You recall your neighbor mentioning that she recently made a large batch of chicken and stuffing in her crockpot to take to a family gathering, and everyone loved it. Now, you're thinking about making the same dish for your own family's weeknight dinner. To make this simple, comforting meal, you'll need a few ingredients: chicken breasts, stuffing mix, chicken broth, butter, and your choice of chopped vegetables. As you prepare to assemble the dish, you start to wonder: what's the ideal ratio of chicken to stuffing, and which vegetables will add the most flavor?
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing combines chicken, stuffing, and vegetables for a moist meal suitable for weeknights or special occasions.
- Use 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 package of stuffing mix, 1 chopped onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
- Layer ingredients in the crockpot, pour chicken broth and melted butter over, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, ensuring chicken is cooked to 165°F.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers, refrigerating for up to 3 days or freezing for 3 months.
How To Make It – Recipe
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is a classic comfort food dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the ease of a slow cooker with the savory flavors of chicken, stuffing, and vegetables. The result is a moist and delicious meal that's bound to become a family favorite.
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize it to your tastes by using different types of chicken, stuffing, and vegetables. For example, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and add your favorite herbs and spices to the stuffing. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots and celery, to the crockpot for added flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package of stuffing mix
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: carrots, celery, and other vegetables of your choice
Cooking the dish is simple. Place the chopped onion at the bottom of the crockpot, followed by the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the garlic and stuffing mix over the top of the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add any additional vegetables you like.
Cook the dish on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. To guarantee the best results, make sure to not overcook the chicken. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast – it should read 165°F.
Also, be careful when removing the dish from the crockpot as it will be hot and the stuffing may be delicate. This comforting dish is reminiscent of Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings, which features homemade buttermilk biscuits. Serve hot and enjoy!
Substitution Suggestions
When customizing the Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe to your tastes, you'll want to contemplate the various substitutions that can enhance or alter the flavor and texture.
Consider experimenting with herb alternatives like thyme, rosemary, or sage to add a unique twist to the dish.
You can also swap out the bread type to suit your preferences. Try using whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread to change up the texture and flavor of the stuffing.
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can also use less bread or substitute it with cauliflower or rice.
Don't be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations to find the perfect blend for your taste buds. Your substitutions can make the dish truly special.
For a more exotic flavor, incorporate Asian-inspired techniques, such as using hibachi grilling methods, to add a new dimension to your dish.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you've perfected your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe with a few clever substitutions, it's time to think about how you'll serve it up.
You can create a satisfying and filling meal by pairing it with a variety of side dishes. Consider adding some steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots, or a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
For a comforting and indulgent meal, pair the chicken and stuffing with some creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
Other delicious meal pairings include serving it with a side of warm biscuits or crusty bread for a cozy, homestyle dinner.
Whichever side dishes you choose, your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is sure to be a hit.
Using homemade chicken and dressing recipe is also a great way to customize your meal with your favorite herbs and ingredients.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Because this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe makes a generous amount of food, you'll likely have leftovers that you'll want to store for later.
To make ahead, prepare the chicken, stuffing, and vegetables, then store them in separate containers in the fridge overnight. In the morning, assemble the Crockpot and cook as directed.
If you want to turn this recipe into freezer meals, assemble the ingredients in airtight containers or freezer bags, label, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw overnight and cook in the Crockpot.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it's easy to portion out individual servings and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
To add some flavor to the dish, use chicken and dressing recipes as inspiration for other ingredients you can add to the Crockpot.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing leftovers from this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe requires some planning to maintain the dish's moisture and flavor.
You'll want to cool the leftovers to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze them promptly. For leftover storage, divide the chicken and stuffing into airtight containers or zip-top bags and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating, use gentle reheating methods to prevent drying out the chicken and stuffing. Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Frozen leftovers can be reheated in the Crockpot or oven with some extra broth. By following these tips, you'll enjoy your delicious Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing for days to come.
For a different meal option with similar reheating methods, consider a comforting Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe.
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
A single portion of this soothing Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe offers a gratifying blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. You receive approximately 520 calories, with the chicken breast being one of the main protein sources, providing about 40 grams of protein per portion.
The whole wheat bread in the stuffing adds a considerable amount of fiber – around 6 grams – making it a nutritious meal selection. The dish also contains some fat from the butter and chicken broth. Its moderate caloric content makes it suitable for a weeknight dinner or a special event. For a different take on a chicken dish, consider trying a savory chicken and gravy recipe in a crock pot.
Final Thoughts
Savoring the last bite of this comforting Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing dish, you'll likely agree that it's a game-changer for weeknight meals and special occasions alike.
You've not only devoured a delicious meal, but you've also gained valuable cooking tips to enhance your future culinary endeavors.
This recipe has shown you that meal planning can be effortless, especially when using a crockpot. With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a mouthwatering meal waiting for you after a long day.
Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
As you incorporate this recipe into your meal planning routine, you'll discover the convenience and flexibility that comes with slow-cooking, making it a staple in your kitchen.
For a twist on this recipe, consider making a hearty Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie with a flaky crust and savory filling.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Use Raw Chicken in a Crockpot Recipe?
You can definitely use raw chicken in a crockpot recipe, but make certain to cook it on high for at least 4-6 hours to guarantee food safety; low and slow cooking methods also work well when using chicken.
Is It Safe to Cook Stuffing in a Crockpot With Chicken?
You're fundamentally asking if you can create a bacterial breeding ground by slow-cooking stuffing with chicken in a crockpot. Food safety experts advise against it, citing risks of foodborne illness from improper cooking methods.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken in a Crockpot With Stuffing?
You can cook frozen chicken in a crockpot, but thawing it first is recommended for even cooking. When cooking frozen chicken with stuffing, make certain the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety during crockpot cooking.
Can You Add Uncooked Rice to a Crockpot Recipe With Chicken?
Don't get caught in a culinary quagmire! When adding uncooked rice to a crockpot recipe with chicken, remember these essential cooking tips: use a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio and cook on low for 4-6 hours to achieve perfection.
Will Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Dry Out if Overcooked?
You risk drying out your dish if you overcook it, so monitor cooking times closely; to aid in moisture retention, guarantee there's enough liquid and avoid over-stirring, which can cause moisture to escape more quickly.
