Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by preparing your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of the cooker. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some herbs directly onto the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the chicken broth, melted butter, and the can of cream of chicken soup. Stir until the mixture is well combined and all the stuffing is moistened. The soup helps bind the stuffing together while keeping it moist, adding a creamy texture to the dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Once the stuffing is ready, spread it evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover the chicken completely with the stuffing mixture. You can gently press the stuffing down to ensure it sticks to the chicken.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but slow cooking on low yields the most tender chicken.

Step 5: Serve

Once the chicken is cooked and the stuffing is golden and crispy on top, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Serve the chicken and stuffing together with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes. The rich, savory stuffing pairs beautifully with the tender chicken, making for a satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations

• Add Vegetables: If you’d like to include vegetables, consider adding a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn) along with the stuffing. You can also toss in some diced onions, celery, or mushrooms for additional flavor.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For even more flavor and tenderness, you can substitute chicken breasts with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bones help keep the chicken moist and infuse more flavor into the stuffing.
• Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure the soup is also gluten-free.
• Extra Creaminess: For a richer flavor, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream to the cream of chicken soup.

Why Slow Cooking Works So Well for This Dish

Slow cooking is the secret to achieving perfectly tender chicken and moist stuffing. As the chicken slowly cooks, it releases its juices, which infuse the stuffing, making it flavorful and comforting. The stuffing becomes almost casserole-like as it absorbs all the flavors from the chicken, soup, and seasonings, creating a savory and satisfying dish.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Crisp Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken and stuffing.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are an excellent side, especially if you want to create a more traditional comfort food spread.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make for a colorful and healthy accompaniment.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing is a fantastic recipe that brings the warmth of home-cooked meals to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a cozy dinner, this dish will become a go-to favorite for its simplicity, flavor, and comforting appeal. So, next time you’re craving something hearty and easy, set it and forget it with this delicious slow cooker recipe. Enjoy!