Mouth-Watering Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Recipe

If you love comfort food and are looking for an easy, delicious recipe to feed a crowd, look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner Recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish combines savory chicken, creamy stuffing, and tender potatoes for a flavorful meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

What makes this recipe even better is that it can be made in a slow cooker or crockpot, which means you can set it and forget it while you prepare other dishes or mingle with your guests. No need to worry about overcooking the chicken or burning the stuffing – the slow cooking process ensures that everything comes out perfectly cooked and full of flavor.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, potluck, or just a casual gathering with friends and family. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your crowd size, and can be customized with your favorite seasonings or toppings.

So why not impress your guests with this simple yet impressive Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner Recipe? Trust us – they won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner
Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner

Are you always on the lookout for delicious and filling dinner ideas that don’t break the bank? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner recipe!

First off, let’s talk taste. This dish is bursting with flavor thanks to a blend of classic seasonings like garlic cloves, onion, salt, and pepper. And let’s not forget the star of the show: a hearty stuffing mix that soaks up all that delicious chickeny goodness.

But what really sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can make it with whole chickens or boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can even substitute the chicken soup for something creamy if that’s more your thing. And if you want to get really creative, try adding in some veggies like green beans or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.

In addition to its great taste and flexibility, this recipe is also incredibly easy to make. Just layer your raw chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker, add your stuffing mix and other ingredients on top, then let it cook low and slow for a few hours.

Best of all? This recipe is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. With just a few raw ingredients and a little bit of prep time, you can have a hot and satisfying dinner ready to go at any time.

So why will you love this recipe? Let me count the reasons: it’s flavorful, versatile, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Don’t hesitate – give it a try tonight!

Ingredient List

 Juicy chicken surrounded by fluffy, herb-infused stuffing
Juicy chicken surrounded by fluffy, herb-infused stuffing

Here are the ingredients you will need to create this Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner Recipe:

Main ingredients

  • Whole chickens (2, about 3 lbs each)

  • Chicken stuffing: 1 box of chicken stuffing mix

  • Potatoes: 6 medium potatoes, peeled

Seasonings and spices

  • Salt: 1 teaspoon

  • Pepper: ½ teaspoon

  • Garlic cloves: 3 cloves, minced

  • Onion: 1 large onion, chopped

Cooking liquids

  • Low-sodium chicken stock: 1 cup

  • Cream of chicken soup: 2 cans (10.75 oz each)

Optional ingredients

  • Chicken breasts (4 boneless skinless chicken breasts)

  • Sour cream: ½ cup

  • Green beans, trimmed and cut into halves: 16 oz.

For cooking the chicken breasts:

  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

  • Salt & pepper

For making the stuffing:

  • Butter: ¼ cup (optional)

For serving:

For serving options, refer to section (6) Serving and Pairing.

Make sure you have all ingredients ready before starting to prepare the recipe. Some of the ingredients like whole chickens take time to defrost, so plan ahead!

The Recipe How-To

 Warm and comforting with every bite
Warm and comforting with every bite

Now that we have gone through the preliminary parts of the recipe, let’s dive into the actual cooking process. Don’t worry, it’s an easy ride from here on out! Below are the step-by-step procedures on how to make the scrumptious Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner Recipe.

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Firstly, grease the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken and stuffing from sticking to the bottom, making it easier for you to serve and clean afterward.

2. Place Chicken in Slow Cooker

Next, place your desired amount of whole chickens or chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with salt and pepper according to preference. For added flavor, you may sprinkle garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top of the chicken.

3. Add Other Raw Ingredients

Add chopped onions, diced potatoes, and minced garlic cloves on top of the chicken. Make sure they are evenly spread out throughout the pot.

4. Add Chicken Stuffing Mix

Open your pack of chicken stuffing mix and prepare it according to its instructions. After mixing everything together in a bowl, evenly pour it on top of everything in the slow cooker.

5. Pour Broth Mixture Over Content

In another bowl, mix together one can of cream of chicken soup, a cup of chicken broth, and half a cup of sour cream until well incorporated. Pour this mixture over everything in the slow cooker evenly.

6. Let it Cook for Hours

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let cook for around four hours on high or eight hours on low heat setting until done. Don’t worry; you won’t need to do anything else as your dish cooks to perfection. The slow cooker will work its magic.

Once done, take off lid and serve hot with freshly cooked green beans for a balanced meal or any sides according to preference!

Thank us later when everyone is singing praises about your Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner Recipe during dinner parties!

