If you’re looking for comfort food that practically makes itself, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate – juicy chicken, melty Swiss cheese, flavorful stuffing, and creamy soup all bubbling together while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Pop everything into the slow cooker and come back hours later to an amazing meal.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking locks in moisture and makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Mild cheese and creamy soup make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Comfort: Few ingredients but so much rich, cozy flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are pantry-friendly and easy to find, which is exactly why this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is such a lifesaver. The combination of Swiss cheese and chicken soup creates creamy richness, while the stuffing mix adds a nice herby texture.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for even cooking and ease of shredding if you want to.
- Swiss cheese: Its nutty flavor melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Chicken-flavored stuffing mix: This is the star that adds hearty texture and seasoning, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy depth and classic comfort food vibes.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses more wholesome poultry flavor.
Variations
I love to mix things up with this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what my family is craving. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Add veggies: Toss in some chopped celery or carrots at the start for extra color and nutrition – I’ve done this and it adds lovely texture.
- Cheese swap: If Swiss isn’t your jam, I’ve successfully used cheddar or mozzarella for a different twist.
- Use turkey: I once swapped chicken breasts for turkey breasts during the holidays and it worked wonderfully.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the stuffing mix for a gluten-free version and use GF soup to keep this comfy but allergy-friendly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Cheese
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. I like to make sure they’re spread out evenly for uniform cooking. On top of the chicken, layer the Swiss cheese slices – they’ll melt down into the meat and keep everything super moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Add the Stuffing Mix and Cream Soup
Sprinkle the chicken-flavored stuffing mix evenly over the cheese layer, then spread the condensed cream of chicken soup right on top. This combination is what creates that luscious, rich sauce you’ll want to scoop up every bite with.
Step 3: Pour Chicken Broth and Cook
Finally, pour the chicken broth over everything. This keeps the stuffing moist and helps the flavors meld. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low for about eight hours or on high for around four hours. Let me tell you, the low and slow method makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender – this is my go-to.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, give everything a gentle stir to combine the layers, then serve it up. You’ll find the chicken juicy, the cheese creamy, and the stuffing perfectly soaked without ever turning soggy.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
- Use fresh chicken breasts: I found the best results come from fresh, not frozen, unless you cook for the full 8 hours on low to ensure it’s thoroughly done.
- Don’t skip the broth: It might seem minor, but the broth keeps everything from drying out, especially the stuffing topping.
- Layer carefully: Placing the cheese directly on the chicken helps seal in the juices and adds creaminess right where it matters.
- Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on timing; too long on high heat can dry out the chicken, so prefer the low setting when possible.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the creamy dish perfectly. A small drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can brighten it up, too.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple mixed green salad. When I’m feeling indulgent, mashed potatoes alongside help soak up all that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe in individual small ramekins or mini casserole dishes – it’s so inviting and looks elegant but takes minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheated, the flavors deepen, and it tastes just as comforting the next day. I recommend reheating gently in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe freezes really well! Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers right after cooking and cool completely. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until warmed through.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually microwave individual servings or warm the whole batch in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a little broth or water helps keep everything nice and moist.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this slow cooker recipe?
Yes, you can! If you use frozen chicken breasts, I recommend cooking on the low setting for the full eight hours to ensure the chicken cooks safely and becomes tender. Avoid cooking frozen chicken on high to prevent uneven cooking.
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What type of stuffing mix works best?
I usually use a chicken-flavored stuffing mix for the best savory depth, but you can use any boxed stuffing mix you like. Just make sure it complements the chicken and cheese flavors.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the Swiss cheese for a dairy-free alternative or skip it altogether, and choose a dairy-free cream of chicken soup. This way, the dish stays creamy and flavorful without dairy.
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Is it better to cook on high or low?
Cooking on low for eight hours yields the most tender and juicy chicken with the flavors deeply melded. High heat works if you’re short on time (four hours), but I prefer low and slow whenever possible.
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Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Adding chopped veggies like carrots, celery, or mushrooms adds texture and nutrition. Just add them to the bottom before layering the chicken for best results.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing Recipe comes together so effortlessly but delivers big on comfort and flavor. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle. I still remember the first time I made it, and my family begged me to keep it on regular rotation. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s such a beloved meal in my house, and I’m confident it’ll be in yours too!
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
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts layered with Swiss cheese and savory chicken-flavored stuffing, all cooked together in a creamy chicken soup and broth mixture for a delicious one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cheese
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Stuffing and Sauce
- 6 ounces chicken-flavored stuffing mix
- 2 – 10.5 ounce cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the Cheese: Lay the Swiss cheese slices directly on top of the chicken breasts to create a creamy layer.
- Layer the Stuffing: Sprinkle the chicken-flavored stuffing mix evenly over the cheese layer to add texture and flavor.
- Add Cream of Chicken Soup: Spread the condensed cream of chicken soup over the stuffing mix, covering it completely to infuse moisture and richness.
- Pour Chicken Broth: Slowly pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the entire mixture to ensure everything stays moist during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 8 hours for tender, juicy chicken or on high for 4 hours for a quicker meal.
Notes
- For the most tender chicken, cook on low for the full 8 hours.
- If using frozen chicken breasts, it is best to cook on low for 8 hours to ensure proper thawing and doneness.
- Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken breast with stuffing and sauce)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
