This recipe combines the tender, juicy goodness of slow-cooked crock pot chicken with the comforting, savory taste of stove top stuffing, creating a delicious and surprisingly easy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this one is all about simplicity and flavor.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This isn't your average chicken and stuffing. We're maximizing flavor by leveraging the slow-cooking magic of the crock pot for the chicken, resulting in incredibly tender meat that's bursting with flavor. The stove top stuffing provides a crispy texture and a delicious counterpoint to the moist chicken. The combination is truly unbeatable!
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Crock Pot Chicken:
- 1.5 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Stove Top Stuffing:
- 1 box stove top stuffing mix (your favorite flavor)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chicken broth (from the crock pot)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Crock Pot Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts in your crock pot.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 2: Making the Stove Top Stuffing:
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the stuffing. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped celery and onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the stove top stuffing mix according to package directions, using the reserved chicken broth from the crock pot.
- Cook until the stuffing is heated through and slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Combining and Serving:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
- Gently mix the shredded chicken into the cooked stuffing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just increase the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken will generally take longer to cook thoroughly.
What kind of stuffing mix should I use?
You can use any kind of stove top stuffing mix you like! Classic herb, sage and onion, or even a wild rice blend would all work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The chicken can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Prepare the stuffing just before serving to maintain its optimal texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the stuffing?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to the stuffing for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. It should also shred easily with a fork.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the crock pot while cooking the chicken. Remove it before shredding.
- If you want a crispier stuffing, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Crock Pot Chicken and Stove Top Stuffing recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques. Enjoy this delicious and convenient meal!
