“Stuffed chicken in the crockpot” can mean a few different things. Some people want a casserole-style dinner with chicken layered with stuffing mix. Others want chicken breasts rolled or stuffed with a filling, and some want a whole bird cooked with stuffing. This guide covers all three, with a focus on keeping things simple and safe.
Three Ways to Make Stuffed Chicken in a Slow Cooker
- Layered chicken and stuffing: the easiest. Chicken breasts or thighs sit under a creamy sauce with stuffing mix on top.
- Stuffed chicken breasts: breasts with a pocket filled with cheese, vegetables or herbs.
- Whole chicken with stuffing: possible, but it needs extra care around temperature.
Layered Chicken and Stuffing
This is the most popular version and a good choice for a weeknight.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 to 1 cup sour cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 box (about 6 ounces) dry stuffing mix
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
- Frozen green beans or peas (optional)
Method
- Lightly grease the slow cooker.
- Place the chicken in an even layer and season it.
- Stir the soup, sour cream and broth together and spread over the chicken.
- Mix the stuffing mix with the melted butter and any seasoning packet, and sprinkle it over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for about 3 to 5 hours, or on high for about 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Thighs stay more moist than breasts over longer cooks, but both work. If you want more on that comparison, see our slow cooker chicken thigh recipes. If your family calls this dish “dressing”, we also have a closer look at slow cooker chicken and dressing.
Keeping the Stuffing from Getting Soggy
- Add the stuffing on top rather than stirring it into the sauce.
- Do not use too much liquid, since the chicken adds its own.
- Lay a clean kitchen towel or paper towel under the lid to absorb condensation, then check that it does not touch the food.
- Cook just until the chicken is done rather than letting it sit on warm for hours.
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Slow cookers cook gently, so stuffed breasts can turn out tender, though the filling will be soft rather than browned.
Filling ideas:
- Spinach and cream cheese
- Ham and Swiss cheese
- Cheddar, bacon and green onion
- Sun-dried tomatoes, basil and mozzarella
- Cooked stuffing or herbed breadcrumbs with a little butter
To prepare, cut a pocket into the side of each breast, add the filling without overpacking, and secure the opening with toothpicks. Place the breasts in a single layer with a little broth or sauce and cook on low for roughly 3 to 4 hours, checking that the center of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Large breasts take longer, and very thick ones may be better sliced in half horizontally before stuffing.
Can You Cook a Whole Stuffed Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
It is possible to cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker, but stuffing the bird needs caution. The stuffing inside the cavity must also reach a safe temperature (165°F, or 74°C), and in a slow cooker the center of the stuffing can heat slowly. For this reason, many cooks prefer to cook the stuffing separately and cook the chicken on its own, or use the layered casserole method above. If you do stuff a bird, use a thermometer in both the thickest part of the meat and the center of the stuffing.
Good Sides for Thanksgiving and Holiday Meals
Slow cooker dishes can free up oven space on busy holidays. Chicken and stuffing works as a small-crowd main dish, and sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and gravy pair well. You can also cook a side in a second slow cooker if you have one.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within about three to four days. Reheat until steaming hot throughout. For freezing, portion the chicken and sauce, and expect the stuffing to be softer after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a stuffed chicken in a slow cooker? Yes, but layered or casserole styles are the easiest. If you stuff a whole bird, check the temperature of the stuffing as well as the meat.
Can I use frozen chicken? Thaw it first. Food safety guidance generally recommends against starting with frozen chicken in a slow cooker.
What is a good recipe for stuffed chicken breast? Start with the pocket method above and a filling you like. Cheese-based fillings are popular because they are simple and stay creamy.