Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs); 1 ⅓ cups chicken broth; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup; 10.5 oz cream of celery soup; 2 celery stalks (finely chopped); 2 boxes Stovetop stuffing mix (6 oz each); 6 Tbsp salted butter (melted)

This crockpot chicken and stuffing is an easy, comforting dinner made with tender chicken breasts, boxed stuffing mix, and a creamy, savory sauce. Everything cooks right in the slow cooker, with the stuffing added at the end so it stays fluffy instead of mushy.

It's a simple, family-friendly recipe that works for busy weeknights or anytime you want dinner to handle itself with minimal effort.👇👇

crockpot chicken and stuffing with wood spoon

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A lot of crockpot chicken and stuffing recipes fail because the stuffing cooks too long and turns gummy. This version fixes that with one key change: the chicken cooks first, and the stuffing goes in at the end.

Chicken cooks first so it stays tender and easy to shred
Stuffing is added at the end so it stays fluffy, not gummy
You control how saucy or firm the final dish is
No pre-cooking, no extra bowls, no guesswork
Classic comfort food made the right way

andi holding plate with broccoli, carrots, and chicken and stuffing

Note From Andi:

This is one of those meals I make when I want dinner to feel predictable in the best way. It uses ingredients most of us already keep on hand, and it turns out the same every time.

The timing is what makes the difference here. Cooking the chicken first keeps it juicy, and adding the stuffing near the end gives you that soft, fluffy texture people expect from a chicken and stuffing dinner. It's comforting, low-effort, and perfect for weeks when you just want something reliable.

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Recipe Ingredients 👇👇

Chicken:

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts - about 1½ lbs (slice large breasts in half for even cooking)
1 can chicken broth - or 1 ⅓ cups (use less for firmer stuffing, more for saucier)

Seasonings:

½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

Creamy Layer:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
2 celery stalks - finely chopped

Stuffing:

6 Tbsp salted butter - melted
2 boxes Stovetop stuffing mix - 6 oz box each

Watch How To Make It 👇👇

Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇

STEP 1: Slice the Chicken

If the 3 chicken breasts are extra thick, slice them in half horizontally so they cook evenly and shred easily later.

Four slow cooker images of recipe in various stages

STEP 2: Add Chicken, Broth and Seasonings to Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.

Pour in 1 can chicken broth over the chicken. Sprinkle in ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Add 2 finely chopped celery stalks over the top.

STEP 3: Add the Soups

Spread 1 can cream of chicken soup and 1 can cream of celery soup evenly over the chicken.

Step 4: Cover and Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours, or HIGH for 3 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred.

Four images, first two of chicken on cutting board - whole then shredded, last two shredded chicken added back and stovetop sprinkled on top in crockpot

Step 5: Remove and Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce until fully coated.

Step 6: Add the Stuffing

Sprinkle both boxes of stovetop stuffing mix evenly over the chicken mixture.
Drizzle 6 Tbsp melted butter evenly over the stuffing.

Gently press stuffing into sauce but do not stir - keeping the stuffing on top prevents it from becoming mushy.

Slow cooker with stuffing on top and a spoon showing it in detail

Step 7: Finish Cooking and Serve

Cover and cook for 10 minutes. The stuffing should be soft, fluffy, and lightly moistened. Serve immediately, scooping chicken, stuffing, and sauce together.

TIP: If the stuffing looks dry after cooking, drizzle a few tablespoons of warm broth over the top and cover for a few minutes.

close up of chicken and stuffing on plate

Tips for the Best Results

Slice Large Chicken Breasts: Thick chicken breasts cook unevenly and take longer to shred. Cutting them in half helps everything cook at the same rate.
Don't Add Stuffing Too Early: This is the most common mistake. Stuffing that cooks for hours turns gluey. Adding it near the end keeps the texture right.
You can always add a splash more broth at the end if needed.
Keep the Lid Closed: Opening the slow cooker releases heat and steam, which affects how the stuffing hydrates.

Stovetop Stuffing Tips

Stovetop stuffing works especially well in the slow cooker because it's designed to hydrate quickly without breaking down.

Using Stovetop Stuffing Mix: You don't need to prepare it separately. Just sprinkle it dry and let the steam do the work.
- Chicken-flavored and savory herb varieties both work well.
Gluten-Free Stuffing: Gluten-free stuffing mixes can be used, but they often absorb liquid differently. Start with less broth and add more only if needed.

Can You Use Other Stuffing Mixes?

Yes, but results may vary.

Pepperidge Farm stuffing tends to be denser and may need a little extra broth
Generic boxed stuffing usually works similarly to Stovetop
Homemade dried bread stuffing will need pre-moistening with broth before adding

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Stir in a splash of milk at the end for a looser texture
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer texture and flavor
Swap cream of celery for cream of mushroom if preferred
Add frozen peas or carrots after shredding the chicken, just before you add the stuffing.

What to Serve With

This is a hearty dish, so simple sides work best.
Serve with my sauteed green beans, broccoli, or roasted brown sugar carrots for balance.
A crisp side salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.
Dinner rolls or garlic toast are great for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers are excellent the next day, reheated and served as-is or alongside leftover vegetables.

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Not recommended. The stuffing texture changes when thawed.

shredded chicken and stuffing in crockpot

FAQs

Can I use a different stuffing mix besides Stovetop?

Yes, but results may vary. Pepperidge Farm stuffing is denser and may need extra broth. Generic boxed stuffing works similarly to Stovetop. Homemade dried bread stuffing should be lightly moistened with broth before adding.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat and add the stuffing just before serving.

Will the stuffing be mushy?

No, as long as you add it at the end and don't stir it in. Keeping the stuffing on top is the key.

Can I cook this on low the entire time?

Yes. Cook the chicken on low for 5 hours, then add stuffing and cook another 20-25 minutes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Note From Andi: