Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing

There is nothing more comforting than the aroma of slow-cooked chicken and savory dressing wafting through the house on a chilly weekend. This Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing recipe brings classic Southern flavors to your table with hardly any fuss and all the heartiness you crave. It is perfect for family dinners or any gathering where you want something cozy and satisfying without spending the whole day in the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe while searching for a way to replicate my grandmother’s holiday dressing without the stress. Now, it is a Sunday staple whenever I miss home or am short on time but want a nostalgic meal.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Eight tablespoons total for flavor depth and a perfectly moist texture Use high quality for best results
• Yellow onion: Adds mild sweetness and aroma Select a firm heavy onion
• Celery ribs: Bring freshness and a little crunch Look for crisp bright green stalks
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking Choose even sized pieces for even cooking
• Seasoned salt: Enhances overall flavor Try a low sodium version if preferred
• Black pepper: Sharpens all the other flavors Use freshly cracked for the most aroma
• Dried sage: The classic herby note in dressing Make sure your jar is fragrant and not expired
• Poultry seasoning: Boosts that comforting holiday flavor Check the label for a good mix of herbs
• Garlic powder: Gives savory backbone Avoid garlic salt for better flavor control
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Contributes creaminess and depth Choose a low sodium variety if desired
• Condensed cream of celery soup: Adds subtle vegetal flavor A pantry favorite for many casseroles
• Eggs: Bind the stuffing together for a cohesive texture Use large fresh eggs for best results
• Chicken broth: Keeps the whole dish juicy and flavorful Go for low sodium to better manage salt content
• Whole milk: Makes the dressing rich and moist Choose whole milk not skim for extra comfort
• Cornbread stuffing mix: The soul of Southern style dressing Use a brand with real cornbread flavor
• Herb seasoned stuffing mix: Adds more dimension with extra texture and spices Pick a crumb with visible herbs

Instructions

Prep Aromatics:

Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat Add diced onion and celery and cook for about five minutes Stir occasionally until the vegetables are softened and fragrant This step creates a flavor base that gives the dish its backbone

Prepare Chicken:

Grease your six quart slow cooker well Lay the chicken breasts inside in a single layer Sprinkle them evenly with some of the seasoned salt and black pepper This ensures that the chicken picks up flavor all the way through

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a spacious bowl whisk together both cans of condensed soups eggs chicken broth milk sage poultry seasoning garlic powder remaining seasoned salt and black pepper Whisk until everything is completely smooth and the spices are well distributed This creamy mixture is what gives the dressing its comforting soft texture

Combine the Stuffing:

Add both types of stuffing mix directly into the wet mixture Stir gently to completely moisten every bit of stuffing crumbs It should look damp but not soupy This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor

Fold in Aromatics:

Pour in the sautéed onion and celery Stir to evenly distribute the cooked vegetables throughout the stuffing This adds both texture and a sweet aromatic backnote to every forkful

Layer in the Slow Cooker:

Evenly spoon the prepared stuffing mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker Use the back of your spoon to gently press it down for an even layer This helps everything cook at the same rate

Finish with Butter:

Slice the remaining butter and scatter it across the surface of the stuffing The fat will melt slowly as the dish cooks making for a golden moist top

Cook Low and Slow:

Secure the lid and set your slow cooker to LOW Cook for about four hours Test chicken with a thermometer to be sure it has reached a safe 165 degrees internal temperature No stirring is needed while it cooks

Serve:

Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks Gently mix it with the dressing beneath Serve hot and fresh straight from the pot

My favorite part is how the two stuffing mixes melt into one another The cornbread brings that toasty sweet note while the herb mix brings all the savory comfort together It brings back memories of big family gatherings where everyone would sneak a second helping before the pot got scraped clean

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in a tightly covered container in the fridge for up to four days This dish also freezes beautifully Simply portion into freezer safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating To reheat microwave in short bursts or pop in a low oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result For a gluten free version use gluten free stuffing mix and soups For a twist toss in a cup of sautéed mushrooms or even diced cooked apples for a sweet savory balance

Serving Suggestions

This pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or simply steamed green beans In true Southern style I love serving it with cranberry sauce or gravy for that holiday touch If you want to stretch the meal serve with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes

Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken and dressing has deep roots in Southern and soul food traditions It is a staple at holiday tables where cooks would use leftover bread or cornbread to make the most of every scrap While the crock pot version is a shortcut it still delivers those classic flavors that have been enjoyed for generations It reminds me of church potlucks where the buffet always featured at least three pans of this dish each with its own family twist

Seasonal Adaptations

Works well with turkey breast after Thanksgiving leftovers Try adding diced roasted butternut squash in autumn for a nutty sweetness Fresh herbs from your summer garden brighten up the flavor during warmer months

Success Stories

Every time I make this for a crowd it disappears fast Friends always ask for the recipe My neighbor made a double batch for a family reunion and said it was the only dish that the kids and grandparents both requested again The ease of using the crock pot means more time to catch up and less time hovering over the stove

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make this a freezer meal assemble everything to the point of cooking then cover tightly and freeze for up to three months Let the dish thaw overnight in the refrigerator before placing directly into the crock pot to cook Freshen it with a splash of extra broth before turning on the heat

Warm, savory and incredibly comforting — this recipe is sure to become part of your family tradition. Enjoy every bite and the ease it brings to your dinner table.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy in the slow cooker?

Arrange the chicken in a greased slow cooker and top evenly with the stuffing mixture. Cooking on low helps keep the chicken tender and moist.

→ Can I use a different stuffing mix?

Yes, you can substitute the cornbread and herb stuffing with your preferred blend for varied texture or flavor.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but thighs may also be used for added richness.

→ Can this meal be prepared ahead?

Yes, assemble the night before and refrigerate. Set slow cooker in the morning for ready-to-eat comfort food.

→ How do I tell when it’s done?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and stuffing will be golden and set on top.