This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is the ultimate solution for a wholesome, easy-to-prepare meal that delights the entire family. Featuring tender chicken breasts, savory cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, fresh green beans, and classic stuffing, this dish effortlessly combines all the essential components of a complete dinner into one convenient slow cooker meal. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to a comforting, satisfying, and incredibly simple culinary experience!
Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing: A Delicious One-Pot Family Meal
Are you caught in a cooking rut, yearning for a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Look no further than this fantastic Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans. This beloved recipe is a true marvel, designed to be a complete meal in one, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. It masterfully combines succulent chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce, fluffy stuffing, and crisp-tender green beans, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will earn rave reviews from everyone at your table.
The beauty of this slow cooker chicken and stuffing dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few staple ingredients and a crock pot, you can transform ordinary components into an extraordinary comfort food experience. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of a home-cooked meal, ready to be served with no last-minute fuss. This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about bringing heartwarming, homemade goodness back to your dinner table without the stress. It’s a perfect option for those seeking easy slow cooker meals that are both nourishing and deeply flavorful, making it a staple for any family-friendly dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time. Simply layer your ingredients in the crock pot and let it do all the work! It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- A Complete Meal in One: Forget juggling multiple pots and pans. This dish includes protein, a vegetable, and a comforting carb, making it a balanced and satisfying dinner all by itself.
- Family Favorite: The classic flavors of chicken, stuffing, and a creamy sauce are universally loved, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. It’s the quintessential comfort food.
- Incredibly Versatile: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t like green beans? Swap them! No sour cream? There are simple substitutions.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While ideal for busy weeknights, this dish is also hearty enough for a casual family gathering or a comforting Sunday supper.
- Economical: Uses readily available and affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd or a hungry family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
Absolutely! Dicing the chicken breasts is a fantastic idea, especially if you’re looking to speed up the cooking process or prefer smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier serving. When diced, the chicken cooks more quickly and absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce even better. This can be particularly helpful if you have children or guests who prefer smaller portions of meat. Just ensure the diced pieces are roughly uniform in size to promote even cooking throughout the pot.
No, the green beans are completely optional. While they add a wonderful pop of color, essential nutrients, and a fresh texture to the dish, you can certainly omit them if green beans aren’t your preference or if you simply don’t have them on hand. If you’d like to substitute them, consider other slow-cooker friendly vegetables like corn, peas, or even a mix of diced carrots and celery. Just ensure that if you’re using other vegetables, they are added at a time that allows them to cook thoroughly without becoming mushy.
This recipe is optimized for frozen green beans because they are already blanched and cook perfectly within the slow cooker’s timeframe, ensuring they are tender-crisp at the same time as the chicken and stuffing. If you prefer to use fresh green beans, I strongly recommend blanching them first. This involves briefly boiling them in salted water for 2-3 minutes, then plunging them into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Blanching softens them slightly and helps them absorb flavors more effectively in the slow cooker. For canned green beans, always drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid. Add canned green beans during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming overly soft or mushy.
Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used in this recipe without significantly altering the overall cooking time. Many frozen chicken breasts are often smaller or thinner than their fresh counterparts, which means they can thaw and cook relatively quickly in the crock pot. However, it’s always crucial to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Using frozen chicken is another excellent way to make this meal even more convenient on busy days.
If sour cream isn’t to your taste, you have several excellent alternatives to maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor of the dish. A great substitute is about 1/2 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy), which will still provide a lovely creaminess. For a similar tangy profile, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent healthy alternative. Mayonnaise can also be used, offering a rich and savory base. Experiment to find which substitute best suits your palate, keeping in mind that the goal is to add moisture and a creamy consistency to the sauce.
Absolutely! While cream of chicken soup is a classic choice for its complementary flavor, you can certainly experiment with other cream-based soups to tweak the taste profile of your Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing. Cream of celery soup is a personal favorite that works beautifully in this recipe, adding a subtle, earthy note. Cream of mushroom soup offers a deeper, more umami-rich flavor, while cream of onion soup can introduce a delightful sweetness and savory depth. Feel free to choose the cream soup that best aligns with your preferences, keeping in mind that different soups will slightly alter the final taste of the sauce.
This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is thoughtfully designed to be a complete, stand-alone meal, meaning you truly don’t need to prepare any additional side dishes if you’re short on time. However, if you’re looking to elevate the meal or add a little extra something, a few simple accompaniments can enhance the experience. Consider serving it alongside some warm, crusty homemade dinner rolls or fluffy butter swim biscuits to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. A light, crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of the main dish, offering a wonderful balance.
