If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table with pure excitement, this Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a beautiful blend of tender chicken and rich, flavorful dressing that simmers slowly to perfection, creating a dish that is both simple to make and loaded with nostalgic, soulful taste. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or imagining a cozy holiday feast, this recipe offers that perfect balance of ease and homemade goodness that everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward yet essential to building layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the soft sautéed vegetables adding sweetness to the rich blend of seasonings that give the dish its warmth and character.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Used to sauté veggies and add richness, butter is key for that comforting mouthfeel.
- Medium onion, diced: Brings a juicy sweetness that softens and blends perfectly with the herbs.
- Celery ribs (2), diced: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh herbal flavor to balance the creaminess.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 to 4): The tender protein base that cooks slow and shreddy-delicious.
- Seasoned salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Enhances the natural flavors with a gentle, savory kick.
- Freshly ground black pepper (3/4 teaspoon, divided): Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- Dried sage (2 teaspoons): The signature herb that gives the dressing its classic, earthy aroma.
- Poultry seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend that complements the chicken with depth and complexity.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle, fragrant undertone without overpowering the dish.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 284 grams): A creamy binder that melds flavors and keeps everything moist.
- Condensed cream of celery soup (1 can, 284 grams): Adds a hint of vegetal sweetness and extra creaminess.
- Eggs (2 large): Helps hold the stuffing together while enriching the texture.
- Chicken broth (480 millilitres): Keeps the dish juicy and infuses savory goodness throughout.
- Whole milk (120 millilitres): Softens the stuffing mix for that perfect tender bite.
- Cornbread stuffing mix (1 bag, 340 grams): Brings a slightly sweet, crumbly contrast to the herb stuffing.
- Herb seasoned stuffing mix (3 cups, approx. 120 grams): Packed with herbs to boost the flavor and add texture variety.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting half of your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and celery and cook them gently until they become soft and fragrant, about five minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and forms the flavor base for your stuffing, so don’t rush it. Once softened, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, lightly grease your slow cooker and arrange the chicken breasts at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the seasoned salt and black pepper over the chicken. This simple seasoning ensures the meat is tasty and provides a savory backbone once it’s cooked low and slow in the crock pot.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, eggs, chicken broth, milk, dried sage, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and the remaining seasoned salt and black pepper. This creamy mixture is what transforms your stuffing into a luscious, melt-in-the-mouth experience and keeps everything moist during cooking.
Step 4: Add the Stuffing Mixes
Pour both your cornbread stuffing mix and herb seasoned stuffing mix into the bowl with the creamy base. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure the dry mix is completely moistened. This combination of stuffing textures ensures each bite has that wonderful balance of crumbly and tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Sautéed Vegetables
Gently fold in the sautéed onion and celery to your moist stuffing mixture until they are evenly distributed. These veggies add flavor and a bit of texture, elevating the dish from everyday to absolutely memorable.
Step 6: Layer the Stuffing Over the Chicken
Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, spreading it out to cover the chicken breasts completely. This layering will allow the flavors to meld beautifully as everything cooks together, soaking the chicken with all those delicious herbs and creaminess.
Step 7: Add Butter and Cook
Slice the remaining butter into thin pats and scatter them across the top of the stuffing mixture. This final butter touch helps create a tasty, silky finish to your crock pot creation. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 hours. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C for perfect doneness.
Step 8: Shred and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to gently shred the chicken within the Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe. This not only makes it easy to serve but also allows all the tender chicken to mingle with the stuffing, creating an irresistible combination. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme over each plate adds a burst of vibrant green color and a fresh herbal note that complements the sage and poultry seasonings perfectly. For a touch of warmth, a little cracked black pepper on top never hurts.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite the star on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. These sides add freshness and crunch to balance the richness of the chicken and dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stuffing and shredded chicken layered in individual ramekins for an elegant touch. You can also turn leftovers into handheld sliders using soft rolls or even scoop it over mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist on comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers from this Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the flavors remain fresh and ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
If you want to save extras for later, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. To keep the dressing moist, add a splash of chicken broth or milk before heating. Stir occasionally so the heat distributes evenly, and enjoy a meal that tastes just as delightful the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which can add extra juiciness and flavor to your Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but 4 hours on low usually works well for thighs too.
What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
You can substitute with additional cream of chicken soup or make a simple homemade white sauce with butter, flour, broth, and celery seed for a similar effect. The celery soup mainly adds subtle sweetness and depth.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth and vegetarian cream soups. The stuffing mixtures still hold great flavor and texture without the meat.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing mixture and sautéed veggies a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready, just assemble in the slow cooker with the raw chicken and cook as directed for fresh, effortless flavor.
What brands of stuffing mix work best?
Any good quality cornbread and herb seasoned stuffing mixes will work nicely. Choose ones with robust herb flavor and minimal additives to keep your dish tasting homemade and wholesome.
Final Thoughts
There is something so heartwarming about sitting down to a dish like this Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe that has been slowly bringing its layers of flavor together all day. It’s comforting, foolproof, and just downright delicious—perfect for making memories around the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Halal
Description
This comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts with a flavorful, moist stuffing made from cornbread and herb-seasoned mixes. Enhanced with sautéed onions and celery, creamy soups, and aromatic spices, this dish is an effortless, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
Meat
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Dairy
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 120 millilitres whole milk
Pantry
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (284 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (284 grams) condensed cream of celery soup
- 480 millilitres chicken broth
- 1 bag (340 grams) cornbread stuffing mix
- 3 cups (approximately 120 grams) herb seasoned stuffing mix
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Chicken Base: Grease a 6-litre (or larger) slow cooker and arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the base. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of celery soup, eggs, chicken broth, whole milk, dried sage, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Stuffing Mixes: Incorporate the cornbread stuffing mix and the herb seasoned stuffing mix into the creamy soup mixture. Stir thoroughly until the stuffing mixes are well moistened and the mixture has a uniform texture.
- Combine with Vegetables: Gently fold in the sautéed onion and celery into the stuffing mixture, making sure the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the stuffing.
- Assemble in Crock Pot: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, spreading it to cover the chicken completely and forming a uniform layer.
- Add Butter Topping: Slice the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter into thin slices and scatter them evenly across the surface of the stuffing. This will add richness and help develop flavor during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Once cooked, use two forks to gently shred the chicken breasts within the crock pot. Serve the mixture hot, ensuring each portion includes both the tender shredded chicken and the flavorful stuffing.
Notes
- Make sure your slow cooker is at least 6 litres to accommodate the ingredients comfortably.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- You can substitute chicken broth with low-sodium broth to reduce salt content.
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
