There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-pot meal that slowly cooks while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe is one of those cozy, comforting dishes that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and never fails to impress with its tender chicken and buttery, herb-infused stuffing topping.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is like a warm hug in dinner form. I love how simple and hands-off it is; yet every time I serve it, friends and family rave about how flavorful and satisfying it is. The best part? You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen.
- Effortless Comfort: You can have a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal prep and almost no fuss.
- Perfect Balance: Tender chicken paired with vibrant veggies and rich, buttery stuffing creates a satisfying combination of textures and tastes.
- Customizable: Whether you swap veggies or try different soups, this recipe lets you make it your own without losing its cozy essence.
- Great for Busy Days: Throw it all in before work or errands and come home to a ready-to-eat, comforting dinner.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this slow cooker chicken and stuffing bake recipe come together beautifully to create a homey and flavorful meal. Each component plays a role, from juicy chicken thighs to the creamy soups that blend into a luscious, savory sauce, while the stuffing absorbs every drop, turning crispy and golden on top.
- Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and texture contrast that brightens the dish.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, they give you a nice pop of green and a slight crunch under the soft chicken.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work well if you want leaner meat.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthiness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds richness and layers of savory depth.
- Water or chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and helps the soups meld into a silky sauce.
- Herb-seasoned stuffing mix: The star topping that crisps up beautifully and infuses the whole bake with herby flavor.
- Butter (melted): Drizzled over the stuffing for that irresistible golden crust and extra richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to boost all the natural flavors.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this recipe depending on what’s in season or what I’m in the mood for. You can easily swap veggies or soup flavors to keep it fresh each time you make it.
- Variation: I once added some chopped celery and swapped broccoli for green beans, which gave a great crunch and brightened up the dish. It’s a fun way to switch things up without losing that classic feel.
- Diet-friendly adjustment: Using low-sodium soups and broth lets you control the saltiness better, and you can always add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Protein swaps: While chicken thighs are my go-to, chicken breasts or even turkey cutlets work well if you want a milder taste.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Slow Cooker
First, I spray the slow cooker pot with nonstick cooking spray—this little step helps everything come out easily later. Then, I peel and slice the carrots and spread them along with broccoli florets evenly on the bottom. The veggies act as a tasty bed for the chicken and soak up some delicious juices.
Step 2: Season and Layer the Chicken
I season my chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Then I place them in a single layer right on top of the veggies. Seasoning the meat well at this early stage ensures every bite is flavorful.
Step 3: Mix Creamy Soup Sauce and Pour
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water (or chicken broth). This mixture forms the silky sauce that keeps the chicken juicy and adds rich flavor to the dish. Pour it evenly over the chicken, making sure you cover all the pieces.
Step 4: Add the Stuffing and Butter
Next comes my favorite part—the dry herb-seasoned stuffing mix. I sprinkle it evenly over the top, covering the chicken and sauce. Then, I drizzle melted butter over the stuffing to help it crisp up beautifully during cooking.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow or Fast and Easy
I seal the slow cooker with its lid and set it on LOW for about 4 to 6 hours, which gives the best flavor and tender chicken. If I’m short on time, I go for HIGH heat and cook for 2 to 3 hours. Either way, you’ll have a bubbling, fragrant meal ready to enjoy.
Top Tip
Through many slow cooker dinners, I've learned a few things that make my Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe shine even more. These tips will save you time and help avoid the common pitfalls I’ve faced.
- Use thighs for juiciness: Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy better than breasts, especially in slow cooking.
- Don’t skip the butter on stuffing: This creates that irresistible golden crust on top, adding texture and rich flavor.
- Layer vegetables first: It helps prevent sogginess and ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- Season well upfront: Salt and pepper the chicken before adding the sauce to enhance every bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors. A little cracked black pepper on top right before serving is also a nice touch.
Side Dishes
I usually pair this bake with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add freshness and balance. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber and tomato salad work beautifully, too, especially when you want to keep things light.
Creative Ways to Present
For special family dinners, I’ve plated this bake in rustic individual skillets to serve directly from oven to table. It’s a charming presentation and keeps the stuffing crispier longer. Another fun idea is to add a drizzle of warm gravy over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I let the leftover chicken and stuffing cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, and I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next meal even better!
Freezing
This recipe freezes well in portions. Just pack cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. When thawed, the texture of the stuffing softens a bit but reheats nicely with a crisp topping when finished under the broiler.
Reheating
I gently reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the stuffing crisp. Cover loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes, then uncover to let the topping brown again. Microwave works in a pinch, but you lose some of the lovely texture that way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Chicken breasts work well, especially if you prefer leaner meat. Just watch your cooking time to avoid drying them out. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy during slow cooking.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, or make a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk seasoned with herbs. This will still give you the creamy texture needed for the dish.
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, then refrigerate. When you’re ready, just set the cooker on LOW or HIGH and adjust the cooking time as needed. This is a great time-saver for busy days.
Make sure to spray your slow cooker well with nonstick spray and layer the veggies first to keep moisture away from the stuffing. Drizzling melted butter over the dry stuffing helps it crisp nicely instead of becoming mushy. Also, avoid removing the lid too often during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe always reminds me of those easy, lazy weekends when I just want something filling without standing at the stove. It’s trustworthy comfort that brings everyone around the table with empty plates and happy smiles. I can’t recommend it enough for busy days or anytime you need a little homecooked warmth. Give it a try—I’m sure you’ll love how simple, delicious, and fuss-free it is!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with carrots, broccoli, creamy mushroom and chicken soups, and herb-seasoned stuffing mix. Cooked slowly in a crockpot, it delivers a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 (12 ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets or 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Chicken
- 1 ½ - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
Stuffing
- 3 ½ cups (about 7.5 ounces) dry Pepperidge Farm Herb-Seasoned Stuffing Mix
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
Seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place the peeled and sliced carrots and broccoli florets at the bottom of the slow cooker evenly.
- Season and layer the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts with kosher salt and ground black pepper to your preference. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker, distributing evenly.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water (or low-sodium chicken broth) until smooth and well combined. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add stuffing and butter: Sprinkle the dry herb-seasoned stuffing mix evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce layer. Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing to help it cook to a golden finish.
- Cook the dish: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the stuffing is tender and flavorful. Do not open the lid frequently to maintain heat and moisture.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more tender and juicy results, but breasts work well too.
- Substitute fresh broccoli if preferred; just make sure to cut it into bite-size florets.
- Low-sodium chicken broth can be used instead of water for added flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free stuffing mix and verify soup ingredients.
- Check the seasoning before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 /6 of the recipe
- Calories: 854 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 2501 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 121 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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