I generally do not recommend fully assembling this dish far in advance and then cooking it later. The main reason for this caution relates to the green beans; they need to remain frozen until just before cooking to ensure they cook properly and don’t become overly soft. If you wish to prep ahead, your best bet is to get everything else ready: season the chicken, prepare the stuffing mix, and whisk together the soup and sour cream mixture. Store these components separately in the refrigerator. Then, right before you’re ready to start the slow cooker, layer everything in, including the frozen green beans. Starting the cooking from a completely cold state after an extended period in the refrigerator might lead to uneven cooking or alter the texture of the ingredients, so for best results, cook immediately after assembly.
Ingredients Needed for Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards this incredibly easy and delicious slow cooker meal. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend 3 medium to large boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, which can add even more moisture and flavor. If using thighs, be aware they might require a slightly longer cooking time, so always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
- Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These basic seasonings are foundational to building flavor in the chicken and the overall dish. Feel free to enhance this simple blend with other spices you love, such as onion powder, paprika, or a poultry seasoning blend for an extra kick.
- Stove Top Chicken Stuffing Mix: One 6-ounce box of dry Stove Top chicken stuffing mix is perfect for this recipe. It forms a delicious, savory layer that cooks down into a wonderfully tender and flavorful component. For those mindful of sodium intake, a low-sodium stuffing mix is an excellent alternative.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup provides the base for our rich and creamy sauce. If you’re sensitive to sodium, opting for a low or no-sodium variety is highly recommended. As mentioned in our FAQs, other cream soups like cream of celery, mushroom, or onion can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Sour Cream: One cup (8 ounces) of sour cream adds a delightful tang and luxurious creaminess to the sauce, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. If you’re not a fan of sour cream, mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt are fantastic substitutes that will yield a similar creamy texture and taste.
- Frozen Whole Green Beans: A 10-ounce bag of frozen whole green beans adds color, essential nutrients, and a pleasant texture to this one-pot meal. Using frozen green beans is key as they cook perfectly alongside the other ingredients. If you decide to use fresh or canned green beans, please refer to our FAQ section above for specific preparation instructions to ensure optimal results.
- Water (or Milk): You’ll need ⅓ cup of water to help create the perfect consistency for the creamy sauce. For an even richer, creamier sauce, you can substitute milk for the water. This small addition makes a big difference in the final texture of the dish.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing: Step-by-Step
Preparing this easy Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, stress-free meal:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker and Chicken: Begin by lightly spraying the inside of your 5-6 quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the three chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crock pot. Season the chicken generously with one teaspoon of garlic powder, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. These initial seasonings will infuse flavor into the chicken as it cooks.
- Add the Stuffing Layer: Evenly sprinkle the entire contents of the 6-ounce box of dry Stove Top chicken stuffing mix directly over the seasoned chicken breasts. This forms the foundational layer for our comforting stuffing component.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup, the sour cream, and the water (or milk, for extra creaminess). Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
- Layer the Sauce and Green Beans: Carefully spread the creamy soup mixture evenly over the layer of dry stuffing in the crock pot. Make sure it covers the stuffing completely. Next, sprinkle the 10 ounces of frozen whole green beans over the creamy layer. To enhance their flavor, season the green beans with an additional teaspoon of garlic powder and a bit more salt and pepper.
- Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and cook on high for approximately 3 to 3½ hours, or on low for about 4-5 hours. Cooking times can vary significantly based on your slow cooker model and the size of your chicken breasts, so it’s vital to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked and safe to eat. Once cooked, gently stir the mixture to combine the creamy sauce with the stuffing, creating a cohesive, delicious meal.
Once the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is tender and infused with flavor, it’s time to serve! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Success with Your Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
- Monitor Chicken Temperature: The most crucial tip is to rely on an instant-read thermometer. Slow cookers vary widely in temperature, so checking the internal temperature of the chicken (165°F/74°C) ensures it’s perfectly cooked and safe, preventing over- or under-cooking.
- Adjust Green Bean Timing: If you use fresh green beans (blanched) or canned (drained), consider adding them later in the cooking process, perhaps during the last hour or two, to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Enhance Creaminess: For an even richer and creamier sauce, substitute milk for water in the soup mixture. Full-fat milk will yield the most decadent results.
