browned (or fresh from the package), sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder all over. This simple seasoning sets the stage for the entire dish’s flavor profile, giving the chicken a nicely seasoned base that melds beautifully with the stuffing.
Step 3: Make the Stuffing Mixture
Grab a medium bowl and combine the stuffing mix with the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. If you want your dish creamier, stir in the sour cream as well. This mixture is the heart of the recipe, a luscious blend that will soak into the chicken and create a cozy, comforting texture.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Seasoning
Sprinkle in dried thyme if you’re using it, plus a little more salt and pepper to taste. The thyme adds a subtle herbal note that makes this meal feel a bit more special without complicating the process.
Step 5: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place your seasoned chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging the pieces evenly so everything cooks uniformly.
Step 6: Pour the Stuffing Over the Chicken
Next, pour your creamy stuffing mixture right on top of the chicken. Spread it out gently so that it covers all the chicken pieces and absorbs those savory juices while cooking.
Step 7: Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), tender enough to shred with two forks.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
When cooking time’s up, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix it thoroughly with the stuffing. This creates a creamy, comforting combination that’s ready to serve hot and enjoyed by everyone gathered around the table!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top just before serving brings a pop of color and fresh bite to contrast the rich flavors. A little cracked black pepper over the dish gives it a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This slow cooker chicken pairs wonderfully with simple veggies. Think roasted green beans, a crisp garden salad, or buttery steamed carrots. These sides add freshness and a bit of crunch alongside the creamy stuffing for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant twist, serve the chicken and stuffing over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. You can also stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun and colorful presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe, simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making for easy lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy that comforting homemade flavor again.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creamy, saucy texture. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and avoid drying out the chicken or stuffing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option as they tend to be more flavorful and stay tender during slow cooking. Just adjust cooking time if needed; generally, thighs cook at the same pace in the slow cooker.
Do I have to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
Nope! Browning is optional but recommended for that extra depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, skipping this step won’t greatly affect the overall outcome since the slow cooker does most of the work.
Can I make this recipe without sour cream?
Yes, sour cream is optional in this Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe. It adds creaminess and a subtle tang, but the dish will still be delicious and moist without it.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or even make a quick homemade white sauce to keep the dish creamy and flavorful. Just make sure it’s thick enough to help bind the stuffing mixture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The meat should also be tender and easy to shred with forks, which is a good practical sign it’s ready.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about settling in for a meal made with such simple ingredients and effortless care. This Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe brings cozy, comforting flavors right to your table without the fuss, leaving you more time to relax and savor your food. I can’t wait for you to make this dish your own and enjoy those warm, hearty moments that good food always brings. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes on low, or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes on high
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing recipe combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful stuffing cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Easy to prepare and full of delicious, creamy goodness, this hearty dish makes for a perfect family dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning the chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Stuffing Mixture
- 1 (6 oz) box of stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If desired for extra flavor, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken breasts or thighs for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds more depth of flavor.
- Season the Chicken: Season the browned or raw chicken evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on all sides.
- Make the Stuffing Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream if using. Stir together until well mixed.
- Add Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in the dried thyme and add a little salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour Stuffing Over Chicken: Evenly pour the prepared stuffing mixture over the chicken, spreading it out to cover the pieces completely.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it well with the stuffing inside the cooker. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Optional browning of chicken adds flavor but can be skipped for quicker prep.
- Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
- Sour cream adds extra creaminess but is optional.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated and can be reheated gently.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for food safety.
