Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for comforting food. With its easy preparation and rich flavors, this dish stands out for its convenience and versatility. Enjoy it casserole style or pair it with gravy and mashed potatoes to create a meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This dish requires minimal prep time of just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of chicken, stuffing, and seasonings creates a deliciously satisfying meal that bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a casserole, or elevate it with gravy and sides like mashed potatoes for a complete dinner experience.
• Family-Friendly Meal: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• Slow Cooking Convenience: With the Crock Pot method, you can set it and forget it while your home fills with wonderful aromas.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools you’ll need. These tools help streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crock Pot
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Crock Pot: This slow cooker allows for hands-free cooking, making it easy to prepare meals without constant attention.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavors every time you make this recipe.

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!

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1.5 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning
• Salt/Pepper

For the Creamy Mixture

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

For the Stuffing Base

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

For the Vegetables & Extras

• 2 cups fresh green beans (See notes)
• 1/2 cup onions (diced)
• 1/2 cup celery (diced)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 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 them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine low sodium cream of chicken soup and sour cream until well blended. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken in the Crock Pot.

Step 3: Add Stuffing Mix

Sprinkle the stuffing mix evenly over the creamy chicken layer. Then pour low sodium chicken broth over everything to ensure moisture throughout cooking.

Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables

Add diced onions, celery, fresh green beans, dried cranberries, crumbled sausage, and dry rosemary on top of the stuffing mix. Gently stir to combine all ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.

Step 5: Cook

Cover your Crock Pot with its lid and cook on low for about 4 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing will become a family favorite with its rich flavors and simple preparation! Enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it casserole-style or with some added sides, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

Casserole Style

• Perfect for a cozy family dinner, serve the chicken and stuffing directly from the pot as a hearty casserole.

With Gravy

• Drizzle homemade or store-bought gravy over the chicken and stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.

On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes

• Serve your chicken and stuffing on creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that warms the soul.

With Fresh Green Beans

• Pair with sautéed or steamed green beans for a colorful side that adds freshness to your plate.

As Leftovers

• Enjoy leftover Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing in wraps or sandwiches for an easy lunch option.

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 fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried or frozen options.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the dish wonderfully.
• Layer properly: For even cooking, layer the chicken at the bottom of the Crock Pot followed by vegetables, then stuffing.
• Cook on low: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken and flavorful stuffing.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread complements this dish perfectly and soaks up any gravy left on your plate.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal while providing a delightful crunch.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of chicken and stuffing.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the meal’s heaviness with its sweet, juicy bites.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is an excellent choice that pairs well with savory flavors, adding a touch of sweetness.
6. Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy sweet potatoes provide a deliciously sweet counterpoint to the savory chicken dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing can be easy, but some common pitfalls might affect the final dish. Here are a few mistakes to look out for:

• Skipping Seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken can result in bland flavors. Make sure to use Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper generously.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking time of 4 hours on low heat.
• Using Non-Low Sodium Ingredients: High sodium levels can overpower the dish. Opt for low sodium cream of chicken soup and broth.
• Neglecting Vegetables: Forgetting fresh vegetables like green beans, onions, and celery can lessen nutritional value. Incorporate these for added flavor and texture.
• Ignoring Texture: Adding too much liquid may lead to a mushy stuffing. Measure your broth carefully to maintain the right consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• item Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

• item Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• item Label with the date so you remember when it was made.

Reheating Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• item Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• item Stovetop: Reheat in a pan on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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. However, ensure they are fully cooked before serving. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add your favorite vegetables or spices. Try adding bell peppers or swapping out the sausage for another type of meat.

What if I don’t have stuffing mix?

You can make your own stuffing using stale bread cubes mixed with herbs, broth, and seasonings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing mix and check all other ingredients for gluten content.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins according to your taste. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple yet delicious it is!