Delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort to any meal. With its tender chicken breasts paired with flavorful stuffing and cooked slowly to perfection, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. What makes this dish even more appealing is its simplicity; just set it and forget it! Imagine coming home to a delicious, aromatic meal after a long day. The ease of preparation, combined with the robust flavors, makes this an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Plus, it’s a gluten-free option that resonates well with many dietary needs, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a delightful plate.

The blend of tender chicken, savory herbs, and creamy textures creates a delightful contrast that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Every bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to the unique combination of seasonings and the rich stuffing made from cornbread and herb-seasoned mixes. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or just for a cozy dinner at home, Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing is bound to be a hit. Let’s dive deeper into why you’ll love this comforting meal!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing

• Effortless Preparation: Just throw everything into the crock pot, and let it do the work for you!
• Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is the epitome of comfort food with its creamy stuffing and tender chicken.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for the whole family, even those following a gluten-free diet.
• Versatile: Customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients to create a unique flavor each time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start cooking, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a large skillet for sautéing the vegetables, a 6-liter (or larger) slow cooker to cook the chicken and stuffing, and a mixing bowl for combining the ingredients. It’s also helpful to have measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.

When preparing ingredients, begin by dicing your onion and celery, which will form the aromatic base of your stuffing. Make sure to have the chicken breasts thawed and ready to go. It can be a time-saver to read through the recipe first, ensuring you have all your ingredients and tools set up. This method reduces stress and helps the cooking process go smoothly. Lastly, a quick cleanup of your workspace before you start can make the cooking experience far more pleasant.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 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
• 2 large eggs
• 480 millilitres chicken broth
• 120 millilitres whole milk
• 1 bag (340 grams) cornbread stuffing mix
• 3 cups (approximately 120 grams) herb seasoned stuffing mix

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin your journey by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial as it prepares a flavorful base for your stuffing mixture. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and celery to the skillet. Cook these until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Once ready, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside. This sautéing process enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds depth to the final dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Next, it’s time to arrange the chicken breasts in your pre-greased slow cooker. This method ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. Sprinkle the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for flavor. This seasoning enhances the chicken’s natural taste before it absorbs the flavors from the stuffing.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of celery soup, eggs, chicken broth, and whole milk. To introduce those delightful herbal notes, add the dried sage, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, along with the remaining amounts of seasoned salt and black pepper. Using a whisk, blend all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. This creamy mixture will create a moist environment for your chicken and stuffing to thrive.

Step 4: Mix in the Stuffing

Once your cream mixture is unified, it’s time to fold in the stuffing! Add the cornbread stuffing mix and the herb seasoned stuffing mix into the bowl. Using a spatula, stir the ingredients together until the stuffing is evenly moistened. Don’t be afraid to dig in; this is where the textures begin to come together. Afterwards, gently fold in the sautéed onion and celery mixture until it’s well-distributed throughout the stuffing.

Step 5: Assemble and Cook

Now that your stuffing mix is ready, spoon it evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover each piece of chicken completely. To enhance the buttery flavor, cut the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter into thin slices and scatter them atop the stuffing mixture. This additional layer of butter will ensure a rich flavor profile as the dish cooks.

Step 6: Slow Cook the Dish

Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 4 hours. It is vital to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption. During this time, the flavors will meld, and your kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma. When the cooking time is complete, use two forks to gently shred the chicken within the dish—this technique allows the flavors to absorb into the stuffing.

Variations

• Protein: Swap chicken for turkey or even pork for an alternative protein option.
• Vegetables: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
• Spices: Experiment by adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of thyme for a twist on the traditional flavors.

Cooking Notes

• Ensure to use a reliable slow cooker that can maintain a consistent low temperature for the best results.
• Feel free to prepare your chicken and stuffing mixture the night before and combine them in the crock pot in the morning for convenience.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of green beans or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Pair it with homemade cranberry sauce for a delightful combination of flavors.

Tips

• To enhance the flavor of your stuffing, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bits of crispy bacon.
• Adding a splash of white wine to the cream mixture can give a deeper flavor profile.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it the next day.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). You can easily check this with a meat thermometer.

Can I adjust the seasonings to suit my taste?

Of course! Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to match your palate; cooking is all about personal preference.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that combines flavors, comforts, and simplicity. With a few ingredients and little effort, you can create a dish that’s cherished by family and friends alike. The versatility allows for variations that will keep it interesting each time you make it. We encourage you to dive into this recipe and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experiences, tips, or any creative twists you’ve added in the comments. Happy cooking!