Getting a delicious, comforting dinner on the table with minimal effort is a total win in my book. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe with you—it’s like a hug in meal form, and it basically makes itself while you go about your day.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve been making this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe for years whenever I want to impress guests or just treat myself after a busy day. The slow cooker does most of the work, and the end result feels like a cozy, homemade feast that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma.
- Effortless Cooking: Just prep, set it, and forget it until dinner time—perfect for busy afternoons.
- One-Pot Wonder: The slow cooker does double duty cooking both tender chicken and flavorful stuffing, cutting down on mess.
- Comfort Food Vibes: It hits that nostalgic spot with classic roast chicken flavors blended into cozy stuffing.
- Customizable Flavors: You can twist the seasoning and stuffing type to match your family’s favorite tastes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe relies on simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully in the slow cooker. The veggies add moisture and subtle sweetness, while the chicken acts as the hearty centerpiece. The stovetop stuffing soaks up the savory drippings, making every bite flavorful and tender.
- Carrots: They add sweetness and moisture to keep the chicken juicy while slow cooking.
- Yellow Onion: Offers a mild, savory base flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Celery: Brings a subtle earthiness and softens nicely during slow cooking.
- Whole Chicken: The star of the dish—slow cooking locks in tenderness and flavor.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the skin slightly, plus boosts flavor.
- Poultry Seasoning: Classic herb blend that perfectly complements chicken.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and mild smokiness, plus a pretty color.
- Stove Top Stuffing Mix: The stuffing absorbs all those savory juices, making it irresistible.
Make It Your Way
I love how versatile this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is. You can easily swap out flavors or add your own twist to suit whatever mood you’re in or what’s in your pantry right now.
- Variation: I’ve tried using Italian herb seasoning instead of poultry seasoning for a brighter flavor, which my family loved for a change.
- Dietary Twist: For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil—you won’t lose any of the cozy vibes.
- Stuffing Switch: Different stuffing flavors (sage, herb, or even cornbread) work beautifully, letting you tailor it seasonally.
- Veggie Add-ons: Toss in mushrooms or green beans if you want more veggies, just add them early to the pot.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Veggie Bed
Dice your carrots, celery, and onion into roughly the same size pieces so they cook evenly. Spread them out evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker — this veggie layer not only adds flavor but also keeps your chicken from sticking to the pot.
Step 2: Ready the Chicken
Clean out the chicken cavity and pat the bird dry with paper towels—that helps the butter and seasonings stick better. Then, pour the melted butter over the entire chicken and season it evenly with poultry seasoning and paprika. If you like, sprinkle some salt and pepper too for extra punch.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the chicken right on top of the veggies. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours. You’ll want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F for safety and perfect juiciness. I usually check with a meat thermometer about halfway through the last hour.
Step 4: Make the Stuffing Magic
Carefully remove the chicken and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm. Remove all the liquid from the slow cooker but save about 1.5 cups and keep the veggies in place—they’re packed with great flavor. Stir in your stuffing mix and cover again, letting it cook for about 10 minutes until fluffy and tender.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice the chicken any way you like—breast, thighs, or whole pieces—and arrange it either on a platter or right back into the slow cooker over the stuffing for a cozy presentation. Then, dig in and enjoy the comforting flavors you created with so little fuss.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe from good to unforgettable, and I’m happy to share these so your meal turns out perfectly every time.
- Butter Melt Technique: Make sure your butter is really melted and warm before pouring—it coats the chicken evenly and helps the seasonings stick.
- Veggie Bed Secret: Don’t skip the diced vegetables under the chicken; they release moisture and create a natural roasting rack effect.
- Liquid Management: When removing the liquid after cooking, save a bit for the stuffing so it absorbs all those concentrated chicken flavors.
- Check Doneness Early: I avoid dry chicken by testing temp a bit before the minimum cook time, then adjusting if needed—you want juicy, not overcooked.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top—it adds just the right pop of color and freshness against the cozy, warm tones of the chicken and stuffing. A few lemon wedges on the side brighten things up too if you like a citrusy twist.
Side Dishes
Since the slow cooker meal is pretty hearty on its own, I usually pair it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans tossed with a little garlic and olive oil. Sometimes, roasted Brussels sprouts or a tangy cranberry sauce add that perfect balance on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving the chicken carved tableside with warm stuffing in a beautiful dish garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of pan juices. It makes a cozy and inviting centerpiece that impresses without stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. If you let the stuffing soak up the juices overnight, it actually tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing freezes nicely. Just separate the chicken and stuffing into freezer-safe containers and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s great to have on hand for busy nights.
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, I reheat it gently in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. The stuffing warms through well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a touch of butter or stock mixed in.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Using chicken thighs or breasts works just as well. Keep in mind, bone-in pieces tend to stay juicier in the slow cooker. Adjust cooking time to about 4-5 hours on high to avoid overcooking.
Yes, you can dice your veggies and season the chicken the night before to save time. Just keep everything covered and refrigerated, then assemble and slow cook the next day for best results.
I find that traditional herb-flavored stovetop stuffing is a classic choice, but you’re welcome to use any variety you like, including cornbread or savory bread-based mixes. Just adjust seasonings if your stuffing already contains herbs or salt.
Yes, removing most of the liquid ensures the stuffing doesn’t get soggy. Leaving about 1.5 cups maintains enough moisture for the stuffing to cook perfectly without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is one of those treasures that takes the stress out of dinner and fills your home with warmth and comfort. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do—it's perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite you’ll make again and again!
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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 comforting Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe combines tender slow-cooked chicken with flavorful vegetables and savory stuffing. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, it delivers a hearty and delicious meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 medium celery ribs diced
Chicken
- 5 pounds whole chicken
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Stuffing
- 6 ounces box stove top stuffing any flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken: Add the diced carrots, onion, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker. Clean out the inside of the whole chicken to remove any giblets and discard them, then place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Season the Chicken: Pour the melted salted butter evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning and paprika over the chicken and gently rub the seasonings all over the skin. Optionally season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove Chicken and Save Liquid: Carefully remove the cooked chicken and place it on a platter. Cover it with foil to keep warm. Remove all the cooking liquid from the slow cooker but reserve 1.5 cups of the liquid, leaving the vegetables inside.
- Cook the Stuffing: Add the box of stuffing mix to the slow cooker with the reserved liquid and vegetables. Stir to combine well. Replace the lid and cook on high for an additional 10 minutes to soften and heat the stuffing.
- Serve: Fluff the stuffing with a fork. Slice the chicken as desired and serve alongside the flavorful stuffing, or return the chicken to the slow cooker for a warm presentation. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use any flavor of stove top stuffing you prefer to customize the taste.
- If you want crispier skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes in the oven after slow cooking.
- Leftover stuffing can be refrigerated and reheated or used in other recipes within 3 days.
- Make sure to fully clean out the chicken cavity to avoid any unwanted flavors.
- You can add salt and pepper according to personal preference during seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
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