Crock Pot Chicken Dressing: Irresistible Comfort in 4 Hours

Crock Pot Chicken Dressing has always been my go-to for a truly comforting meal, especially when I need something easy. I remember chilly autumn evenings at my grandmother’s house, the aroma of sage and chicken filling the air, promising a warm, satisfying dinner. This easy slow cooker chicken dressing recipe captures that same feeling perfectly. It’s the ultimate comfort food crock pot chicken dressing that practically makes itself, leaving you more time to relax. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Dressing

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll be making this Crock Pot Chicken Dressing again and again:

• Incredible Flavor: It’s packed with savory herbs and tender chicken, creating a deeply satisfying taste.
• Minimal Prep: You’ll only spend about 15 minutes getting this slow cooker chicken dressing recipe ready to go.
• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, meaning no constant stirring or oven-watching.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients to create a hearty meal.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this classic comfort food.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and uses leaner ingredients.
• Perfect for Holidays: This holiday crock pot chicken dressing makes a wonderful addition to any festive table.
• A True Slow Cooker Chicken Dressing Recipe: It’s designed for ultimate convenience and delicious results in your slow cooker.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Dressing

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making this delicious chicken dressing in a slow cooker. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples, making this a truly easy recipe to whip up.

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – using half for sautéing and half for topping adds richness.
• 1 medium onion, diced – provides a sweet aromatic base.
• 2 celery ribs, diced – adds a subtle savory note and texture.
• 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts – the protein star of our dish.
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, divided – use this for seasoning the chicken and the stuffing mixture.
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided – enhances all the other flavors.
• 2 teaspoons dried sage – essential for that classic poultry dressing flavor.
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning – a blend that complements the sage beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a mild garlic punch without overpowering.
• 1 can (284 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup – this creates a creamy, binding sauce.
• 1 can (284 grams) condensed cream of celery soup – adds another layer of creamy flavor and moisture.
• 2 large eggs – helps bind the stuffing together.
• 480 millilitres chicken broth – provides liquid for the stuffing to absorb and become tender.
• 120 millilitres whole milk – contributes to the creamy texture of the dressing.
• 1 bag (340 grams) cornbread stuffing mix – gives a wonderful cornbread base to our dressing.
• 3 cups (approximately 120 grams) herb seasoned stuffing mix – this adds extra texture and classic herby notes.

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Dressing

Let’s get this easy slow cooker chicken dressing recipe going! It’s simpler than you think, and the aroma will fill your kitchen as it cooks. Follow these steps for a truly comforting meal.

1. Step 1: Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet. Sauté them until they become tender and slightly softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Once softened, remove the skillet from the heat and set the mixture aside. This step builds a great flavor base for our stuffing.
2. Step 2: Arrange the 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of a greased 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This initial seasoning helps the chicken absorb flavor as it cooks.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of celery soup, 2 large eggs, 480 millilitres of chicken broth, 120 millilitres of whole milk, 2 teaspoons of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s fully blended into a smooth, creamy sauce.
4. Step 4: Add the bag of cornbread stuffing mix and the 3 cups of herb seasoned stuffing mix to the wet ingredients in the bowl. Combine thoroughly until the stuffing mixture is well-moistened. It should look thick but evenly coated. Gently fold in the sautéed onion and celery mixture until it’s evenly distributed throughout the stuffing. This is a key step in how to make crock pot chicken dressing taste amazing.
5. Step 5: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Spread it out gently to cover the chicken completely, creating a luscious layer. Cut the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter into thin slices and scatter them evenly over the top surface of the stuffing mixture.
6. Step 6: Cover the slow cooker tightly and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours. You want to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 75°C (165°F) for safety and perfect tenderness. The aroma during this time is incredible!
7. Step 7: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, gently shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken into the stuffing. Serve this delicious chicken dressing in a slow cooker hot, making sure each serving gets a good amount of both tender chicken and flavorful stuffing. Enjoy your homemade slow cooker chicken dressing!

