I absolutely love sharing this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, satisfying, and effortless. Whether you’re coming home after a long day or hosting a casual family dinner, this recipe really comes through, giving you tender chicken mingled with creamy goodness and a cozy stuffing topping.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how little prep it took compared to the big flavor it delivers. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other things. By the time it’s ready, you’ve got a hearty meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving away all afternoon, but really, you haven’t!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Dinner: Just toss everything in the crockpot, and dinner practically makes itself.
- Creamy, Cozy Flavor: The combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream makes the chicken so tender and flavorful.
- Perfect for Busy Days: It’s a great make-ahead option when you want to come home to something comforting and hot.
- Family Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults tends to go crazy for this classic comfort food twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together beautifully to create that classic, creamy chicken and stuffing combination we all adore. I recommend using fresh onions and good-quality chicken for the best results—you’ll really notice the difference!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using breasts keeps the dish lean, but thighs also work if you prefer juicier meat.
- Cream of chicken soup: This adds a rich, velvety base that’s essential for that comfort food feel.
- Sour cream: It enhances creaminess and adds a subtle tang that brightens up the dish.
- Diced white onion: Fresh onion gives a little texture and savory depth that canned soup can’t provide alone.
- Dried parsley flakes: These add a fresh herb note without overpowering the flavors.
- Chicken stuffing mix: This is the star topping—don’t skip it! It soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Salted butter: Melting butter into the stuffing mix creates a perfectly moist and flavorful crust.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to finish the dish.
Variations
I like to tweak this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood. Feel free to experiment—it’s forgiving and flexible, which makes it perfect for personalizing with your favorite flavors.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: For a more succulent, juicy texture, thighs work wonderfully and are a bit more forgiving when slow-cooked.
- Add veggies: I sometimes toss in sliced mushrooms, carrots, or celery for extra nutrients and flavor—just layer them on the bottom with the chicken.
- Swap out sour cream: Craving something lighter? Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that keeps creaminess with a bit of tang.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix to keep this recipe suitable for those with sensitivities.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Creamy Base
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker liner. Pour the two cans of cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken, then dollop the sour cream on top. I like to gently swirl the soup and sour cream together with a rubber spatula—this helps create an even, creamy layer without overmixing. Then sprinkle diced onion and dried parsley flakes on top to build layers of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare and Add the Stuffing Topping
Melt your butter and toss it with the dry chicken stuffing mix in a small bowl. This step is key because the buttery stuffing mix creates that soft but flavorful topping that absorbs all the delicious juices. Sprinkle the stuffing evenly over the top of your creamy chicken base—don’t mix it in! It stays on top, soaking up the slow cooker magic below.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender and Flavorful
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours, or if you’re short on time, choose high for 3-4 hours. About 45 minutes before it’s done, I sometimes uncover the crockpot to firm up the stuffing a bit. It won’t crisp like oven-baked stuffing, but you’ll notice a nice texture difference if you want it. This step is optional though—either way, it tastes incredible.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to your taste—it really brings everything together. I recommend pairing this crockpot chicken and stuffing dish with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable for the ultimate comfort meal.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Use a Slow Cooker Liner: It makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your crockpot pristine for next time.
- Don’t Overmix Soups and Sour Cream: Gently folding them preserves texture and prevents curdling during long cook times.
- Uncover at the End if You Like a Firmer Stuffing: This little trick adds textural contrast without drying out the dish.
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Check early if your slow cooker runs hot, so the chicken stays juicy and tender.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing this dish with freshly chopped parsley—it adds just the right pop of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness that lifts the creamy flavors. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of paprika or cracked black pepper for a little extra visual appeal and subtle spice.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my go-to side because they soak up the sauce perfectly. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli add a nice fresh crunch and balance out the richness. On chilly nights, a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese before the last 15 minutes of cooking—everyone feels a little fancy with a cheesy crust. You could also plate it on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an inviting family-style dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually stay fresh for about 3 days. I find that the flavors even deepen a bit overnight, so leftovers often taste just as good—if not better—the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep it tasting fresh and creamy.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay juicier during slow cooking. Just keep the same cooking times and you’ll get tender, flavorful results.
-
Is it necessary to use a slow cooker liner for this recipe?
Not necessary, but I highly recommend it! It makes cleanup so much easier and saves your crockpot from sticky messes, especially with the sticky stuffing topping.
-
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular chicken stuffing mix for a gluten-free version. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
-
How do I prevent the stuffing topping from getting soggy?
While this recipe results in soft stuffing by nature, uncovering the slow cooker during the last 45 minutes of cooking helps the stuffing firm up a bit without drying it out. Just be careful not to cook it too long uncovered to avoid a dry texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe has been such a staple in my kitchen because it combines ease, flavor, and nostalgia all in one pot. I really hope you give it a try on your next busy day—you’ll love how simple it is to prep and how much your family will thank you at the dinner table. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that just feels like home.
PrintCrockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe combines tender chicken breasts with creamy soup and a flavorful stuffing topping, all slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for busy days, this dish offers a hands-off meal with rich flavors and a satisfying texture, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 1/2 pounds)
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (122 grams)
- 1/4 cup diced white onion
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
Stuffing Topping
- 1 box chicken stuffing mix (6 ounces)
- 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts into a 6-quart slow cooker lined with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Add Soup Mixture: Pour the 2 cans of cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Add the ½ cup of sour cream and gently swirl it together with the soup using a rubber spatula to create a creamy sauce.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the ¼ cup diced white onion and 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes evenly over the top of the sauce.
- Prepare Stuffing Topping: In a small bowl, toss the 6-ounce box of chicken stuffing mix with ¼ cup of melted salted butter until well combined.
- Add Stuffing Layer: Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix evenly over the chicken and sauce layer in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Dish: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Optional Crisping: For a firmer stuffing texture, uncover the slow cooker during the last 45 minutes of cooking. This step is optional as the stuffing topping will not become crispy but will have a better texture.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes and a vegetable side of your choice.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup much easier.
- The sour cream adds creaminess but avoid stirring it too much to keep the sauce texture nice.
- Uncovering the slow cooker towards the end is optional; it firms up the stuffing topping but won’t crisp it.
- Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes and roasted or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Reheat leftovers gently to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg