Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing dish is a cozy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and delicious taste. You can enjoy it served casserole-style or pair it with gravy and mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful: The combination of chicken, stuffing, and seasonings creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you serve it as a casserole or with gravy, this dish adapts to your dining style.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Comfort Food Classic: This recipe brings warmth and comfort, making it perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make preparing your Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing effortless. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crock Pot
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Crock Pot: The star of this recipe! It allows for slow cooking, ensuring tender chicken that absorbs all flavors.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients before adding them to the Crock Pot.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

This Chicken and Stuffing recipe can be made in the Crock Pot or the Instant Pot. Serve it casserole style or with gravy and mashed potatoes!

Protein

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings

• 1.5 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning
• Salt/Pepper

Creamy Base

• 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup (low sodium)
• 8 oz. sour cream (equivalent to 1 cup)

Stuffing Ingredients

• 6 oz. box stuffing mix
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth

Vegetables & Add-ins

• 2 cups fresh green beans (See notes)
• ½ cup onions (diced)
• ½ cup celery (diced)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup crumbled sausage (cooked)
• 2 teaspoons dry rosemary

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock Pot.
• Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper according to taste.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Layer

• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth.
• Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken in the Crock Pot.

Step 3: Add Stuffing Mix

• Sprinkle the stuffing mix evenly over the creamy layer.
• Pour low sodium chicken broth over everything to ensure moisture.

Step 4: Layer Vegetables

• Add diced onions, celery, fresh green beans, dried cranberries, and cooked sausage on top of the stuffing mix.
• Gently press down to compact layers slightly.

Step 5: Season with Rosemary

• Sprinkle dry rosemary evenly across all ingredients.

Step 6: Cook

• Cover your Crock Pot with its lid.
• Cook on low for about 240 minutes (or 4 hours), until chicken is cooked through and stuffing is fluffy.

Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing as a comforting main course!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is a comforting dish perfect for family meals. You can serve it in several delicious ways to make the most of its flavors.

Casserole Style

• Serve the chicken and stuffing directly from the Crock Pot as a hearty casserole. Top with extra gravy for added richness.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes will soak up the savory gravy, creating a delightful combination.

Over Rice

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken and stuffing over a bed of fluffy rice. This allows you to enjoy all the delicious sauce without feeling too heavy.

With Fresh Green Beans

• Add a side of sautéed or steamed fresh green beans for a pop of color and crunch. Their freshness balances the richness of the stuffing.

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How to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Low Sodium Ingredients: Opt for low sodium broth and cream soups to control salt levels while still enjoying rich flavors.

• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the Italian seasoning or add other herbs like thyme or sage to customize the flavor profile.

• Cook on Low: Cooking on low heat for 4 hours ensures that your chicken stays tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.

• Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place vegetables at the bottom of the pot, followed by chicken, then stuffing mix on top. This helps everything cook evenly.

• Check Doneness: Always ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving for food safety.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Complement your meal with these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing.

1. Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery garlic bread adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and roast them until caramelized; they add nutrition and color.
3. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw provides a crisp texture that balances the richness of the main dish.
4. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread is a classic pairing that adds sweetness to every bite.
5. Green Salad – A simple green salad dressed lightly enhances freshness alongside your hearty meal.
6. Sweet Potato Mash – Creamy sweet potato mash offers a slightly sweet twist that complements savory flavors beautifully.
7. Macaroni and Cheese – For comfort food lovers, this cheesy side is always a hit!
8. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds vitamins without overpowering your main dish’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking the chicken: If you cook the chicken too long, it can become dry. Stick to the recommended cooking time for moist chicken.
• Not seasoning enough: A bland dish can be disappointing. Ensure you season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
• Ignoring the broth measurement: Using too much or too little chicken broth can alter the texture. Measure carefully to achieve the right consistency.
• Using stale stuffing mix: Old stuffing mix won’t absorb moisture properly. Always check the expiration date for best results.
• Skipping vegetables: Veggies add nutrition and flavor. Don’t skip adding onions, celery, or green beans for added depth in taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.

What kind of stuffing mix should I use?

Any dry stuffing mix works well. Choose your favorite flavor to enhance the dish.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or herbs according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different flavors and ingredients based on what you have at home. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!