Substitutions and Variations

 A slow-cooker miracle for easy prep and clean up
A slow-cooker miracle for easy prep and clean up

When it comes to variations and substitutions, this Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner recipe has ample room for creativity. Below are some ideas that you can try to make the dish more exciting:

– Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with tofu or other plant-based protein alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

– Creamy Chicken: Add cream cheese, heavy cream, or sour cream to the chicken stuffing mix before pouring it over the chicken to make the dish even richer and creamier.

– Cheesy Chicken Broccoli: Top the chicken with cheddar cheese before adding the stuffing mix, then add fresh or frozen broccoli florets on top. Cover and cook as instructed.

– Green Bean Casserole: Instead of using green beans as a side dish, add them to the slow cooker with the chicken and stuffing mix for a hearty one-pot meal.

– Cornbread Dressing: Make cornbread dressing from scratch and use it to replace the store-bought stuffing mix called for in the recipe. Pour it over the chicken as instructed, but be aware that cornbread tends to absorb more liquid than pre-made stuffing mix.

– Swiss Chicken: Top boneless skinless chicken breasts with Swiss cheese slices before pouring stuffing mix over them. Season with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for an extra savory touch.

– Roast Chicken: If you prefer crispy skin on your chicken, try roasting whole chickens in the oven instead of slow cooking them. Stuff cavities with garlic cloves and onions for added flavor.

Remember that these are just a few suggestions – feel free to experiment with your own favorite ingredients and spices! You may discover a new winning variation that will impress your guests at the next party you throw.

Serving and Pairing

 Perfectly cooked chicken that melts in your mouth
Perfectly cooked chicken that melts in your mouth

This Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner recipe is a hearty meal that can be enjoyed all year round. The chicken is juicy and the stuffing is flavorful, making it a perfect family dinner or for guests. The best part about this meal is the ability to pair it with a range of sides, allowing you to create a balanced meal.

One popular pairing idea is to serve this dish with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli or grilled zucchini. The earthy flavors of roasted vegetables complement the savory, creamy chicken and stuffing perfectly.

If you want to keep things simple, serving it with a side salad or greens is also an excellent choice. I recommend tossing together mixed greens, sliced tomatoes and feta cheese, dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Another option would be to serve this dish with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for added comfort and indulgence. For an extra kick of flavor, add garlic or chives when mashing the potatoes.

If you’re looking for something different, try pairing this dish with cheesy broccoli casserole or green bean casserole. The creaminess of these casseroles pairs well with the tender chicken and the seasoned stuffing.

Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider pairing it with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines bring out the subtle flavors in the creamy chicken mixture without overpowering your taste buds.

No matter what you choose to serve this Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner Recipe with, remember that cooking is all about experimentation and finding what works best for your taste buds!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 A fragrant meal that fills your home with savory scents
A fragrant meal that fills your home with savory scents

Preparing a Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Dinner can be a lifesaver when planning to host a big event or when wanting to have easy weeknight meals. In light of this, it is always best to plan ahead by either preparing and storing the ingredients beforehand or making a double batch of this recipe to freeze for later use.

When it comes to storing the already cooked meal, allow the slow cooker chicken and stuffing dinner to cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. It can then be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. However, be cautious when reheating chicken meals as they can overcook easily, resulting in dry, chewy meat. To reheat this dish, microwaving is usually not recommended as it can cause unevenly heated food. Rather, you would preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), place the chicken and stuffing ensemble in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Then bake it in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.

If freezing the Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Dinner, wrap it with aluminum foil on top of being stored inside an airtight container. The meal should be labeled with the date before placing it in the freezer where it maintains freshness for 2-3 months at least. When ready to eat, move out from freezer to refrigerate for about 24 hours before reheating following the steps outlined above.

In conclusion, with proper preparation, storing and reheating methods, you can continue getting your money’s worth from your Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Dinner recipe without sacrificing taste or quality.

Tips for Perfect Results

 Cozy up with a bowl of this chicken and stuffing goodness
Cozy up with a bowl of this chicken and stuffing goodness

To achieve a perfectly cooked Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner, there are several tips and tricks that you can keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to season your chicken liberally with salt and pepper before placing it in the slow cooker. This will help to enhance the flavors of the dish and give the chicken a nice golden crust.

Next, consider using bone-in chicken instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The bones will add extra flavor to the dish and help to keep the chicken moist and tender throughout the cooking process.

When it comes to the stuffing mix, be sure to follow the instructions on the package closely. Over-saturating the stuffing with liquid can result in a mushy consistency, while under-saturating can lead to dry and crumbly stuffing.

