Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
I’ve made this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing more times than I can count when I needed something comforting, hands-off, and crowd-pleasing. It’s a simple slow-cooker dinner that layers juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and boxed stuffing into one cozy, family-friendly meal — great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a no-fuss supper with minimal clean-up. For a similar homestyle take, I often compare notes with Dolly’s casserole ideas like this one: Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is the kind of comfort food that’s forgiving and fast. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of babysitting. Toss everything in the crockpot in the morning and come home to a warm, savory meal. It’s budget-friendly (boxed stuffing + canned soup = cheap but satisfying), kid-approved, and adaptable — add veggies for a one-pot dinner or swap the stuffing for a gluten-free mix.
“Easy, cozy, and exactly what I wanted after a long day — tender chicken with buttery stuffing on top.” — a regular at my table
I also like that it scales well for guests and reheats without losing much moisture. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap the soup or seasoning and still get a great result. For other simple baked chicken inspiration, check this Dolly’s casserole variation I sometimes reference.
Step-by-step overview
Before you grab the ingredients, here’s what will happen:
- Place seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot base.
- Whisk a creamy sauce (cream of chicken soup + broth + seasonings) and pour it over the chicken.
- Prepare stovetop stuffing separately and spread it atop the saucy chicken.
- Add optional mixed vegetables if you like.
- Cover and cook on low (6–8 hours) or high (3–4 hours) until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
This recipe is mostly assembly — the slow cooker does the rest.
Key ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lb total)
- 1 box stovetop stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5–11 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional; frozen peas/carrots/corn work well)
Notes and substitutions:
- Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and less chance of drying out.
- For dairy-free, replace cream of chicken with a dairy-free cream soup or use thickened coconut milk (adjust seasoning).
- Gluten-free? Use a certified gluten-free stuffing mix or make a quick rice-based topping.
- Add fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) for a brighter finish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the seasoned breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Use a spoon to spread it so the chicken is mostly covered.
- Prepare the stovetop stuffing according to the package instructions (using broth instead of water gives extra flavor).
- Spoon the prepared stuffing over the top of the chicken and sauce, spreading it into an even layer.
- Scatter the mixed vegetables on top or tuck them around the edges if using.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) and the stuffing is heated through.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to let the sauce settle and make scooping easier.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve straight from the crockpot into shallow bowls to catch the sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for contrast.
- For a heartier plate, add mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables alongside.
- To present at a potluck, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the stuffing top.
- Looking for a lemony, brighter plate? A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness — similar bright pairings work well with baked chicken recipes like this balsamic baked chicken breast inspiration.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Use within 3–4 days.
- Reheat single servings in the microwave until steaming, or reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 15–20 minutes).
- To freeze: cool completely, place in freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Safety note: Always check the chicken’s internal temperature with a reliable instant-read thermometer. Don’t reheat more than once — refrigerate portions you plan to reheat instead of the whole crockpot.
Helpful cooking tips
- Browning tip: Sear chicken quickly in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side before placing in the crockpot for extra flavor (optional).
- Avoid soggy stuffing: Prepare stuffing as directed and spoon it on top rather than mixing it into the sauce; this preserves texture.
- Adjust liquid: If you like a thinner sauce, add an extra 1/2 cup chicken broth. For a thicker finish, whisk 1 tsp cornstarch into 1–2 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce 15 minutes before serving (if finishing on the stovetop).
- Even cooking: Use chicken breasts of similar thickness; if some are very thick, pound them slightly or cut to ensure even doneness.
- Veggie timing: Add delicate veggies (peas, corn) in the last hour; heartier vegetables (carrots, potatoes) can go in at the start.
Creative twists
- Mushroom & herb: Swap cream of chicken for cream of mushroom and add sautéed mushrooms and fresh thyme.
- Cheesy finish: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère into the stuffing before serving.
- Buffalo-style: Use cream of chicken plus a few tablespoons of hot sauce; serve with blue cheese crumbles and celery.
- Low-carb: Skip the boxed stuffing and make a cauliflower rice topping with butter and herbs.
- Make it a bake: After the slow cook, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra butter, and broil for a golden crust.
Common questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: You can, but it’s better to thaw first so the stuffing heats evenly and the chicken cooks safely. Frozen chicken may extend cooking time and can result in uneven texture.
Q: Is it safe to leave the stuffing on top while cooking?
A: Yes — placing prepared stuffing on top traps steam and flavors. Just make sure the chicken reaches 165°F. If you prefer a crisper top, broil for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: You can double it, but use two crockpots or cook in batches. Overfilling a single crockpot can prevent even cooking.
Q: What if the stuffing gets too soggy?
A: Use slightly less broth when preparing the stovetop stuffing, or remove some sauce after cooking and spoon it back when serving. Browning in the oven briefly will restore some texture.
Q: How do I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a certified gluten-free stuffing mix or a homemade breadcrumb alternative made from gluten-free bread. Check that your cream soup is gluten-free or use a safe substitute (homemade roux with GF flour or cornstarch-thickened broth).
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing is a reliable, comforting weeknight winner that’s easy to tweak for dietary needs or flavor preferences. If you want another slow-cooked take on the same idea, see this detailed Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe | Tastes of Lizzy T for comparison. For an alternative style with similar comfort, try this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing | Belly Full which offers extra tips and tweaks.
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lb total) Can substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor.
- 1 box stovetop stuffing mix Use certified gluten-free mix if needed.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5–11 oz) Replace with dairy-free option if needed.
- 1 cup chicken broth Use for preparing stuffing instead of water for extra flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional; frozen peas/carrots/corn work well) Add in the last hour of cooking if using.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the seasoned breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Use a spoon to spread it so the chicken is mostly covered.
- Prepare the stovetop stuffing according to the package instructions.
- Spoon the prepared stuffing over the top of the chicken and sauce, spreading it into an even layer.
- Scatter the mixed vegetables on top or tuck them around the edges if using.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) and the stuffing is heated through.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to let the sauce settle and make scooping easier.
