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Crock-Pot Chicken and Stuffing
This recipe is a simple, one-pot meal that combines the comforting flavors of chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy soup base. Perfect for a busy day, it requires minimal prep and delivers a delicious dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless chicken breast halves
- Chicken breasts work best for this recipe as they are lean and cook up tender in the Crock-Pot. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly juicier result.
- 1 (6-ounce) package Stove Top stuffing mix
- Stove Top is a classic choice for stuffing mix. You can opt for any variety (such as chicken, savory herbs, or cornbread) to adjust the flavor to your liking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own homemade stuffing mix.
- 1/2 cup water
- This helps hydrate the stuffing mix. The water is important for softening the dry mix and ensuring the stuffing turns out moist.
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- The cream of mushroom soup provides the creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish. If you prefer, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup for a milder taste or even cream of celery for a lighter flavor. For a healthier version, you can use a low-fat or reduced-sodium version of the soup.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- This adds moisture and enhances the savory flavor of the chicken. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish. If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with water or a vegetable broth.
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock-Pot. There’s no need to cut or season the chicken at this point, as the broth and soup will infuse it with flavor as it cooks.
- If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, they will work in the slow cooker as well, but make sure to cook the dish for at least 7 hours on low.
- Pour the Chicken Broth:
- Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the chicken breasts, making sure the chicken is well covered in liquid. This will ensure the chicken stays moist and tender as it cooks.
- Prepare the Stuffing Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Stove Top stuffing mix, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir it together until the stuffing mix is evenly moistened. The water hydrates the stuffing, and the soup provides creaminess. If you’d like, you can add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) to enhance the flavor.
- Assemble in the Crock-Pot:
- Carefully spoon the stuffing mixture over the chicken breasts. Spread it evenly, covering the chicken as much as possible. Don’t worry if the stuffing seems a little dry at first; it will absorb moisture from the broth and soup while it cooks.
- Cook on Low:
- Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low for 6 hours. This low and slow cooking time allows the chicken to become tender, the stuffing to absorb all the flavors, and the soup mixture to thicken. If you want to check the doneness of the chicken, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you’re using frozen chicken, you might need to increase the cooking time to 7-8 hours.
- Finish and Serve:
- After 6 hours, check the chicken to make sure it’s cooked through. If you want shredded chicken, use two forks to pull the chicken apart directly in the Crock-Pot.
- Stir the stuffing mixture to distribute any liquid that may have settled at the bottom.
- Serve the chicken and stuffing over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with a simple green salad on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For Extra Flavor:
Add some garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or herbs (rosemary or thyme) to the broth and soup mixture. This will elevate the overall flavor of the dish. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a subtle heat. - Vegetable Add-ins:
If you like, you can stir in some frozen peas, carrots, corn, or green beans into the stuffing mixture before cooking to make the dish a bit more hearty and colorful. Just be sure to press any extra moisture from the veggies before adding to avoid a soggy stuffing. - Make It a One-Pot Meal:
If you’re not serving this with mashed potatoes or rice, you can add extra vegetables directly to the Crock-Pot. Some people add cubed potatoes or sweet potatoes to the broth to cook alongside the chicken for an all-in-one meal. - Leftovers:
The leftovers of this dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze the leftover portions for up to 3 months.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Minimal Prep:
You don’t need to sear the chicken or do any complicated prep work. Simply layer the ingredients in the Crock-Pot, and it does all the work for you. - Tender Chicken:
The low-and-slow cooking method keeps the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. The stuffing mix soaks up all the delicious broth and soup, making it a comforting side dish. - Versatile:
You can easily customize the dish by adding your favorite seasonings or vegetables. It’s a fantastic way to use up pantry staples like canned soup and stuffing mix.
Enjoy this easy Crock-Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe with your family for a cozy, no-fuss meal!