In addition, it’s important to layer your ingredients properly in the slow cooker. Start by spreading a layer of stuffing on the bottom, followed by a layer of sliced potatoes and onions. Place the seasoned chicken on top, then pour in a mixture of chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Finish by sprinkling additional seasoning over everything before turning on your slow cooker.

Lastly, try not to lift the lid too often while cooking. Every time you do so, heat is released from the slow cooker, which can prolong the cooking time and affect the overall texture of your dish. Trust in your crockpot or slow cooker to do its job and resist the urge to check on it too frequently.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a perfectly cooked Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner that is sure to impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

FAQ

As our readers might have many questions about this recipe, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you along. Whether you’re a seasoned crockpot chef or a newbie cook trying out the slow cooker for the first time, these FAQs will clear up any doubts so you can make the best out of this delicious slow cooker chicken and stuffing dinner. So let’s dive into the most common questions and dispel any doubts that may arise along your cooking journey!

Can you put stuffing in a raw chicken?

If you’re planning to make a stuffing that includes raw meat, poultry or shellfish, it’s highly recommended that you precook those ingredients prior to stuffing. This will help to minimize the risk of foodborne illness from any harmful bacteria that might be present in the raw ingredients. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety.

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker?

It’s completely safe to cook raw chicken in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot. These kitchen gadgets are designed to thoroughly cook meats, destroying any potentially harmful bacteria. With its direct heat, extended cooking time and tight lid, a slow cooker is capable of delivering perfectly cooked chicken. Believe it or not, frozen chicken can also be added to the cooker for a hassle-free meal!

Can you put dry chicken in a slow cooker?

When it comes to cooking chicken breasts, a slow and lengthy cooking process tends to produce moist and tender meat. However, if you prefer, you can add some chicken stock or water to the crockpot to ensure optimum moisture levels. Additionally, opting for boneless and skinless chicken thighs can also offer that extra moisture and prevent dryness.

Should you cook chicken before putting in slow cooker?

When creating a dish with chicken in a slow cooker, take the extra step to sear the chicken before adding it in. This helps keep the juices locked in, resulting in even more tender meat. It also adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the dish, boosting the overall taste. So, be sure to heat up your pan and give your chicken a quick sear before allowing it to slow cook. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner Recipe is an excellent choice for those who love cooking but also want to spend more time with their guests during a party. This recipe is easy to follow and has many variations that can accommodate different tastes and preferences.

The use of a slow cooker or crockpot allows for a simple and straightforward process of cooking the chicken slowly, and the stuffing can be added at the end of the cooking time. Additionally, all raw ingredients can be placed in the bottom of the slow cooker, which makes it effortless to put everything together.

I highly recommend preparing this recipe for your next party or gathering! Your guests will be impressed with the delicious taste and unique experience of enjoying a homemade Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner. And with various substitutions and alterations available, you won’t have to worry about anyone’s dietary restrictions.

So why not give this recipe a try? I assure you that it will become one of your favorite dishes, as it has mine. With its uncomplicated steps, delightful aromas, and incredible flavors, the Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner Recipe will make your party unforgettable!

Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner

Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing Dinner Recipe

From cooktopcove.com
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 8 hrs
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 1034.6 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lbs whole chickens
  • 4 -6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in half
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
  • 1 (6 ounce) package seasoned stuffing mix
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Place the dry stuffing mix in a bowl and add the chicken stock. Stir to mix and combine well. Place the stuffing inside the chicken cavity.
  • Line the bottom of the slow cooker with the halved potatoes (try and get one single layer of potatoes for even cooking) and the onion slices. If desired, add in the crushed garlic for a deeper flavor. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on top of the potatoes and onions.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and set on Low for 8 - 9 hours, or on High for 4 - 5 hours, until the chicken is completely cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Remove the chicken from the slow cooker at the end of cooking time, cover with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before removing stuffing and placing in another bowl. Carve chicken as you normally would.
  • Pro tip: Don't want to cook a whole chicken? You don't have to! This same dinner can be made by placing chicken breasts on top of the potatoes and onions, and placing the stuffing on top of the chicken. Remember to reduce the cooking time by about half.
  • Pro tip: Placing the chicken upside down (breast-side down) on top of the potatoes causes many of the juices from the legs to run down into the breasts while the chicken is cooking. This is a French technique that I've tried in the oven, but it works so much better in the slow cooker!

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 671gCalories: 1034.6kcalCarbohydrates: 75.4gProtein: 61.8gFat: 52.6gSaturated Fat: 14.4gCholesterol: 217mgSodium: 940.4mgFiber: 6.5gSugar: 7.8g
Keyword Chicken, Meat, One-Dish Meal, Poultry
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