Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce, all cooked together in one pot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The green beans add a bit of color and nutrition, making this a well-rounded, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, these chicken breasts cook to tender perfection in the slow cooker.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness to the stuffing, helping it to become flavorful and moist.
- 6 ounces chicken stuffing mix: The stuffing mix absorbs the flavors from the chicken and broth, becoming a delicious, savory component of the meal.
- 1 can (14 oz) green beans, drained: Green beans add a pop of color and a healthy vegetable component to the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This creamy soup forms the base of the sauce, coating the chicken and stuffing with a rich, savory flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Helps to moisten the stuffing and create a flavorful sauce for the chicken.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a slight tanginess and extra creaminess to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and stuffing with a subtle garlic note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This step ensures that the chicken is well-seasoned and flavorful.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This creamy mixture will serve as the sauce for the dish, keeping the chicken moist and infusing the stuffing with flavor.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly coated. Next, layer the drained green beans on top of the chicken. The green beans will cook alongside the chicken, absorbing some of the sauce for added flavor.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a separate bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the melted butter. Stir until the stuffing is well-coated with the butter. The butter helps to create a rich, flavorful stuffing that complements the chicken and sauce.
- Add the Stuffing: Evenly spread the buttered stuffing mix over the green beans and chicken in the slow cooker. The stuffing will cook and absorb the flavors from the chicken and sauce, becoming a delicious, savory topping.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, tender, and easy to shred with a fork. The stuffing should be moist and flavorful, with a slightly crisp texture on top.
- Serve: Once the dish is cooked, carefully remove the lid and give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors. Serve the chicken and stuffing hot, with a side of the green beans. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and added freshness.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese: For an extra creamy and cheesy version, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the stuffing during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, corn, or peas to the slow cooker for additional nutrition and variety.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the sauce for a more aromatic flavor.
- Bread Crumbs: For a crispier topping, you can sprinkle some seasoned bread crumbs over the stuffing during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Why This Recipe Works:
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to cook until it’s perfectly tender while the stuffing absorbs all the flavors of the chicken and sauce. The green beans add a fresh, slightly crunchy element that balances the richness of the dish. The combination of cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.
Slow Cooker Chicken & Stuffing is a delicious, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. The tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce make for a comforting and hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for leftovers for the week, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Serve it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal, and enjoy the cozy, satisfying flavors of this classic dish.
