Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing is a comforting, flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, savory stuffing, creamy chicken soup, and mixed vegetables. It’s the perfect easy-to-prepare meal for busy weeknights, and the slow cooker makes it even more convenient. Whether you’re feeding the family or preparing for a meal prep session, this dish will be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines everything you love in one dish—tender chicken, creamy stuffing, and vegetables, all cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful, while the stuffing absorbs all the savory goodness from the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare and perfect for busy evenings. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a hearty, comforting meal!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.

2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix and chicken broth, stirring until the stuffing is evenly moistened. If you prefer a moister stuffing, you can add more chicken broth. Stir in the cream of chicken soup until well combined, then fold in the frozen mixed vegetables.

4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
   Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly. Pour the stuffing mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly.

5. Cook:
   Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. If the stuffing looks dry during cooking, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

6. Check the Chicken:
   Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before removing it from the slow cooker.

7. Fluff and Serve:
   Use a fork to fluff the stuffing, making it light and airy. Serve each chicken breast with a generous portion of stuffing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 240 minutes (on low) or 180 minutes (on high)

• Total Time: 255 minutes

Variations

• Add Onions and Celery: For added flavor, sauté onions and celery in the skillet after searing the chicken and mix them into the stuffing.

• Different Stuffing Mixes: Experiment with different types of stuffing mix, such as cornbread or herb stuffing, for a unique twist.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. You can also reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe, and they will add even more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just cook it the next day when you’re ready.

3. Can I make this recipe with a different kind of soup?

Yes! You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or any other cream soup if you prefer a different flavor.

4. Can I make this in the oven instead of the slow cooker?

Yes! You can bake this in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

5. How do I make this dish spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos to the stuffing mixture for an extra kick.

6. Can I freeze this meal?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and stuffing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach to the stuffing mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the stuffing mix. However, you can use gluten-free stuffing mix as a substitute to make it gluten-free.

9. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but they will need to be cooked before adding them to the stuffing mix.

10. How can I make this recipe creamier?

For a richer, creamier texture, you can add a small amount of heavy cream or sour cream to the stuffing mixture.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing recipe is a perfect meal for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken breasts with savory stuffing and creamy soup, creating a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker recipe will become a go-to favorite!