Looking for an easy, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself? You’ve come to the right place! This crockpot chicken and stuffing casserole is a game-changer for those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the time or energy to whip up something complicated. It’s comfort food at its finest — tender chicken, flavorful stuffing, and a rich, creamy sauce all come together in the slow cooker. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients, and the crockpot does the rest.
If you’re in search of a recipe that’s both simple and delicious, this chicken and stuffing crockpot recipe is perfect for dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dish for a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit!
Why This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is Perfect for Dinner
What makes this crockpot chicken and dressing casserole stand out? Let me count the ways:
- Minimal Effort: There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few minutes of prep, your crockpot takes care of everything while you get on with your day.
- Flavorful & Hearty: The combination of tender chicken and savory stuffing is incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish is just as good (if not better) the next day. It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.
- Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s cold outside and you’re craving comfort food, or you just need something easy, this slow cooker chicken and stuffing casserole is versatile and perfect for year-round cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need. This simple ingredient list makes it easy to throw together, and you probably already have most of these items in your pantry:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
- 1 box (6 oz) of stuffing mix (like Stove Top, any flavor works)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen green beans or any vegetable of choice (optional)
This mix of ingredients ensures a creamy, flavorful crockpot chicken and stuffing casserole that hits all the right notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to life:
- Prep the Crockpot: Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a liner. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Season them generously with garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the stuffing mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until well combined. This mixture will be the flavorful topping that ties everything together.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If you’re adding frozen green beans or other vegetables, layer them on top of the chicken before adding the stuffing mixture. This adds some texture and color to the dish.
- Spread the Stuffing Mixture: Evenly spread the stuffing mixture over the chicken. Make sure all the chicken is covered, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the stuffing moist but not soggy.
- Serve: Once cooked, give the casserole a gentle stir to mix everything together. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Want to take your chicken and stuffing crockpot recipe to the next level? Here are a few tips to ensure perfection:
- Don’t Overcook: Since crockpots can vary, keep an eye on the cooking time. Chicken breasts can dry out if left for too long, so aim for 6 hours on low.
- Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the stuffing during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Mix in Vegetables: This dish pairs perfectly with green beans, carrots, or even broccoli. You can layer these veggies right on top of the chicken for an all-in-one meal.
Recipe Variations You Can Try
This slow cooker chicken and stuffing casserole is delicious as-is, but here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian dish.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer, switch out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Stuffing: Experiment with different types of stuffing mixes. Cornbread stuffing or herb-seasoned stuffing can give this dish a new twist.
Looking for more variations? Check out this baked chicken and stuffing casserole for another take on this classic comfort food.
Storing and Reheating Your Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your crockpot chicken and stuffing casserole:
- Storing: Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze portions of the casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop the casserole in the microwave or oven. For best results, cover it with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to serve it with sides, here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy stuffing pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes for an ultimate comfort food combo.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy side like cranberry sauce balances the richness of the casserole.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds some freshness to your plate.
Conclusion
This crockpot chicken and stuffing casserole is the perfect dinner solution when you want something filling, delicious, and easy to make. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful stuffing is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish offers all the comfort without the hassle. Plus, it’s versatile enough to switch up with different ingredients and sides!
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts. They tend to be more tender and flavorful due to their higher fat content. Just ensure they’re fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. - Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can layer vegetables like green beans, carrots, or even frozen peas on top of the chicken before adding the stuffing mixture. This adds texture and makes it a one-pot meal. - How do I prevent the stuffing from becoming too soggy?
To avoid soggy stuffing, use less liquid, or add the stuffing during the last two hours of cooking on low heat. You can also cook the stuffing separately and mix it in before serving. - Can I use homemade stuffing instead of boxed?
Yes, homemade stuffing can work, but be mindful of the moisture content. Boxed stuffing is dry and absorbs the liquid as it cooks, so you might need to adjust the liquid if using fresh stuffing. - Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook this recipe on HIGH for 3-4 hours instead of LOW for 6-7 hours. Just be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. - What other soups can I use in this recipe?
You can swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery, depending on your preference. These variations will still provide a creamy, flavorful sauce for the casserole. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, portion it into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in the crockpot and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, just pop it in the slow cooker and cook as instructed.