Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for busy nights? This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is the answer! With tender chicken breasts, creamy stuffing, and flavorful seasonings, this hearty meal is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re using a slow cooker (Crock Pot) or Instant Pot, this dish is full of comforting, savory flavors and is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. It’s a great combination of protein, vegetables, and stuffing, making it a well-rounded meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1.5 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 10.5 oz. can of low-sodium cream of chicken soup
• 8 oz. (1 cup) sour cream
• 6 oz. box of stuffing mix
• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh green beans (see notes)

Optional Add-ins for Stuffing:

• ½ cup diced onions
• ½ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup cooked crumbled sausage
• 2 teaspoons dry rosemary

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Instructions

Crock Pot Method:

1. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place them at the bottom of a lightly greased Crock Pot.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, stuffing mix, and half of the chicken broth.
3. Add the stuffing mixture and green beans to the Crock Pot. You can either layer the stuffing on top of the chicken followed by the green beans or add everything side by side.
4. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
5. If you prefer extra moisture, add the remaining chicken broth, stir, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
6. For firmer stuffing, leave the lid off for the last 30-40 minutes of cooking. To keep the chicken moist, cover it with foil.
7. Optionally, for a crispy topping, pop it in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes to brown the top.
8. Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, and buttermilk biscuits if desired.

Instant Pot Method:

1. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour ¾ cup of chicken broth into the Instant Pot and place the chicken inside, overlapping if necessary.
3. Seal the vent and set the Instant Pot to manual or pressure cook for 14 minutes if using frozen chicken, or 8 minutes for fresh or defrosted chicken. Ensure the pressure valve is closed.
4. As the chicken cooks, gently combine the stuffing, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream in a separate bowl. Avoid over-mixing.
5. Once the timer goes off, use the quick release to let the steam escape and press the cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot.
6. Open the lid and check that the chicken is fully cooked. There will be moisture at the bottom, which is necessary for the stuffing.
7. If using frozen green beans, place them on top of the chicken, reseal the lid, and set the timer for 2 minutes. Release the valve, let the steam escape, and then add the stuffing mixture on top.
8. If using fresh green beans, add them along with the stuffing and reseal the Instant Pot. Set the timer to 4 minutes to heat the stuffing.
9. Once done, release the valve and allow the steam to escape before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient & Easy: Both the Crock Pot and Instant Pot methods make this dish simple to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
• Flavorful & Savory: The combination of tender chicken, creamy stuffing, and seasoned broth creates a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Busy Days: Whether you’re using a Crock Pot or Instant Pot, this dish requires little prep and is great for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Tips

• Don’t Over-mix the Stuffing: When combining the stuffing, sour cream, and soup, mix gently to avoid a dense texture.
• For Extra Moisture: If the stuffing seems dry, add a bit more chicken broth during the cooking process. This will help the stuffing soak up more flavor and moisture.
• Texture: For firmer stuffing, cook with the lid off in the last 30 minutes, and for a crispy top, finish in the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with a plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add More Veggies: Consider adding diced carrots, mushrooms, or peas to the stuffing mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• Stuffing Alternatives: Swap the traditional stuffing mix for cornbread stuffing, whole wheat stuffing, or gluten-free stuffing to cater to dietary preferences.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes! If using frozen chicken, the Instant Pot cooking time is 14 minutes, and the Crock Pot method will still work fine.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare everything in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Can I freeze Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing? While freezing is possible, the texture of the stuffing might change when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen for up to 1-2 months if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: Serve this comforting dish with mashed potatoes and a drizzle of gravy for an indulgent meal.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Pair with soft, fluffy biscuits to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
• Green Salad: A light salad with fresh greens will balance out the richness of the dish.

Enjoy this hearty, family-friendly Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing as the perfect meal for any occasion!