If you are searching for comforting, soul-warming food that feels like a hug on a plate, this Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe is your answer. It transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Slow-cooked chicken breast nestled under a luscious, herb-packed stuffing creates an ideal harmony between tender meat and moist, savory breading. This recipe elevates classic flavors with ease and promises a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or holiday gatherings alike.
Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe is a brilliant example of how quality basics can come together to create something extraordinary. Each component has been carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish truly special.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for sautéing aromatics and adding richness, divided to enhance both flavor and texture in the stuffing.
- Medium onion: Provides a natural sweetness and depth, diced for even cooking and distribution throughout the stuffing.
- Celery ribs: Adds crispness and a subtle herbal note that balances the richness perfectly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base; tender when slow-cooked and easy to shred for the perfect mouthfeel.
- Seasoned salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Dried sage, poultry seasoning, garlic powder: Classic herbs and spices that nod to traditional dressing recipes, giving warmth and aromatic spices.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup: These soups add creaminess and a savory base that keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Large eggs: Bind the stuffing ingredients together for a cohesive yet tender texture.
- Chicken broth and whole milk: Liquids that hydrate the stuffing mix ensuring it stays soft and rich throughout the slow cook process.
- Cornbread stuffing mix and herb seasoned stuffing mix: A delightful combination that delivers both crumbly and herby textures, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor
Start by melting half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking them gently until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and sets the flavor foundation for your stuffing.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Base
Next, place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, which should be at least 6 litres. Sprinkle lightly with seasoned salt and black pepper to enhance the subtle flavor of the chicken. This layer will keep the meat moist during cooking and allow juices to mingle with the stuffing.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Seasoned Base
In a spacious bowl, whisk together both cans of condensed soups, eggs, chicken broth, and milk. Add sage, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and the remaining salt and pepper. This creamy mixture is the secret to the irresistible moistness and seasoning throughout the dish.
Step 4: Combine the Stuffing Mixes
Add both your cornbread and herb seasoned stuffing mixes to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is thoroughly moistened. This blend introduces wonderful textures and flavors that contrast beautifully with the tender chicken.
Step 5: Fold in the Sautéed Vegetables
Gently incorporate the softened onions and celery from step one into the stuffing mixture. This distributes the savory, softened aromatics evenly throughout, ensuring every bite has a bit of that vibrant vegetable charm.
Step 6: Layer the Stuffing Over the Chicken
Carefully spoon the stuffing mixture over the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly to fully cover the meat. This top layer will cook to a moist, flavorful topping that complements the shredded chicken underneath.
Step 7: Add Butter for a Luxurious Finish
Slice the remaining butter into thin pats and scatter these over the stuffing’s surface. As it melts during cooking, it will add a golden richness and help create an inviting texture to the dish’s top layer.
Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook the whole dish on the LOW setting for about 4 hours. This slow process gently cooks the chicken until reaching a safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and allows flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 9: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, use two forks to gently shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the stuffing. Serve hot, making sure each plate gets a generous helping of both the tender chicken and the creamy, herb-packed dressing.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme make brilliant garnishes that add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to this creamy dish. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top also enhances the rustic appeal and brings out the spices.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs beautifully with crisp green vegetables like steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, making the whole meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful presentation, serve this Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe in rustic, shallow casserole dishes or individual ramekins. Layer the chicken and stuffing in clear baking dishes for a stunning visual that highlights the golden top and moist interior, perfect for sharing at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture. This dish reheats wonderfully and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftover Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave some headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. For the oven, place the dish in a covered baking dish at 175°C (350°F) until heated through, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the moistness during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier in slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as dark meat may cook a little faster in the slow cooker.
Is it necessary to use both types of stuffing mix?
While you can use just one type, combining cornbread and herb seasoned stuffing mixes adds complexity in texture and layers of flavor that make this recipe extra special.
Can I prepare this recipe in the oven instead of a Crock Pot?
Yes, you can bake it in a covered casserole dish at 175°C (350°F) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe temperature and the stuffing is cooked through.
What if I don’t have seasoned salt?
You can substitute with regular salt mixed with some paprika and garlic powder to achieve a similar flavor profile. Season to taste and remember you can always add more later.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). The meat should be opaque and easily shredded with forks.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe is a timeless, heartwarming dish that effortlessly brings comfort and flavor to your table. Its ease and rich taste make it a staple you’ll want to revisit again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home too. So grab your slow cooker and start filling your kitchen with those inviting aromas today!
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Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful, herb-infused stuffing mixture cooked slowly in a slow cooker. The creamy and savory blend of soups, dairy, and seasoning creates a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Butter and Aromatics
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
Chicken
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Soup and Liquids
- 1 can (284 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (284 grams) condensed cream of celery soup
- 2 large eggs
- 480 millilitres chicken broth
- 120 millilitres whole milk
Stuffing Mixes
- 1 bag (340 grams) cornbread stuffing mix
- 3 cups (approximately 120 grams) herb seasoned stuffing mix
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in a greased 6-litre or larger slow cooker. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of celery soup, eggs, chicken broth, milk, dried sage, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until fully blended.
- Add Stuffing Mixes: Stir in the cornbread stuffing mix and herb seasoned stuffing mix until the mixture is thoroughly combined and well moistened.
- Combine with Aromatics: Gently fold the sautéed onions and celery into the stuffing mixture until evenly distributed.
- Layer Stuffing Over Chicken: Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, spreading to cover completely.
- Add Remaining Butter: Cut the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter into thin slices and scatter evenly over the surface of the stuffing mixture.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Shred Chicken and Serve: Using two forks, gently shred the chicken within the dish. Serve hot, ensuring each portion includes both chicken and dressing.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) before serving.
- For a crispier top, you can briefly broil the cooked stuffing before serving (optional).
- Feel free to substitute low-fat milk to reduce calories.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before eating.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
