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samedi 18 octobre 2025

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing" I make twice a week: Just put in the crockpot Full Recipe in comment 💬👀👇

 

Why this recipe works — the comfort & logic

The Chicken & Stuffing combo is essentially comfort food in a slow‑cooker form: tender chicken + stuffing mix + creamy sauce = hearty, homey, minimal effort. Several recipe authors highlight its ease: for example, one site says “a great recipe to pull out when you get caught not knowing what to make for dinner!”. Julie's Eats & Treats ®
Another says it’s “dump & go”, inexpensive ingredients, minimal chopping. The Cookie Rookie®

What makes it appealing:

  • Uses pantry staples (soup cans, stuffing mix, chicken).

  • Slow‑cooker means set it in the morning, dinner awaits.

  • Combines protein (chicken) + starch (stuffing) + creamy sauce for a full meal.

  • Versatile — you can add veggies, change flavorings, adjust cooking time.

With this foundation, let’s dive into the full detailed recipe, step by step, and then explore variations, side‑dishes, storage, troubleshooting, etc.


Ingredients & Equipment

Equipment

  • A slow cooker / Crock Pot (6‑quart size recommended to give space)

  • Non‑stick spray (or lightly grease the insert)

  • Mixing bowl

  • Measuring spoons/cups

  • Sharp knife & cutting board (if using onions/vegetables)

  • Serving spoon

Base Ingredient List (approx. 6 servings)

Based on a typical version:

Notes on ingredient choices

  • Chicken: Breasts are common, but thighs are also fine if you want richer flavor.

  • Stuffing mix: Many recipes use the dry mix without preparing it separately. The moisture in the slow cooker allows it to hydrate and bake along. Meatloaf and Melodrama

  • Cream soup + sour cream: These create the creamy sauce that keeps the dish from being dry; they ensure the stuffing remains moist and the chicken doesn’t dry out.

  • Chicken broth: Adjusting the amount of broth (or water) allows you to control how “wet” vs “dry” the stuffing topping is. Some people like a drier top; others like more saucy. Reddit

  • Vegetables: Including veggies makes it more “complete meal” and adds freshness and nutrients.

  • Seasonings: Though simple, adding garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, paprika etc improves flavor significantly.


Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Here is a detailed method, with reasoning, so you understand each step.

1. Prep & grease

  • Spray or lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker (helps with cleanup and avoids sticking).

  • If using onion/vegetables (e.g., ½ cup chopped onion, celery stalks), dice them now. Some recipes sauté onion & celery briefly before adding, if you want extra flavor. The Cookie Rookie®

2. Add the chicken

  • Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.

  • Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder (and other seasonings you like). For example: ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, fresh cracked pepper. catherinesplates.com

  • If using chicken thighs, treat similarly; they may cook a bit faster and yield richer taste.

3. Add the creamy sauce

  • In a mixing bowl combine the cream of chicken soup + sour cream + chicken broth (½ cup) and mix until smooth. Some recipes include onion or parsley in this mixture. tastesoflizzyt.com

  • Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, spreading so it covers the top. The sauce ensures the chicken is moistened and the stuffing topping will hydrate properly.

4. Add the stuffing topping

  • Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix from the box evenly over the top of the sauce/chicken layer. (Do not prepare it per package directions — the slow cooker’s moisture will hydrate it). Eating on a Dime+1

  • If using melted butter or additional broth to moisten the stuffing more, pour that now (some recipes call for melted butter over the stuffing before cooking). In the Kitchen with Momma Mel

  • If you like your stuffing a bit firmer, you can reduce the amount of added liquid or later remove the lid at the end to allow some moisture evaporation. Meatloaf and Melodrama

5. Add optional vegetables (if using)

  • If incorporating frozen green beans, corn, carrots or a bag of veggies, sprinkle them on top of the stuffing or tuck them in around edges. Some users note that canned veggies may become mushy — better use frozen or fresh. Eating on a Dime

6. Set and cook

  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

  • Choose your setting:

    • On Low: ~6‑8 hours.

