If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that’s packed with flavor and requires almost zero effort, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe. It’s seriously one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s just so easy and endlessly satisfying. Imagine tender chicken, melty Swiss cheese, and savory stuffing all mingling together while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: Just a few simple ingredients layered in your slow cooker and you’re all set for the day.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking locks in moisture, making the chicken juicy and fall-apart tender.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: My family absolutely goes crazy for this — it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Super Customizable: You can tweak the stuffing flavors or cheese to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe comes down to classic, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend so well together. Once you gather these staples, you’ll be amazed at how the slow cooker transforms them into pure comfort.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook up juicy without any bones or skin getting in the way, perfect for layering flavors.
- Swiss cheese slices: I love the mild, nutty flavor Swiss cheese adds — it melts beautifully over the chicken.
- Chicken-flavored stuffing mix: A classic store-bought mix works perfectly here and soaks up all those lovely juices.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and richness that brings the whole dish together.
- Chicken broth: Pouring this on top keeps everything moist and infuses extra chicken flavor as it cooks.
Variations
I love how this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is like a blank canvas that you can easily customize. Whether you want to amp up the flavors, make it lighter, or add some veggies, there’s plenty of ways to make it your own.
- Cheese swaps: I’ve swapped Swiss for cheddar or pepper jack to give it a different vibe — all delicious!
- Herb and spice kick: Adding a teaspoon of rosemary or thyme brightens things up and gives you that fresh herb aroma that sings with chicken.
- Vegetable boost: Throwing in some chopped celery or carrots before cooking gives a hearty touch that the whole family appreciates.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and you’re good to go without missing a beat.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Layer Chicken and Cheese
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. I like to arrange them nicely so each piece has room to cook evenly. Then, simply lay the Swiss cheese slices right on top of the chicken. This step is where the melty goodness begins — you’ll notice when the cheese starts to bubble and stretch later on!
Step 2: Add Stuffing Mix and Cream of Chicken Soup
Sprinkle the chicken-flavored stuffing mix over the cheese layer evenly. Don’t worry if it feels like a lot—the stuffing will soak up all the delicious juices as it cooks. Next, spread the condensed cream of chicken soup all over the stuffing layer. This creamy blanket keeps everything moist and flavorful, almost like a cozy chicken casserole.
Step 3: Pour Chicken Broth and Cook
Pour one cup of chicken broth gently over the top to moisten the layers and help everything steam beautifully. Pop the lid on your slow cooker, then set it to cook on low for eight hours or, if you’re short on time, on high for four hours. Believe me, the eight-hour low setting makes the chicken incredibly tender — worth the wait!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Use fresh chicken breasts: I’ve found fresh chicken cooks more evenly and stays juicier than frozen, but if you use frozen, definitely plan for the full eight-hour cook time.
- Don’t peek too often: Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and can add cooking time, so try to resist the urge to check too frequently.
- Layer thoughtfully: Placing cheese directly on chicken helps the cheese melt into the meat, creating that delicious gooey texture.
- Let it rest before serving: I always let the slow cooker dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking — it helps everything set up and makes it easier to serve.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top before serving — it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. A little cracked black pepper also brightens up each bite.
Side Dishes
This slow cooker chicken and stuffing shine on their own, but I love pairing them with simple steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. Sometimes, I add a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness, especially when hosting guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to plate individual servings in mini cast iron skillets, topping each with a little extra cheese and a sprig of fresh herbs. It turns an everyday meal into something a bit more festive and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days — which is perfect because it reheats really nicely, making next-day lunches a breeze.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish before with great results. Just be sure to cool it completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Reheating
To keep that creamy texture, I reheat leftovers on low heat in a covered skillet or in the microwave with a small splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir gently halfway through warming, and you’ll have a meal that tastes almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs would work wonderfully here, and they tend to stay even juicier due to their higher fat content. Just keep the same cook time when using thighs, and expect a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor.
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Do I need to thaw frozen chicken before using?
You can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it on the low setting for the full eight hours to ensure it is fully cooked and tender. Using frozen chicken on high heat for only four hours might not cook it thoroughly.
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Can I add vegetables to this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe?
Yes! Adding chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or green beans is a great way to bulk up the meal. Just toss them in at the beginning with the chicken so they have plenty of time to soften.
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How do I prevent the stuffing from getting soggy?
Since this dish is meant to be moist, the stuffing will naturally absorb liquids, but to keep some texture, avoid stirring it in. Layering the stuffing on top helps preserve some softness while still soaking up tasty juices.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s perfect for prepping ahead and storing leftovers. Just portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is one of those dinners that feels like a warm, comforting hug after a long day. I love how straightforward it is—you barely have to think about it once everything’s in the slow cooker. Plus, it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen without any of the work. I can’t recommend this recipe enough and hope it becomes a favorite in your home like it is in mine. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll be adding it to your slow cooker rotation before you know it!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing recipe offers a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken breasts layered with Swiss cheese, flavorful chicken stuffing, and creamy soup, all slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for busy days, it delivers a hearty American classic with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Chicken Layer
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Stuffing Layer
- 6 ounces chicken-flavored stuffing mix
Sauce
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Add Swiss Cheese: Lay 4 slices of Swiss cheese evenly over the chicken breasts to create a flavorful cheese layer.
- Layer the Stuffing: Sprinkle the 6 ounces of chicken-flavored stuffing mix evenly over the Swiss cheese layer, ensuring coverage across the surface.
- Spread Cream of Chicken Soup: Spread both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup over the stuffing mix, distributing it evenly for moisture and flavor.
- Pour Chicken Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth gently over the top of the soup layer to add extra liquid needed for cooking and tenderness.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours for tender, juicy chicken or on high for 4 hours.
Notes
- Cooking on low for 8 hours yields more tender chicken.
- Frozen chicken breasts can be used if cooking for the full 8 hours on low.
- Nutrition values provided are approximate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
