Crockpot Chicken with Savory Stuffing Recipe is one of those magical dishes that makes dinner feel effortless yet incredibly comforting. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slowly cooked all day with a side of flavorful stuffing that’s cooked right inside your slow cooker—how great is that for an easy weeknight meal?
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this Crockpot Chicken with Savory Stuffing Recipe quickly became a favorite in my household. Not only does it deliver big, homestyle flavors, but it's also super hands-off, so you can get on with your day while dinner cooks itself. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that impresses guests without stressing you out.
- Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, so your kitchen stays cool and your hands stay free for other tasks.
- Comfort Food Classic: Juicy chicken paired with rich, buttery stuffing is just pure cozy goodness.
- Minimal Prep: Just chop some veggies, butter up the chicken, and let everything cook together—no complicated steps needed.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Chicken with Savory Stuffing Recipe plays an important role, bringing together classic flavors and textures that you just can’t beat without a slow cooker. Plus, the ingredients are simple, easy to find, and affordable.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a subtle crunch, plus they hold up well to slow cooking.
- Yellow Onion: Brings depth and aroma, creating a flavorful base for the chicken and stuffing.
- Celery: Provides freshness and an herbaceous note that complements the poultry seasoning.
- Whole Chicken: Cooking a whole bird makes sure every bite is tender and juicy, with beautifully flavored meat.
- Salted Butter: Coats the chicken in rich fat that keeps it moist and helps the seasonings stick — don’t skip this!
- Poultry Seasoning: A warm blend of herbs that brings that cozy home-cooked vibe.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky sweetness and lovely color.
- Stove Top Stuffing Mix: The ultimate shortcut that captures all the classic stuffing flavors with minimal effort.
Make It Your Way
I often tweak this recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. The great thing about the Crockpot Chicken with Savory Stuffing Recipe is how easy it is to personalize it without losing that classic comforting taste.
- Variation: I like swapping out stove top stuffing for gluten-free or herbed cornbread stuffing when catering to different dietary needs—both come out delicious!
- Add Some Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, green beans, or even some chopped apples for a touch of sweetness.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, sprinkle in some cayenne or smoked chipotle powder along with the paprika.
- Make It Lean: Use skinless chicken breasts for a lighter version, but watch cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken with Savory Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggie Bed
Start by dicing your carrots, onion, and celery. This trio creates a natural flavor base and steams gently during cooking, keeping the chicken elevated so it doesn’t steam directly on the bottom. I always make my pieces about the same size so they cook evenly and get nicely tender.
Step 2: Butter Up the Chicken
Don’t skimp on the butter! Melted salted butter brushed all over the chicken helps it stay moist and adds that rich flavor we all crave. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning and paprika all over and rub it in. A tip: I like to season inside the chicken cavity too—just remember to clean it out thoroughly beforehand for a clean taste.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the chicken directly on top of the veggies and cover with the lid. Cook on high for about 5 to 6 hours. The chicken should be fall-apart tender with juices running clear when done. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—every peek lets heat escape and slows cooking.
Step 4: Stir Up the Stuffing
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it and keep warm under foil. Drain most of the liquid from the crockpot, but save about 1.5 cups—this flavorful broth is what makes the stuffing so moist and tasty. Add the dry stuffing mix right into the crockpot with the veggies and broth, then stir well. Pop the lid back on and let it sit for 10 minutes. When you fluff it with a fork, you’ll get that perfect savory stuffing texture.
Step 5: Serve with Style
Slice the chicken your way—whole breast, legs, or shredded—and place it back over the stuffing in the crockpot for a lovely presentation. Serve right from the slow cooker for that rustic, homely vibe everyone loves.
Top Tip
Making this Crockpot Chicken with Savory Stuffing Recipe the first time, I learned some tricks that really make a difference. The slow cooker can sometimes dry out chicken, but these tips helped me keep it tender and flavorful every time.
- Butter Is Your Best Friend: Coating the chicken in melted butter before cooking locks in moisture and adds richness.
- Don’t Toss Out the Liquid: Saving some broth from the slow cooker to add to the stuffing ensures it soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- Patience on Cooking Times: Stick to the recommended 5-6 hours on high or 8-9 hours on low; rushing leads to dryness or chewy texture.
- Keep the Lid Closed: Resist peeking too often to maintain steady heat and perfectly cooked chicken.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken with Savory Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing this dish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving. It adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens up the rich chicken and stuffing. Sometimes I squeeze a little lemon juice over the top—it cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since the main event is hearty, I like pairing the crockpot chicken and stuffing with simple sides—roasted green beans tossed in garlic, a crisp winter salad with vinaigrette, or steamed broccoli. For something a little indulgent, buttered dinner rolls or mashed potatoes are perfect companions to sop up any extra juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, I’ll serve the stuffing right in the slow cooker alongside the carved chicken—it keeps everything warm and inviting. For holiday gatherings, I sometimes transfer the stuffing to a beautiful casserole dish, sprinkle some extra herbs and a bit of cheese, and broil it for a few minutes to get a golden crust. It gets rave reviews every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. The chicken stays moist, and the stuffing actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. It keeps well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times—just portion the chicken and stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To avoid sogginess, I freeze the chicken separate from the stuffing when I can.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer warming leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil to keep the moisture in, about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover it to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of broth before heating helps revive the stuffing’s moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will cook faster, so I recommend adjusting the slow cooker time to 3-4 hours on high to avoid drying out the meat. You might also want to add a bit more butter or broth to keep the chicken moist.
Any stove top stuffing mix works beautifully, but my personal favorite is traditional herb flavor for that classic taste. You can also experiment with cornbread stuffing or even gluten-free varieties if you have dietary restrictions.
Absolutely! You can chop your vegetables and season the chicken the night before, then store everything covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, just layer everything into the crockpot and start your slow cooking cycle.
The chicken is fully cooked when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C), and the juices run clear when pierced. Also, the meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken with Savory Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s taken fall-apart comfort food to an entirely new level of easy. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, it’s one of those meals that just feels like home on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—once you try it, you’ll know why it’s become my go-to for busy days and special dinners alike.
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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
A comforting and straightforward Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe featuring tender slow-cooked chicken seasoned with poultry spices, served with flavorful stovetop stuffing cooked in the savory chicken broth and vegetables.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 medium celery ribs diced
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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 Slow Cooker: Add the diced carrots, onion, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful vegetable base for the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Clean out the cavity of the whole chicken, discarding any giblets. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Season the Chicken: Pour the melted salted butter evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning and paprika on top, then rub the seasonings and butter all over the chicken skin. Optionally, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove Chicken and Prepare Stuffing: Carefully remove the cooked chicken and set it on a platter. Cover with foil to keep warm. Drain and discard the excess liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about 1.5 cups of liquid and keeping the vegetables inside.
- Cook the Stuffing: Add the contents of the stove top stuffing box into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine the stuffing mix with the vegetable broth. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff the stuffing with a fork once cooked. Slice the chicken as desired and serve alongside or place the sliced chicken back in the slow cooker over the stuffing for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!
Notes
- You can add salt and pepper to taste at the seasoning step if preferred.
- Any flavor of stove top stuffing can be used according to preference.
- Keeping 1.5 cups of liquid with the vegetables ensures the stuffing remains moist and flavorful.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- For a lower fat option, use unsalted butter or reduce the butter quantity.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
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