Expert Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Dressing

Want to elevate your slow cooker chicken dressing? These little tricks make a big difference:

• Don’t skip sautéing the onion and celery; it brings out their sweetness and depth.
• Use fresh herbs if you have them – a tablespoon of fresh sage or thyme is fantastic.
• For an extra moist dressing, consider adding a bit more chicken broth or milk if it seems dry before cooking.
• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

What’s the secret to perfect Crock Pot Chicken Dressing?

The secret lies in building flavor layers: sautéing the veggies first and using a mix of cornbread and herb stuffing. This combination creates a truly homemade slow cooker chicken dressing that’s incredibly savory. For more delicious recipes, check out our full recipe collection.

Can I make Crock Pot Chicken Dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the stuffing mixture and store it in the fridge separately from the chicken. Combine everything in the slow cooker just before cooking for the freshest results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Chicken Dressing?

A common pitfall is making it too dry. Ensure you use enough liquid (broth and milk) and don’t overcook. Also, resist the urge to stir the stuffing while cooking; let it steam. Learn more about safe cooking temperatures from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Dressing

This savory slow cooker chicken dressing is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a holiday meal or a comforting addition to any Sunday dinner. Serve it piping hot, making sure to get a generous scoop of both the tender shredded chicken and the flavorful stuffing in every bowl.

For a classic pairing, try serving it alongside roasted turkey or chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, or green bean casserole. A dollop of cranberry sauce also adds a lovely tart contrast. You can also enjoy it as a hearty standalone meal – it’s that satisfying!

Nutrition Facts for Crock Pot Chicken Dressing

This comforting Crock Pot Chicken Dressing recipe offers a hearty and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, helping you understand what you’re enjoying:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your slow cooker chicken dressing recipe. For more information on nutritional guidelines, consult resources like the MyPlate initiative.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Chicken Dressing

Properly storing and reheating your delicious chicken dressing in a slow cooker ensures it stays flavorful and safe to eat. Once your Crock Pot Chicken Dressing has cooled completely to room temperature, typically within 1-2 hours, transfer it to airtight containers. For refrigeration, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, the best way to make chicken dressing in a crock pot taste almost as good as the first time is gently. You can reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For larger batches or frozen portions, a slow cooker on low heat is ideal, or you can reheat it in an oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Ensure it’s heated evenly to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chicken Dressing

What is crock pot chicken dressing?

Crock Pot Chicken Dressing is a comforting and flavorful dish where tender chicken and a savory stuffing mixture are cooked together in a slow cooker. It’s a wonderfully easy way to make a classic holiday or weeknight meal with minimal fuss, allowing the slow cooker to meld all the delicious flavors.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred it and add it during the last hour of cooking, or even stir it in at the end. This is a fantastic way to make chicken dressing in a slow cooker using pre-cooked ingredients for an even quicker meal.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook evenly and are easy to shred. However, you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor. Just ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

How do I make my Crock Pot Chicken Dressing extra moist?

To ensure your chicken dressing is super moist, don’t skimp on the liquid ingredients like chicken broth and milk. Also, avoid overcooking, as this can dry out both the chicken and the stuffing. Adding the butter slices on top before cooking also helps create a wonderfully moist result.

Variations of Crock Pot Chicken Dressing You Can Try

Looking to mix up your favorite comfort food? This Crock Pot Chicken Dressing recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Gluten-Free Twist: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free cornbread stuffing mix and herb seasoned stuffing mix. This ensures everyone can enjoy this delicious dish, even with dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms or peas for a heartier vegetarian stuffing.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables. This adds a subtle warmth to the classic flavors.
• Heartier Crock Pot Chicken and Bread Stuffing: If you want an even more substantial meal, consider adding some cooked sausage or bacon bits to the stuffing mixture before cooking. This variation turns it into a complete, hearty meal in one pot.

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