    • On High: ~3‑4 hours (depending on thickness of chicken, model of slow cooker). The Cookie Rookie®

  • It’s important to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C) for safety. Some recipes recommend starting on high for safety reasons if using frozen chicken, but it’s best to use thawed chicken. The Cookie Rookie®

7. Optional finish & stirring

  • For a firmer or slightly crisp‑topped stuffing: about 30 minutes before serving, you can remove the lid (or transfer the top layer to an oven‑safe dish and broil for a few minutes) so excess moisture evaporates. The Cookie Rookie®+1

  • Some recipes recommend gently stirring the chicken & stuffing mixture right before serving so it’s mixed and easier to serve.

8. Serve

  • Once done, you can shred or slice the chicken (if you like shredded texture) and serve with the stuffing mixture spooned over or under.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped herbs if desired.

  • Pair with sides: green beans, salad, mashed potatoes, bread — comfort meal style.


Why the method works

  • Layering: Chicken on bottom cooks in its own juices + sauce; stuffing on top absorbs moisture from below and from sauce; vegetables if added stay on top and preserve texture.

  • Slow cooking: Low & slow cooks chicken gently so it becomes tender rather than tough; stuffing hydrating over time avoids dry or burnt bottoms.

  • Simple “dump” prep: Minimal chopping, minimal steps, fewer pans, fewer dishes.

  • Flexibility: Using store‑bought components (soups, stuffing) means faster prep but with slow‑cooker time delivering depth.


Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are many options.

Protein swaps

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.

  • Use turkey breast/thighs (especially if you want a “thanksgiving‐style” feel).

  • Try pre‑cooked shredded chicken — adjust cooking time downward.

Stuffing/Carb variants

  • Use cornbread‑flavored stuffing mix for a Southern twist. tastesoflizzyt.com

  • Use a gluten‑free stuffing mix (for gluten‑sensitive) and check soups accordingly. The Cookie Rookie®

  • For extra starch, serve over mashed potatoes or rice rather than just standalone.

Sauce adjustments

  • Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a homemade sauce. The Cookie Rookie®

  • For thicker sauce: use less broth, more sour cream. For thinner gravy‑type: add more broth or even a splash of white wine.

  • For extra flavor: add garlic cloves, minced, or sauté onion/garlic before adding. Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage for a “holiday” feel.

Vegetables & add‑ins

  • Add frozen green beans as a one‑pot veggie add‑in. Eating on a Dime

  • Add baby carrots, diced celery, mushrooms, corn, broccoli florets.

  • For “holiday” version: add dried cranberries & chopped celery into the stuffing layer. Meatloaf and Melodrama

Texture/Top finish

  • For a more crisp topping: remove lid last 30 minutes or transfer to oven and bake at ~400 °F ~10‑15 minutes. The Cookie Rookie®

  • For more “moist” stuffing: more broth; for drier stuffing: less liquid. Many “reddit” commenters note the amount of liquid affects whether the stuffing is mushy or firm. Reddit

Dietary / allergy tweaks

  • Gluten‑free: use GF stuffing mix + gluten‑free cream soups.

  • Lower sodium: choose low‑sodium broth and soups; reduce added salt.

  • Higher veggie count: double veggies, maybe half the stuffing mix for more greens.

  • Lighter version: omit sour cream or use light yogurt; less butter; serve with a large salad to offset heaviness.

  • Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth, meat substitute chicken, vegetarian “chicken” soup, vegetarian stuffing.

Flavor themes

  • “Thanksgiving in a dish”: use sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, turkey stuffing mix.

  • “Cheesy version”: add shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère) on top of the chicken before the stuffing. In the Kitchen with Momma Mel

  • “Spicy twist”: add green chiles, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or Cajun seasoning.

  • “Southwestern”: use cornbread stuffing, smoked paprika, black beans, corn, green chiles.

  • “Mediterranean”: use herbs like oregano, basil; substitute feta; add sun‑dried tomatoes; use Greek‑style sour cream or yogurt.


Side Dishes & Serving Suggestions

To round out the meal nicely:

  • Mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash go well — the creamy chicken & stuffing make for hearty comfort. tastesoflizzyt.com

  • Green beans, roasted or steamed, give freshness and balance.

  • Dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up sauce.

