There’s something incredibly cozy about pulling a warm, homey dish straight from the slow cooker after a long day. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe delivers comfort in every bite with tender chicken, melty veggies, and fluffy, buttery stuffing topping that’s just irresistible.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe has been a go-to in my house on busy weeknights because it’s so easy to throw together and the flavors sing a nostalgic tune. Plus, there's something magical about the way the stuffing crisps up on top while the chicken stays juicy underneath.
- Effortless Preparation: Just layer ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work—no constant stirring or babysitting required.
- Flavor-Packed Comfort: Creamy mushroom and chicken soups blend with herbs and butter for a rich, cozy taste everyone loves.
- Family-Friendly: Mild yet delicious flavors make it perfect for picky eaters and a crowd-pleaser at family dinners.
- Versatility: You can swap veggies, add spices, or use different chicken cuts to make it your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe shines because it uses simple ingredients that complement each other perfectly—creamy soups for moisture, veggies for texture, and stuffing mix that turns golden and crispy right in your slow cooker.
- Carrots: They add a slight sweetness and hold their shape nicely during the slow cooking process.
- Broccoli florets: A great way to sneak in some green—frozen works fine and keeps things convenient, but fresh adds extra pop.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts are leaner and still tender when cooked low and slow.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and creaminess that blends beautifully with the chicken.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Deepens the savory flavor and keeps everything moist.
- Water or chicken broth: Just enough liquid to help everything meld without making it soggy.
- Dry herb-seasoned stuffing mix: The star topping that crisps up beautifully and imparts herby goodness.
- Butter: Melted and drizzled over the stuffing for that golden, rich finish.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential to season and bring all those flavors alive.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is—you can easily make it your own. I’ve tried adding different veggies or even a little garlic powder to the mix for extra flavor, and it always turns out great.
- Variation: I love swapping broccoli for green beans when in season; it adds a slightly different texture and fresh flavor that’s delightful.
- Spicy Kick: Sometimes I mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some smoked paprika for a subtle heat that wakes up the dish.
- Cheesy Upgrade: For a richer version, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top of the stuffing before cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: You can replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth – just tweak cooking times accordingly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Veggie Base
Start by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to make clean-up easier—trust me, this pays off. Then layer the peeled and sliced carrots and broccoli florets at the bottom. These veggies act as a flavorful bed that keeps the chicken elevated and prevents it from stewing in its juices.
Step 2: Season and Add the Chicken
Season your chicken thighs or breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lay the chicken pieces right on top of the veggies. This simple seasoning forms the foundation for all those cozy flavors we’re building.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water or low-sodium chicken broth. The mix is your secret sauce to juicy, tender chicken and that rich casserole flavor everyone loves. Pour it evenly over the chicken, making sure it’s nicely coated.
Step 4: Top with Stuffing and Butter
Sprinkle the dry Pepperidge Farm Herb-Seasoned Stuffing Mix evenly over the top, then drizzle the melted butter over everything. That butter is what gives the stuffing an addictive crispness and golden color as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Low and slow produces the best tender chicken and stuffing texture, but high works well when you’re short on time. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is beautifully browned on top.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned that tiny tweaks make a big difference with this recipe. Here are my favorite tips for guaranteed success and deliciousness every time.
- Don't Skip Butter: Drizzling melted butter over the stuffing is essential for that crispy, golden crust—you’ll want to savor every crunch.
- Layer Smartly: Placing veggies at the bottom elevates the chicken and prevents sogginess, keeping textures just right.
- Choose Dark Meat for Juiciness: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender even after slow cooking for hours.
- Resist Lifting the Lid: Frequent checking lets heat escape and lengthens cooking time—trust your slow cooker to work its magic!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme—it adds a fresh burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the rich casserole. Sometimes, a handful of shredded cheddar on top right before serving makes it extra comforting.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with simple green sides like a crisp mixed salad or roasted brussels sprouts to balance the creaminess. Mashed potatoes are also a natural companion if you want to go all-in on comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special dinners, I’ll bake this in a decorative ceramic slow cooker insert or transfer it to a pretty casserole dish before serving, garnished with fresh herbs. It feels more festive and makes for easy family-style serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the stuffing topping a bit to keep its texture, but honestly, it’s still fantastic straight from the fridge.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. I let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best results.
Reheating
I recommend reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps give the stuffing back some of its crispiness instead of making it soggy like microwave reheating can do.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, especially if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on cooking times since breasts can dry out faster—cooking on low for a shorter time is best.
Yes, you can substitute the condensed soups with dairy-free versions or make your own creamy base using coconut milk and vegetable broth. Use a dairy-free butter alternative to drizzle on the stuffing for a similar texture.
Placing the veggies beneath the chicken helps keep moisture balanced so the stuffing isn’t sitting in excess liquid. Also, drizzling melted butter on top before cooking allows the stuffing to crisp up nicely. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature.
Definitely! You can add green beans, celery, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken and stuffing.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe has become such a comfort food staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, forgiving, and downright delicious. It’s exactly the kind of recipe you want when life’s busy but you still crave that homemade warmth. I’m confident you’ll find it as satisfying and simple to make as I do—give it a try and make it your own!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked with carrots, broccoli, creamy mushroom and chicken soups, and topped with buttery herb-seasoned stuffing mix. Perfect for an easy slow cooker meal that combines classic flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 (12 ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets or 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Protein
- 1 ½ - 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Soup and Liquid
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
Stuffing and Fat
- 3 ½ cups (about 7.5 ounces) dry Pepperidge Farm Herb-Seasoned Stuffing Mix
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
Seasonings
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer vegetables: Place the peeled and sliced carrots and broccoli florets evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season and add chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with kosher salt and ground black pepper on both sides, then place them on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Mix and pour sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, and ¼ cup water (or low-sodium chicken broth). Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add stuffing and butter: Sprinkle the dry Pepperidge Farm Herb-Seasoned Stuffing Mix over the sauce-covered chicken. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the stuffing layer.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is moist and flavorful.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results or chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- Substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if you prefer a firmer vegetable texture.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium or homemade condensed soups and chicken broth.
- If you prefer crispier stuffing topping, uncover the slow cooker for the last 15 minutes of cooking on HIGH.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep; the leftovers reheat well and the flavors deepen overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 854 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 2501 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 121 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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