Nothing beats a comforting, hearty meal straight from the slow cooker, and this chicken and stuffing recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy chicken, flavorful stuffing, and a medley of vegetables all cook together, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Prep Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4–5 hours
Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon for mixing and serving
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet (about 6 oz) stuffing mix (or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Thighs are more flavorful and stay juicy longer; breasts work fine too.
- Stuffing: Use boxed stuffing mix for convenience, or make homemade with bread cubes and seasonings.
- Vegetables: Onion and celery are classic; carrots add natural sweetness.
- Seasonings: Thyme and garlic powder provide classic savory flavor; adjust herbs to your taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Grease the slow cooker lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer vegetables: Place chopped onions, celery, and carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add chicken: Place chicken on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare stuffing: In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix with chicken broth. Stir to moisten.
- Top chicken with stuffing: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken. Dot with butter on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve: Scoop chicken and stuffing together onto plates, making sure each serving has a mix of veggies, chicken, and stuffing.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
Nutrition will vary depending on the stuffing mix and chicken type used.
Tips
- Juicier chicken: Add ¼ cup of extra broth if your slow cooker runs hot or if using lean chicken breasts.
- Make it creamier: Mix in a little cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup with the broth before adding the stuffing.
- Crispy topping: For a crunchy top, transfer the cooked stuffing to a baking dish and broil for 3–5 minutes.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent drying.
Variations
- Herb-packed: Add fresh rosemary or sage for deeper flavor.
- Cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.
- Low-carb: Replace traditional stuffing with cauliflower rice or almond flour-based stuffing.
- Slow cooker dump method: Use frozen chicken breasts; just increase cooking time slightly and check for doneness.
