If you're craving a cozy, fuss-free dinner, I've got the perfect solution for you. This Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe brings tender chicken and flavorful stuffing together in one slow cooker, making weeknight meals both easy and delicious.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to say, there’s something incredibly satisfying about throwing everything into the crockpot in the morning and coming back to a warm, comforting meal. This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to favorites for busy days when I still want homemade goodness.
- One-pot convenience: Everything cooks in the slow cooker, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Rich, homemade flavor: The chicken cooks on a bed of fresh veggies, infusing the cooking liquid used in the stuffing.
- Perfectly tender chicken: Six hours on high results in juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken every time.
- Family-friendly: This recipe yields 6 hearty servings suitable for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When shopping, aim for fresh, firm vegetables and a good quality whole chicken—these simple ingredients really shine in this recipe. Don’t skip the melted butter as it brings that rich flavor and helps those spices cling beautifully to the chicken skin.

- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and moisture to the slow cooker base.
- Yellow onion: Gives a savory depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Celery ribs: Provide subtle earthy flavor and crunch while cooking down soft.
- Whole chicken: The star of the dish, slow-cooked to tender perfection.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps distribute seasoning evenly.
- Poultry seasoning: A classic herb blend that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Paprika: Lends a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Box of stove top stuffing mix: The quick stuffing base that soaks up all those delicious chicken juices.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste buds or pantry staples. Whether you want to add a little extra zing, cater to dietary preferences, or switch things up seasonally, this comforting one-pot meal is wonderfully flexible.
- Herb-Boosted Version: I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage inside the chicken cavity before cooking. It infuses the whole bird with an amazing aroma and flavor that makes every bite extra special.
- Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching your sodium intake, try using reduced-sodium or homemade stuffing mix and cut back on added salt. The natural juices from the chicken and vegetables will keep everything moist and tasty.
- Seasonal Twist: Swap out the diced carrots for butternut squash or sweet potato cubes in the fall — it adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory spices.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix or homemade gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this dish accessible for everyone at the table.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Create a Flavorful Bed of Vegetables
Start by chopping the carrots, yellow onion, and celery into small, even pieces. This veggie trio forms the perfect aromatic base that steams the chicken from the bottom up, soaking up all those lovely juices. Spread them evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker—think of it as the comfy nest your chicken will rest on during its slow-cooked journey.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Make sure the whole 5-pound chicken is fully cleaned out inside—remove any giblets or packaging, and pat it dry with paper towels. Pour the melted ½ cup of salted butter all over the chicken, then sprinkle on 1 teaspoon each of poultry seasoning and paprika. Rub everything in thoroughly so the flavors penetrate the skin. If you like, add a pinch of salt and pepper here to balance the seasoning.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Place the chicken right on top of your veggie bed in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set it to cook on high for 6 hours. This will yield beautifully tender, juicy chicken that's falling-off-the-bone delicious. Around the 5-hour mark, you might catch the kitchen filling up with a mouthwatering aroma—an exciting sign that dinner is nearly ready!
Step 4: Prepare the Savory Stuffing
Once your chicken is cooked, carefully lift it out and place on a platter. Cover with foil to keep warm. Next, drain all the liquid from the slow cooker but reserve exactly 1.5 cups—you’ll be using that flavorful broth for the stuffing. Leave the cooked vegetables in the bottom since they add great texture and taste. Pour the entire 6-ounce box of stove top stuffing mix into the slow cooker, stirring to combine it thoroughly with the liquid and veggies.
Step 5: Cook and Fluff the Stuffing
Cover the slow cooker again and let the stuffing cook for 10 minutes. This step lets it absorb all the delicious juices and soften to the perfect consistency. When the time's up, fluff it gently with a fork to separate any clumps—your savory stuffing should be moist, flavorful, and full of savory goodness ready to complement your chicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the chicken into your preferred portions and serve alongside the warm, fluffy stuffing. For an attractive presentation and to keep everything hot at the table, feel free to place the sliced chicken back into the slow cooker on top of the stuffing. This cozy meal feeds about 6 hungry family members and is perfect for those busy days when you want delicious comfort without the fuss.
Top Tip
These tips will help you make your Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe turn out perfectly every time, whether you’re a slow cooker newbie or a seasoned pro.
- Season Inside the Cavity: Before cooking, sprinkle poultry seasoning or a pinch of salt inside the chicken’s cavity to infuse deeper flavor into the meat.
- Reserve That Liquid: Always save 1.5 cups of the cooking liquid after removing the chicken—it’s pure gold for moistening and flavoring the stuffing.
- Use High Heat for Timing: Cooking on high for 6 hours produces tender, juicy chicken, but if you have more time, slow cooking on low for 8-9 hours can result in even more melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don’t Skip the Fluffing: After the stuffing cooks in the slow cooker, fluff it gently with a fork to keep it light and prevent clumps.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary sprinkled over the chicken and stuffing add a beautiful pop of color and an inviting aroma. A light drizzle of pan juices or a pat of butter melting on the stuffing also elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This hearty one-pot meal pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness. If you want to add a cozy carb, some buttery mashed potatoes would round out the dinner beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and stuffing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or comforting second meals.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the stuffing and sliced chicken into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the food completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. For the oven, cover the chicken and stuffing with foil and warm at 325°F until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). In the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring the stuffing to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can use boneless chicken pieces, but cooking times will be shorter and you might want to adjust the amount of cooking liquid accordingly to keep the stuffing moist.
You can absolutely use homemade breadcrumb stuffing if you prefer. Just be sure to measure the cooking liquid carefully to keep it moist and flavorful.
Yes! Cooking on high for 6 hours is perfectly safe and recommended for this recipe, but always check the internal temperature of your chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
Reserve only 1.5 cups of the cooking liquid to mix with the stuffing. Using too much liquid can make the stuffing soggy, so measure carefully and fluff the stuffing after cooking to keep it light.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless yet comforting, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — there’s nothing like coming home to the smell of a slow-cooked chicken and cozy stuffing waiting for you. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Savory Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender whole chicken is slow-cooked on a bed of diced carrots, onion, and celery, infused with flavorful butter and spices. The rich cooking liquid is then used to prepare savory stuffing right in the slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze and the meal irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 medium celery ribs diced
Protein
- 5 pounds whole chicken
Seasonings and Add-ins
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6 ounces box stove top stuffing any flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker base: Add the diced carrots, onion, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the whole chicken on top of the vegetables, ensuring the interior of the chicken is cleaned out and discarded.
- Season the chicken: Pour melted butter over the chicken and sprinkle poultry seasoning and paprika evenly over it. Rub the butter and spices all over the chicken. Optionally, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare the stuffing: Remove the chicken carefully and set it on a platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Remove all liquid from the slow cooker but reserve 1.5 cups along with the cooked vegetables. Add the box of stuffing mix into the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the liquid and vegetables.
- Cook the stuffing: Cover the slow cooker again and let the stuffing cook for 10 minutes. Once done, fluff the stuffing with a fork to separate the grains.
- Serve: Slice the chicken as desired and serve alongside the stuffing, or place the chicken back into the slow cooker for a warm, attractive presentation. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Notes
- For extra flavor, season the chicken inside the cavity before cooking.
- You can substitute the stove top stuffing with a homemade breadcrumb stuffing if desired.
- If preferred, cook on low for 8-9 hours instead of high for 6 hours for more tender meat.
- Reserve the liquid carefully; it adds great moisture and flavor to the stuffing.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg




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