Imagine a warm, comforting meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. That’s exactly what you get with this incredibly easy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe! Requiring just five simple ingredients and a mere five minutes of hands-on preparation, this slow cooker marvel transforms into a delectable dish featuring tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with savory, soft stuffing. It’s the kind of fuss-free, hearty meal that quickly becomes a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.

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Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a handful of ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that irresistible comfort food experience.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are ideal for their lean protein and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. They easily absorb the flavors of the sauce. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer, darker meat option.
• Pepperidge Farm Dressing Mix: This ready-to-use stuffing mix is the star of the show, providing a convenient and flavorful foundation for the topping. Its seasoned breadcrumbs soak up the creamy liquid, becoming soft and incredibly savory.
• Chicken Broth: Essential for adding moisture and depth of flavor to the chicken as it cooks, ensuring it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out. It also helps create the delicious base for the creamy sauce.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (condensed, undiluted): This is the secret to the dish’s irresistible creamy texture and savory richness. It creates a luscious gravy that coats every piece of chicken and infuses the stuffing with its comforting taste. Make sure to use condensed soup, not the ready-to-serve variety.
• Water: A small amount of water helps achieve the perfect consistency for the stuffing mixture, allowing it to hydrate and meld with the cream of chicken soup.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: A quick spray ensures easy cleanup and prevents the chicken from sticking to the bottom of your crockpot.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Enjoy This Comfort Food Safely

Don’t let dietary restrictions keep you from enjoying this delightful meal! Making Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing gluten-free is entirely possible with a few simple swaps. You just need to be mindful of your ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix: Many major chain grocery stores now carry excellent gluten-free stuffing mixes. Brands like Aleia’s, Ian’s, or Live GFree (Aldi brand) are good options. Always check the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Broth: While most chicken broths are naturally gluten-free, some brands may contain wheat or barley as thickeners or flavorings. Carefully read ingredient labels, or opt for a certified gluten-free broth. Pacific Foods and Swanson offer reliable gluten-free options, or you can even make your own homemade chicken broth for complete control over ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken Soup: This is often the trickiest ingredient, as many “cream of” soups contain wheat flour. However, the market has expanded significantly, and you can now find gluten-free cream of chicken soup from brands like Pacific Foods or Campbell’s Healthy Request (check specific labels for GF certification). Alternatively, making your own gluten-free cream of chicken soup from scratch is quite easy and gives you full control. It will add a few extra minutes to your prep, but it’s well worth it for a truly gluten-free dish. This recipe for gluten-free cream of chicken soup replacer from Allrecipes looks like a fantastic option to ensure your meal is safe and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Crockpot Creation

Getting this delicious meal into your slow cooker couldn’t be simpler. Follow these easy steps for a perfect Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing every time.

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Begin by lightly spraying the interior of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the prepared crockpot. Spreading them out ensures they cook evenly and are fully submerged in the flavorful liquids.



3. Mix the Stuffing Mixture: In a separate small bowl, combine the Pepperidge Farm dressing mix with the condensed cream of chicken soup and ½ cup of water. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well blended and form a thick, cohesive mixture. This will be the flavorful, moist topping for your chicken.
4. Assemble the Layers: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth directly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. This liquid base will keep the chicken tender and contribute to the rich sauce. Next, carefully spoon and spread the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken.



5. Cook to Perfection: Cover your crockpot with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. The long, slow cooking time is key to achieving incredibly tender chicken and perfectly moist stuffing. Remember, cooking times can vary by appliance (see “Tips” below), so plan accordingly. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few expert tips can elevate your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing from great to absolutely phenomenal:

Understanding Your Slow Cooker

The biggest variable in slow cooker recipes is, well, the slow cooker itself! Appliances vary significantly based on brand, size, age, and even how full they are. A larger 6-quart crockpot will often cook the same amount of food much faster than a smaller 3- or 4-quart model because of how heat distributes. Also, older models might run hotter or colder than newer ones. It’s not uncommon for two identical recipes to have vastly different cooking times in different slow cookers. For truly precise cooking, you can even test your crockpot’s temperature to understand its unique cooking profile. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for cooked chicken.

Resist the Urge to Peek!

It’s tempting to lift the lid and check on your delicious dinner, but try to resist! Each time you open the lid, a significant amount of heat escapes, effectively adding about 20-30 minutes to your cooking time. For consistent and efficient slow cooking, keep that lid on tight until the recommended cooking window is almost complete.

Shredding for Easier Serving

Once the chicken is fully cooked and incredibly tender, you can easily shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. This allows the chicken to fully mix with the creamy sauce and stuffing, creating a cohesive and incredibly satisfying texture in every bite.

Add Extra Vegetables

Want to boost the nutrition and flavor? Feel free to add some chopped vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken. Carrots, celery, onions, or even some frozen peas or corn (added in the last hour of cooking) would be excellent additions, simmering in the creamy sauce and adding extra goodness to your meal.

Crispy Topping Option

If you prefer a slightly crispy stuffing topping, transfer the cooked chicken and stuffing to an oven-safe casserole dish during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Place it under a broiler for a few minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning) or bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and slightly crispy. This is an optional step, but it adds a lovely textural contrast.