  • A simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

  • For holiday feel: add cranberry sauce, roasted root veg, or corn casserole. Meatloaf and Melodrama

  • Drink pairing: A light red wine (Pinot Noir) or crisp white (Chardonnay) for rich sauce; a cold beer for casual night.


Storage, Make‑Ahead & Leftovers

  • Make‑ahead: You can build the crock pot in the morning and cook later; some suggest prepping the night before and refrigerating, then start cooking the next day. catherinesplates.com

  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Many recipes note this. The Cookie Rookie®

  • Freezing: Some versions say freeze up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in fridge overnight, then warm gently; add a bit of broth if sauce has thickened. The Cookie Rookie®

  • Reheating tip: If the stuffing has become too dense, stir in a little warm chicken broth, cover and heat gently until warmed through.

  • Portioning: When cooking, you can cook a larger batch and portion into individual containers for future meals.


Troubleshooting & Tips for Best Results

  • Chicken overcooked / dry: Ensure chicken is covered by sauce and not exposed to dry heat. Use Low setting for longer time; check internal temp at ~6 hours if on Low.

  • Stuffing too soggy or mushy: Use less broth, or remove lid last ~30 minutes to evaporate moisture. Some users prefer a firmer stuffing texture. Reddit

  • Stuffing too dry / burnt: Use more liquid (broth) and ensure stuffing is well covered; also stir delicately before serving.

  • Vegetables over‑cooked/mushy: Add delicate veggies (like broccoli/florets) in last 30–60 minutes rather than start of cooking.

  • Flavor flat: Add more seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, fresh herbs) or use flavorful broth. A topping of fresh parsley or herbs adds brightness.

  • Bake top crisp: For crispier stuffing top, after slow‑cooker finish, transfer to oven and broil for 5–10 minutes.

  • Uneven cooking: Ensure chicken pieces are similar size, loosely placed (not overcrowded). Slow cookers vary in heat; adjust times. One source: “Crock pots all heat differently… cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing.” cdkitchen.com

  • Safety tip: Avoid putting frozen chicken; thaw first to ensure safe and even cooking. Many sources caution. The Cookie Rookie®


Full Example Recipe — “Classic Chicken & Stuffing Crockpot”

Here is a complete recipe you can use right away (for approx 6 servings).

Ingredients

  • 2 lb (≈ 4 large) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 medium onion, diced (optional)

  • 1 box (6 oz) chicken stuffing mix

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup low‑sodium chicken broth

  • Optional: 1 cup frozen green beans (or other vegetable)

  • Optional: 2 Tbsp melted butter (to drizzle over stuffing for richer top)

  • Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Spray the inside of a 6‑quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.

  2. Place chicken breasts in bottom of cooker, spread diced onion around if using. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, pepper (and salt to taste if unsalted broth/soup).

  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup + sour cream + chicken broth until smooth. Pour over chicken in the cooker.

  4. Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the top of the sauce. If using melted butter for a richer top, drizzle it evenly over the stuffing now.

  5. If including frozen green beans (or other veg), scatter them over the stuffing layer.

  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook:

    • On LOW: ~6 hours

    • On HIGH: ~3‑4 hours
      Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) and stuffing is hydrated and tender.

  7. About 30 minutes before serving (optional) remove the lid to allow the top to firm up slightly.

  8. Before serving, gently stir to combine chicken, sauce and stuffing. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with sides (mashed potatoes, green beans, salad).

Nutrition (estimated)

Based on similar versions: ~400‑520 calories per serving, ~30‑40 g protein, ~25‑30 g carbohydrates, fat varies. One source estimates ~519 kcal for 6‑serving version. tastesoflizzyt.com


Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing dish is an excellent go‑to for a hearty, satisfying dinner that practically makes itself. You’ll appreciate:

  • How little prep is needed

  • How many variations you can explore

  • How it delivers comfort, flavor, and ease

If you’re smart, you’ll keep the key ingredients on hand (chicken, stuffing mix, cream soup, sour cream) so when you’ve got a busy night you can throw this together and chill until dinner.

Would you like me to pull together three variant recipes for this base dish (e.g., a low‑carb version, a vegetarian version, and a holiday enhanced version) with full ingredient lists and instructions?

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