If you are craving a cozy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, then this Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful green beans, and that classic savory stuffing all layered perfectly inside your slow cooker. The magic happens as the flavors meld together over a few hours, giving you a hearty, satisfying meal that’s full of homey goodness with very little effort. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or a meal for guests, this recipe delivers simplicity and taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and familiar, but they each play an essential role in building up the flavor, texture, and heartiness of the dish. From the tender chicken to the buttery stuffing topping, this recipe lets each component shine.
- Chicken breasts: The main protein, providing juicy, tender meat that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory aroma and depth to the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lift the taste with earthy, fresh notes.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses the chicken with savory goodness.
- Green beans, fresh or frozen: Adds a vibrant color and a fresh, crisp texture for balance.
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cans): Brings creamy richness and a comforting sauce base.
- Stovetop stuffing mix (6 ounces): Creates the classic stuffing flavor and crispy, buttery topping.
- Butter, melted (6 tablespoons): Drizzled over the stuffing mix to enhance flavor and keep layers separate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Seasonings
Start by placing the chicken breasts right in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the chicken, and pour in the chicken broth. This simple step ensures your chicken stays moist and gets infused with those lovely herb and garlic notes that will really carry through the recipe.
Step 2: Add the Green Beans
Next, scatter the green beans across the chicken and broth. These will cook perfectly alongside the chicken, adding a fresh touch of green and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the meat and stuffing.
Step 3: Spread the Cream of Chicken Soup
Gently spoon the cream of chicken soup over the contents without stirring. This layer creates a luscious, creamy blanket that melds all the flavors and keeps everything ultra moist while it cooks. Don’t mix it; just spread it evenly so you get that rich sauce layer on top.
Step 4: Top with Stuffing Mix and Butter
Evenly distribute the stuffing mix over the soup layer, then drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing. This step is key for keeping the layers distinct and ensures that buttery, crispy topping classic to any great stuffing. The butter also helps the stuffing to bake up golden and delicious while soaking up flavor from below.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easy to shred or slice. This slow, gentle cooking brings everything together so beautifully, with the stuffing on top getting just the right texture — soft inside with a slightly crisp crust.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra wow factor when serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. These bright herbs add a burst of color and a fresh, fragrant finish that complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables can round out your meal nicely. A simple cranberry sauce or applesauce also makes a delightful accompaniment, adding that hint of sweetness that pairs so well with the savory chicken and stuffing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve this Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. This presentation keeps portions cozy and warm, and the stuffing top looks especially inviting when it has that golden crust. For a family-style dinner, serve it straight from the slow cooker at the table so everyone can dig in and enjoy the comforting goodness together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing Recipe freezes well. Separate into meal-sized portions, place in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out, heating at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until hot all the way through. Adding a bit of extra butter on top can revive that delicious crust.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides green beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn work wonderfully and can add different textures and flavors. Just keep in mind cooking times if swapping out.
Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts?
You can use frozen chicken, but it will require a longer cooking time on low—usually about 7 to 8 hours—to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the stovetop stuffing mix for a gluten-free version and confirm that your broth and soup are gluten-free as well.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this in the oven?
You can bake this dish covered in a casserole dish at 350°F for about an hour and a half, but you’ll want to check the chicken frequently to avoid drying it out.
How can I make this recipe a bit healthier?
Try using low-sodium broth and soup, reduce the butter slightly, or incorporate more vegetables to boost nutrients and fiber while keeping the flavor intact.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and joyful about the Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing Recipe that makes it a true winner for busy days and family dinners. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug and fuels those cozy moments around the table. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become one of your favorite slow cooker meals you reach for again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing recipe offers a comforting and hearty one-pot meal packed with tender chicken breasts, savory stuffing, fresh green beans, and creamy chicken soup. Perfect for busy days, it combines classic flavors with the convenience of slow cooking to deliver a delicious, fuss-free dinner that feeds six.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
Vegetables and Soup
- 2 cups green beans, fresh or frozen
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
Stuffing
- 1 box (6 ounces) stovetop stuffing mix
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the 2 pounds of chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 cup chicken broth evenly over the chicken to infuse flavor as it cooks.
- Add Green Beans: Incorporate 2 cups of fresh or frozen green beans into the slow cooker, distributing them evenly around and over the chicken mixture.
- Layer Cream of Chicken Soup: Spread 2 cans of cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken and green beans in the slow cooker, but do not stir. This creamy layer helps to keep the ingredients moist and flavorful.
- Top with Stuffing and Butter: Evenly distribute the stovetop stuffing mix (6 ounces) over the layer of soup. Drizzle 6 tablespoons of melted butter over the stuffing layer to help it cook with a rich flavor and maintain distinct layers.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and the stuffing is fully cooked through.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen green beans depending on availability; both work well in this recipe.
- Do not stir after adding the soups and stuffing layers to maintain textures and allow gradual cooking.
- Butter helps crisp up the stuffing on top and adds richness.
- Ensure the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
