If you are craving a comforting, hands-off dinner that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts, creamy soup, savory stuffing, and fresh green beans come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, creating an irresistible medley of flavors and textures without the fuss. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and brings everyone running to the table, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building that classic comfort food taste. Every component adds its own layer of flavor, moisture, or color, making the final dish hearty and satisfying.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds a rich, creamy base that keeps the chicken juicy and flavors well infused.
- Stuffing mix: Brings that homestyle savory flavor and crumbly texture that soaks up the delicious juices.
- Water: Needed to hydrate the stuffing mix and balance the creaminess.
- Frozen green beans: Adds a fresh pop of vibrant green color and a subtle crunch to the dish.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein, delivering tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
- Sour cream: Gives the stuffing mixture a tangy richness that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly and bringing all the flavors to life.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Season and Layer the Chicken
Start by seasoning 3 to 4 large chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and forms the base layer in your crockpot. Place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly and soak up all the juices as the stew simmers.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Stuffing Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the can of cream of chicken soup, the stuffing mix, half of the water, and ½ cup of sour cream. This creamy mixture is what makes the stuffing tender with a hint of tanginess, perfectly complementing the savory chicken.
Step 3: Layer the Stuffing and Green Beans
Spread the creamy stuffing mixture over the chicken breasts in an even layer to cover them completely. Next, add the frozen green beans on top. Their slight crispness and fresh flavor add balance to this rich dish. Finally, pour the remaining water evenly over the green beans to ensure everything steams and cooks perfectly together in the crockpot.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours. For an extra even texture in the stuffing, stir it gently once or twice during cooking. This patient slow cook method lets the chicken become meltingly tender and allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the cooking time is complete, give everything a gentle stir to combine the layers slightly, revealing the creamy and hearty dish underneath. Your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme sprigs for a bright, herbal accent. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a welcome touch of heat if you like a little kick. These simple garnishes make the dish look inviting and add subtle bursts of freshness.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for contrast. Roasted carrots or a tangy coleslaw will also complement the creamy, savory flavors perfectly. Since the dish itself is hearty, lighter sides often work best to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and stuffing mixture over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta. You can also scoop it into buttered bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that adds even more comfort to the meal. Setting it up as a scoop-and-serve casserole during game days or family gatherings makes it both practical and crowd-pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as the dish sits, making the next-day meal just as satisfying, if not better.
Freezing
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water, broth, or extra sour cream can help restore moisture and creaminess that might be lost during freezing or refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans work well too. Just trim and add them with the stuffing mixture. Keep in mind that fresh beans might require a bit more water or slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and reheats nicely. You can cook a big batch on the weekend and have easy dinners ready throughout the week.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used if you prefer darker meat with a bit more fat and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed until they are tender and cooked through.
Do I need to thaw the frozen green beans before adding?
No need to thaw! Adding the green beans straight from frozen is convenient and works perfectly with the slow cooker’s gentle heat, ensuring they stay tender but not mushy.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or chopped onions for added nutrition and variety. Just keep an eye on the overall liquid amount to keep the stuffing moist.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe truly feels like a warm family hug after a busy day. It’s incredibly simple yet so flavorful and comforting that it soon becomes a staple you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this easy slow cooker meal, your dinner routine will never be the same — so go ahead and give it a go. Your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6-7 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (high) or up to 7 hours 10 minutes (low)
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with a creamy mixture of cream of chicken soup, stuffing mix, and sour cream, topped with nutritious green beans, creating a wholesome one-pot dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or your favorite side.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 large chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
Stuffing Mixture
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup water (divided)
Vegetables
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen green beans
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then arrange them evenly in the crockpot to form the base layer.
- Mix the Stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, stuffing mix, sour cream, and half of the water (about ⅜ cup). Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Next, add the frozen green beans on top of the stuffing layer. Pour the remaining water over the green beans to keep everything moist during cooking.
- Cook on High: Set the crockpot to cook on high heat for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to cook through and the stuffing to absorb the flavors.
- Cook on Low: Alternatively, cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours. Stir the stuffing occasionally during this time to ensure even cooking and avoid clumping.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the crockpot chicken and stuffing alongside mashed potatoes or your preferred side dish for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh chicken breasts that are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Occasional stirring on low heat helps prevent the stuffing from becoming too dense.
- You can substitute green beans with other vegetables like frozen peas or mixed vegetables based on preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- If thicker stuffing is desired, reduce the water slightly next time you prepare this dish.
