Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, simple, and unbelievably tasty. If you’ve ever wished for an easy, hands-off dinner that fills your home with cozy aromas, this recipe will be your new go-to.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe countless times, especially on busy weekdays when I want dinner ready without standing over the stove. It’s like letting the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, giving you juicy chicken and perfectly seasoned stuffing all in one pot.
- Simplicity: Minimal prep work means you can throw everything in and forget it for a few hours.
- Comfort Food Classic: It blends tender chicken with moist, flavorful stuffing that’s elevated by homemade touches.
- Flexible: You can customize the seasoning or stuffing flavors to suit your cravings or pantry stash.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Casual family dinners or cozy weekend gatherings—this recipe shines both ways.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Using basics like carrots, onions, and celery creates a flavorful bed for the chicken without fuss. Plus, the seasoning and butter lock in moisture for ultra-tender results.
- Carrots: These add subtle sweetness and a bit of texture beneath the chicken, absorbing its juices beautifully.
- Yellow Onion: Provides savory depth and aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.
- Celery: Adds a gentle herbal note and works with other veggies to balance flavors.
- Whole Chicken: Using a whole chicken ensures juicy, tender meat with a cozy, homemade feel.
- Salted Butter: Melting it over the chicken keeps it moist and adds richness—the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Poultry Seasoning: A classic mix that complements chicken perfectly but feel free to tweak for your taste.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and color, enhancing the overall presentation of your dish.
- Stove Top Stuffing Mix: The shortcut that delivers fluffy, flavorful stuffing quickly—plus, it soaks up chicken drippings for maximum yum.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love swapping out seasonings or adding extras like fresh herbs. Feel free to experiment—this recipe is forgiving and perfect for personalization.
- Herb Boost: I sometimes add fresh rosemary or thyme under the chicken skin for an aromatic twist that makes guests ask for the recipe.
- Vegetable Variations: Swap carrots for parsnips or add mushrooms for an earthier flavor if you’re in the mood.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne or chili powder adds a subtle kick without overpowering the cozy vibes.
- Stuffing Flavors: Try cornbread or herb stuffing varieties to mix up your dinner routine.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Flavor Base
Start by dicing your carrots, onion, and celery, then spread them evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This veggie bed is key—it keeps the chicken elevated, allowing steam and juices to circulate while infusing the dish with flavor. Pro tip: Don’t skip cleaning out the chicken’s cavity—it’s just tidier and helps everything cook evenly.
Step 2: Prep and Rub the Chicken
Place the whole chicken on top of your veggies. Pour your melted salted butter over the chicken, then sprinkle the poultry seasoning and paprika all around. Use your hands to gently rub the butter and spices evenly over the skin—this step is crucial for juicy, flavorful chicken. Add salt and pepper if you like, but go easy if your seasoning mix already contains salt.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover with the lid and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours. The slow cooker works its magic, tenderizing the meat slowly while keeping it juicy. When the time is almost up, resist the urge to peek as tempting as it is—opening the lid too often traps the heat and can increase cooking time.
Step 4: Make the Stuffing
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and tent it with foil to keep warm. Remove all but 1.5 cups of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, leaving the veggies in place. Stir in your box of stuffing mix, cover again, and let it steam for 10 minutes. Fluff the stuffing with a fork, and you’ve got moist, flavorful sides that have soaked up all those chicken juices.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Slice your chicken how you like it—breasts, thighs, or whole pieces—and serve alongside the stuffing. Or, place the chicken back in the slow cooker on top of the stuffing for a handsome family-style presentation. Either way, you’re in for a delicious, comforting meal!
Top Tip
From my experience making this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe, these tips will help you nail the perfect balance of juicy chicken and fluffy stuffing every time—no surprises, just comfort.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Rub: It’s the secret to crispy skin and moist meat. I learned this the hard way when my first attempt was dry and dull.
- Keep the Veggies: Leaving the carrots, onion, and celery in the stuffing mixture adds natural flavor and texture that boxed stuffing alone can’t match.
- Save the Liquid: The reserved broth is pure gold for your stuffing—it keeps it soft and full of chicken flavor, not dry like some stuffing recipes.
- Patience Is Key: Resist the urge to open the lid during cooking; each peek lets heat escape, which can extend cooking times.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the chicken and stuffing right before serving. It adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that lightens the rich flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken also gives it a lovely zing if you want a little extra freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for some crunch. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple apple and walnut slaw balance the warmth and heartiness of the chicken and stuffing perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe family-style right in the slow cooker, placed in the center of the table to keep it warm and inviting. You can also carve the chicken separately on a festive platter surrounded by nestling piles of the buttery stuffing for a more formal look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly. The chicken stays moist when stored with some of the cooking juices, and the stuffing holds up well, especially when reheated gently to avoid drying out.
Freezing
While I prefer fresh, this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing freezes beautifully. I portion the chicken and stuffing separately into freezer bags or containers. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge for the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the chicken wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven to keep it juicy and place the stuffing in a covered dish, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. The microwave works too for busy nights—just cover loosely to avoid drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can use chicken breasts or thighs in place of a whole chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, usually 3-4 hours on high depending on the size and quantity. Keep in mind, the whole chicken adds additional flavor and keeps the stuffing juices particularly rich.
You can use any boxed stuffing mix you like, including traditional bread, cornbread, or herb-flavored varieties. Choose one that complements your seasoning—for instance, herb or savory flavors work best with poultry seasoning and paprika.
Definitely! Prep your veggies and season the chicken the night before, then store covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just load it all into the crockpot and start cooking. You can also make the whole dish ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently for creamy, comforting leftovers.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Because of the slow cooking process, it’s rare to undercook, but it’s always safest to check before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s approachable, comforting, and incredibly rewarding. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients and slow-cooked goodness that invites you to slow down and savor a nourishing homemade meal. I truly hope it finds a cozy spot in your dinner rotation as it has in mine—nothing beats coming home to a house smelling like this!
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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 whole chicken with classic veggies and flavorful stove top stuffing for an easy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 medium celery ribs diced
Main
- 5 pounds whole chicken
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6 ounces box stove top stuffing any flavor
Instructions
- Prepare 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 and discard any giblets or packaging, then place the chicken on top of the vegetables inside the slow cooker.
- Season Chicken: Pour the melted salted butter evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle poultry seasoning and paprika on top, then rub all seasonings and butter thoroughly over the entire chicken surface. Optionally, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high heat for 6 hours to allow the chicken to cook fully and absorb flavors.
- Prepare Stuffing: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken and place it on a platter. Cover with foil to keep warm. Remove all the liquid from the slow cooker, reserving 1.5 cups of the liquid, while leaving the cooked vegetables inside.
- Cook Stuffing: Add the entire box of Stove Top stuffing mix into the slow cooker with the reserved liquid and vegetables. Stir well to combine, cover with lid, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve: Fluff the stuffing with a fork when done. Slice the chicken as desired and serve alongside the stuffing. Optionally, place the chicken back into the slow cooker for a nice presentation. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use a rotisserie or any other flavor of stove top stuffing for different taste profiles.
- Make sure to clean out the chicken cavity well for better flavor and safety.
- Reserve some cooking liquid to keep the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- You can add salt and pepper or your favorite herbs for extra seasoning.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the slow cooker or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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