This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing recipe is the ultimate one-pot comfort food. It combines tender, juicy chicken and savory, herb-infused stuffing in a creamy sauce, all made with minimal effort right in your crockpot. If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying meal that tastes like a Sunday dinner any night of the week, this is the recipe you need. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it dish that will have the whole family asking for seconds.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
We all need more recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. This crockpot chicken and stuffing checks every box. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, requires just a handful of simple ingredients, and the slow cooker does all the work. You get a hearty, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, and cleanup is an absolute breeze.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean protein base of our dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Boxed Stuffing Mix: A 6-ounce box of your favorite brand, like Stove Top, works perfectly.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This creates the rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor, ensuring the chicken and stuffing are perfectly tender.
- Sour Cream: The secret ingredient for an extra creamy, tangy finish.
- Dried Onion & Seasonings: A simple blend of dried onion, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper adds that classic, savory flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing (Step-by-Step)
Making this dish is as simple as layering a few ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. This ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and dried onion until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Stuffing
Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix directly from the box over the top of the sauce. Do not stir it in. This layering technique is key to getting a perfectly cooked stuffing that’s moist but not mushy.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
This recipe is incredibly forgiving, but a few expert tips guarantee success. To prevent soggy stuffing, make sure you sprinkle it on top and don’t mix it in. The steam from the cooking process will moisten it perfectly. Also, for the juiciest chicken, shred it directly in the slow cooker and let it absorb the sauce for a few minutes before serving. For a truly decadent side, consider pairing this with our Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole for a brunch-for-dinner twist.
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this slow cooker chicken and stuffing recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Protein Swaps
Feel free to substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer flavor. You could also use leftover shredded turkey for a holiday-inspired twist.
Vegetable Add-ins
Stir in a cup of frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a complete one-pot meal. Sautéed mushrooms and onions also make a fantastic addition. If you love unique flavor combinations, our Blueberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers (coming soon) might inspire your next appetizer night!
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
If you’re not a fan of canned soup, you can easily make your own. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, and then slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and ½ cup of milk. Simmer until thickened, and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
What to Serve With Your Chicken and Stuffing
This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of roasted broccoli are all excellent choices. For a classic comfort food pairing, you can’t go wrong with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until warmed through. Alternatively, you can place the leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For another easy meal, check out our Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup (coming soon).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can easily make a homemade substitute. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk. Simmer until it thickens, and season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
While it’s best served fresh, you can assemble the chicken and sauce mixture in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to cook, simply place the insert in the slow cooker, top with the stuffing mix, and turn it on. You may need to add 30-60 minutes to the cooking time.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They contain more fat, which can result in even more tender and flavorful meat. The cooking time remains the same.
The key is to sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the top of the sauce and chicken. Do not stir it in before cooking. This allows the stuffing to steam perfectly on top, resulting in a moist yet fluffy texture, not a soggy one.
This recipe is very versatile! You can add 1-2 cups of frozen vegetables like peas, corn, carrots, or green beans during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. Sautéed fresh mushrooms and onions are also a delicious addition.
Share Your Creation!
We are confident this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing will become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, cozy Sundays, or anytime you need a comforting, home-cooked meal without the hassle. If you make this recipe and love it, we’d be thrilled if you shared your experience in the comments below or saved it to your favorite board on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing: The Easiest Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Season with thyme, rosemary, and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and dried minced onion until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the top of the sauce. Do not stir.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Gently stir everything together to combine. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Feel free to add 1-2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cook time for a complete one-pot meal.
