Rekindle cherished family dinner memories with this heartwarming Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing recipe. A delicious blend of creamy chicken, savory stuffing, and wholesome green beans, it’s a dish that my father adored and it’s sure to win the hearts of your family too. Perfect for busy days, this recipe offers both comfort and convenience, effortlessly cooked in a crockpot.
Ingredients
1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
1 box (6 oz) of stuffing mix
8 oz sour cream (approximately 1 cup)
¾ cup of water
1 bag (16 oz) of frozen green beans
3-4 large chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (for high setting) or 6 hours 10 minutes (for low setting)
Servings: 4-6
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing the salted and peppered chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
Mix the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, stuffing mix, and half of the water. Stir the mixture until well combined. This step ensures a creamy and flavorful stuffing that complements the chicken perfectly.
Layer the Dish: Gently pour the soup and stuffing mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. This layering technique allows each component of the dish to maintain its texture and flavor while cooking.
Add Green Beans: Place the frozen green beans on top of the stuffing layer, and then pour the remaining water over them. If you prefer the green beans to remain separate from the stuffing, position them towards the side of the crockpot.
Cooking: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Mix Periodically: If possible, periodically mix the stuffing during the cooking process to ensure even moisture distribution. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect stuffing texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve this heartwarming dish hot. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food is appreciated.
Related Recipes:
- Meat Stuffing Ingredients Explained
- What Is The Difference Between Stuffing and Dressing?
- French Meat Stuffing Recipe: A Delicious and Traditional Dish for Any Occasion
Tips and Variations
- Healthier Options: If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider using a low-fat or reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup. You can also substitute the regular sour cream with a low-fat or fat-free version.
- Herb Enhancements: Elevate the flavor profile by adding your favorite herbs to the stuffing mix. Thyme, rosemary, and sage are excellent choices that complement the chicken and stuffing flavors beautifully.
- Vegetable Varieties: While green beans are a classic addition, feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Carrots, peas, or corn can add color and variety to the dish.
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken? This recipe can also be made with turkey breasts. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey from holiday dinners.
- Cheesy Delight: For an extra touch of richness, sprinkle some grated cheese over the top of the stuffing about 30 minutes before the end of cooking time. A cheese like cheddar or Swiss melts beautifully and adds a gooey deliciousness.
- Crispy Topping: If you prefer a crispy top layer to your stuffing, transfer the cooked chicken and stuffing to an oven-safe dish and broil for a few minutes until the top gets crispy.
- Spice It Up: Add a little kick to the recipe by including a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the stuffing mix.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: For those with gluten sensitivities, use a gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
- Slow Cooker Liners: For an easier cleanup, use a slow cooker liner. This simple addition can save you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Leftover Makeover: Turn any leftovers into a brand-new meal by adding them to a casserole or using them as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Remember, cooking is all about making a dish your own. Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish and Presentation: Enhance the dish’s appeal by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. Serve the chicken and stuffing in a large serving dish to showcase its homestyle appeal.
- Pairing with Sides: Complement this hearty meal with a light salad, crusty bread, or a side of cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness.
- Wine Pairing: A nice Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir can pair beautifully with the creamy and savory flavors of the dish.
- Serving Temperature: This dish is best served hot. If it has cooled down, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for longer storage. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the stuffing might change slightly upon thawing.
- Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a little water or chicken broth to the stuffing to prevent it from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Avoiding Sogginess: If you’re storing the dish in the refrigerator and are concerned about the stuffing getting soggy, consider storing the chicken and stuffing separately.
Tips for Leftovers:
- Chicken Sandwiches: Shred any leftover chicken and mix with a bit of mayo, mustard, and herbs to make a delicious sandwich filling.
- Stuffing Muffins: Press the leftover stuffing into muffin tins and bake until crispy for a fun and portable snack.
- Chicken Salad: Chop up the chicken and mix with greens, veggies, and your favorite dressing for a quick and easy salad.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can fully enjoy your Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing meal and make the most of any leftovers. Remember, the key to great leftovers is proper storage and a little creativity!
📖 Recipe
PrintCrockpot Chicken & Stuffing
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (high), 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Indulge in the comfort of homestyle cooking with this delicious Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing recipe. Perfect for family dinners, this dish combines tender chicken breasts, creamy soup, savory stuffing, and nutritious green beans.
Ingredients
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix
8 oz sour cream
¾ cup water
1 bag (16 oz) frozen green beans
3–4 large chicken breasts, salted and peppered
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix soup, sour cream, stuffing mix, and half of the water. Pour over chicken.
- Add green beans and the remaining water around the sides.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
- Periodically mix the stuffing, if possible.
Notes
For a healthier version, use low-fat soup and sour cream.
The stuffing can be mixed with herbs for added flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high, 6-7 hours on low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American