- Chicken Size Matters: If your chicken breasts are particularly large or small, adjust your cooking time accordingly. Smaller breasts will cook faster, while larger ones might need more time.
- Customize Seasoning: Don’t limit yourself to just garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Consider adding a pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or a dash of poultry seasoning for a more complex flavor profile.
- Prevent Sticking: Always spray your slow cooker insert with cooking spray, even if it’s non-stick, to make cleanup easier and ensure nothing burns onto the bottom.
- Don’t Peek Too Much: Lifting the lid during cooking releases heat and can significantly extend the cooking time. Try to resist the urge to peek until closer to the end of the suggested cooking window.
Variations to Customize Your Chicken and Stuffing
This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for numerous variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a sharp provolone cheese over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will melt into a gooey, savory topping.
- Herbaceous Twist: Introduce fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or a mix of sage and thyme into the soup mixture for a more aromatic and gourmet touch. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a can of cream of jalapeno soup if you can find one, for a subtle spicy kick.
- Vegetable Medley: Instead of or in addition to green beans, consider adding other vegetables like sliced carrots, diced celery, frozen peas, or corn. Remember to adjust cooking times for fresh, harder vegetables by adding them earlier.
- Different Proteins: While chicken breast is standard, boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a juicier, richer alternative. You could even experiment with turkey breast, especially around the holidays.
- Mushroom Magic: Sautéed mushrooms can be added to the creamy sauce mixture before spreading it over the stuffing for an earthy depth of flavor.
- Bread Crumbs Topping: For an extra crispy top, after cooking, sprinkle some buttered bread crumbs or crushed crackers over the finished dish and broil for a few minutes until golden brown (if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe).
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Cooling: Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before storing.
- Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled chicken and stuffing to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating in the Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or milk to maintain moisture.
- Reheating in the Oven: For larger portions, place the chicken and stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Again, a little extra liquid can help prevent dryness.
Craving More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes?
- Crock Pot Stuffing
- Crock Pot Mississippi Country Style Ribs
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken Stew
- Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken and Ranch
- One Pot Chicken and Stuffing
- Crock Pot Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken
- Turkey and Stuffing Crescent Ring
- Crock Pot French Onion Chicken
- Poppy Seed Chicken
- Crock Pot Crack Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
- Chicken Fried Chicken
- Crock Pot Lasagna
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- 10 Crock Pot Mississippi Recipes
- 75 Fall Crock Pot Dinners
Originally published: January 2018
Updated photos and republished: March 2025
Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
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5 minutes
5 hours
5 hours
5 minutes
4
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (divided use)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 ounce box Stove Top chicken stuffing
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream (or mayonnaise or plain Greek Yogurt)
- ⅓ cup water (or milk)
- 10 ounces frozen whole green beans (optional)
Instructions
- Spray a 5-6 quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray. Place 3 chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker. Season chicken breasts with one teaspoon garlic powder and salt and pepper, to taste.
- Sprinkle the dry 6 ounce box Stove Top chicken stuffing over the chicken.
- In a medium bowl, mix together 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream and 1/3 cup water (or milk). Spread this mixture over the stuffing layer.
- Sprinkle 10 ounces frozen whole green beans on top. Season again with one teaspoon garlic powder and a bit more salt and pepper.
- Cook on high for about 3 – 3 1/2 hours (or about 4-5 hours on low). Chicken temperature should be 165F degrees when fully cooked. Then serve!
Notes
- PLEASE READ: You need to go by the temperature of the chicken breasts to know when they are cooked. There are so many styles of slow cookers these days and some run VERY hot, very quickly so they could get done before 4 hours. If you are using an old slow cooker, then it could take a bit longer. So please check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast to know when they are ready and safe to eat.
- If your chicken breasts are on the smaller side, you can add in an extra one.
- Also, you can substitute the water in this for milk for a creamier filling.
- Chicken breasts can be diced for quicker cooking and to make them more bite sized.
- I have not tested this out on fresh green beans so I am just guessing here but I would suggest perhaps blanching them first before adding them to the pot. This will slightly soften them first and it helps seal in the flavor. I think it helps them to absorb the seasoning better as well. When you purchase frozen green beans, they have already been blanched before freezing. With canned green beans (drain first) and add them about one hour before cooking is finished.
Main Course
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 46g |
Protein: 27g |
Fat: 19g |
Sodium: 1270mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 7g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.