If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming meal that hits all the right notes of comfort food, then Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing is an absolute must-try. This dish brings juicy, tender chicken together with flavorful, moist stuffing all cooked low and slow to perfection. It’s like a hug on a plate—easy to make, full of classic flavors, and perfect for any day you want dinner to practically make itself while filling your home with incredible aromas.

Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of savory, aromatic, and satisfying textures that everyone will love.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are the star protein, tender and juicy when slow-cooked gently over hours.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Moistens the stuffing while adding extra savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Stuffing mix: The classic base that absorbs flavors and provides that comforting, crumbly texture we crave.
Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and subtle sharpness once sautéed to soften.
Diced celery: Brings a gentle crunch and fresh herbal notes to the dish.
Unsalted butter: Used to sauté vegetables and enrich the stuffing with a luscious finish.
Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs infuse the dish with their woodsy, fragrant qualities that complement both chicken and stuffing beautifully.
Freshly cracked pepper: Enhances all the flavors and adds a pleasing gentle heat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients so everything is within reach. Finely chop the onion and celery—these will soften and sweeten as they sauté, creating the flavor base for your stuffing.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Celery

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until they become tender and translucent. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and mellows out any raw sharpness.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Place your boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper, ensuring every bite will have a burst of flavor. Don’t be shy—this seasoning is crucial for the juiciness and taste of the chicken.

Step 4: Combine Stuffing Mix

In a large bowl, stir together the stuffing mix, chicken broth, the sautéed onion and celery, and the melted butter. This mixture should be nicely moistened but not soggy—perfect for absorbing flavors as it cooks low and slow.

Step 5: Layer Stuffing Over Chicken

Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. The stuffing acts like a flavorful topping, locking in moisture and seasoning the chicken from above.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours if you have the time, or on high for about 4 hours if you’re short on patience. The long, slow cooking melds all those flavors together and results in tender chicken and perfectly cooked stuffing.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few thyme sprigs brightens the dish visually and complements the earthy herbs used in cooking. A light drizzle of melted butter or a few grinds of freshly cracked pepper right before serving adds a wonderful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Since Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing is so flavorful and filling on its own, go for light, fresh sides like steamed green beans, a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette, or roasted root vegetables for color and variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stuffing and chicken in individual ramekins layered beautifully, or scoop the stuffing onto warmed plates with the sliced chicken nestled alongside. You can also use this as a hearty filling for savory hand pies or stuff bell peppers for a colorful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners the next day without losing any flavor or moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it will last up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the dish. Reheat until warmed through and the stuffing is moist again.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts will add extra flavor but may require slightly longer cooking time. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free stuffing mix. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add sturdy vegetables like carrots or parsnips on the bottom before placing the chicken on top. Softer veggies can be added in the last hour to avoid overcooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should be tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The stuffing should be moist and flavorful as well.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, doubling is possible if your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts). Cooking time may extend slightly, so keep an eye on doneness.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing is one of those magical recipes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. It’s easy, satisfying, and full of classic flavors that bring everyone to the table with smiles. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. So go ahead, dig in and enjoy every comforting bite!

Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with flavorful herb-infused stuffing. This meal combines sautéed onions and celery with classic stuffing mix and savory chicken broth for a perfectly moist and delicious one-pot dinner.

Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop the onion and dice the celery to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavors during sautéing.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, to build the base flavor for the stuffing.
Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Season generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.
Mix Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the low-sodium chicken broth, sautéed onion and celery, and the melted butter remaining from the skillet. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly moistened but not soggy.
Layer Stuffing: Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker, covering them completely to lock in moisture and flavor during cooking.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the stuffing is fully heated and flavorful.

Notes

You can substitute fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for dried if preferred; use three times the amount for fresh herbs.
Using low-sodium broth helps control the salt level in the dish.
For a crispier stuffing topping, you may uncover the slow cooker for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.
To add extra moisture, baste the chicken once or twice during cooking if possible.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American