If you adore hands-off, comforting dinners, this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, slow-cooked whole chicken nestled atop a fragrant mix of veggies and savory stuffing—all made effortlessly in one pot. Let's dive in and get cozy in the kitchen!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe countless times on busy weeknights, and it never fails to impress. The slow cooker does all the work, and the end result is pure comfort in every bite.
- Effortless Cooking: Just prep, set your slow cooker, and come back to a delicious meal.
- Hearty & Filling: Whole chicken with veggies and flavorful stuffing makes this a one-pot wonder that satisfies.
- Flavor-Packed: Poultry seasoning, paprika, and the savory stuffing soak up all those tasty juices—yum!
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for serving 6 hearty portions that please everyone at the table.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Getting the ingredients right is super simple here, and nothing too fancy is needed. Just pick fresh veggies, a quality whole chicken, and your favorite box of stove top stuffing to make this recipe shine.

- Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and a nice texture base for the chicken to rest on.
- Yellow Onion: Provides savory depth and mellows beautifully with slow cooking.
- Celery: Adds an herby crunch and classic flavor that rounds out your veggie medley.
- Whole Chicken: The star of the show—slow cooking makes it incredibly juicy and tender.
- Salted Butter: Ensures the chicken skin stays rich and flavorful as it slow cooks.
- Poultry Seasoning: A blend that enhances that cozy, holiday-inspired flavor vibe.
- Paprika: Adds smokiness and a beautiful golden hue to the chicken skin.
- Box Stove Top Stuffing: The shortcut that soaks up all those savory juices for unbeatable flavor.
Make It Your Way
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is such a cozy, flexible meal that invites you to make it your own. Whether you like to play with the seasoning or swap out veggies, it’s all about what makes you happy at the dinner table.
- Herbed Delight: I love adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on top of the chicken before cooking. It infuses a lovely earthy aroma that perfectly complements the poultry seasoning.
- Stuffing Twist: Switching up the stove top stuffing flavor can totally change the vibe. I once tried a garlic & herb stuffing and it added a bright, savory punch that my family adored.
- Veggie Swap: When I want extra heartiness, I sometimes add diced potatoes or parsnips alongside the carrots, celery, and onion for more texture and sweetness.
- Crispy Skin Option: If you prefer a crispier chicken skin, just broil the cooked chicken for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking. It adds a beautiful golden crunch without losing the tender inside.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Create a Flavorful Veggie Base
I start by adding the diced carrots, onion, and celery at the bottom of the slow cooker. This vegetable layer acts like a natural roasting rack, infusing the chicken with subtle sweetness and aroma as everything cooks together. It also keeps the chicken elevated so it doesn’t sit directly in the juices, helping the flavors develop beautifully.
Step 2: Prep and Season Your Whole Chicken
Make sure to clean out the inside of the whole chicken by removing any innards—this step really improves the flavor and presentation. Place the chicken right on top of the veggies. Pour the melted salted butter evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the poultry seasoning and paprika on top. Rub these seasonings all over the skin to coat it well. If you like, add a pinch of salt and pepper here too. The butter and spices create a savory crust as it slowly cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Place the lid firmly on your slow cooker and set it to high heat. Let the chicken cook for 6 hours. During this time, the meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy, while the veggies soften and soak up the chicken’s savory goodness. You’ll notice the kitchen start to fill with the warm, inviting aroma—trust me, it’s mouthwatering!
Step 4: Remove Chicken and Prepare the Stuffing Base
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a platter. Cover it loosely with foil to keep warm while you finish the stuffing. Next, you want to remove all the cooking liquid from the slow cooker but make sure to reserve exactly 1.5 cups of that flavorful broth. Leave the cooked vegetables in the slow cooker—they’ll add wonderful texture to your stuffing.
Step 5: Stir in Stove Top Stuffing and Finish Cooking
Open your 6-ounce box of stove top stuffing and stir it into the reserved 1.5 cups of broth and veggies in the slow cooker. Mix well so all the stuffing absorbs the juices and flavors. Cover the slow cooker again and let the stuffing cook on high for about 10 minutes. When it’s done, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains and keep it light and airy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the chicken however you like—whether carved nicely on a platter or broken into chunks. You can even place the chicken back in the slow cooker with the stuffing for a beautifully warm presentation. This meal serves about 6 people and delivers all the comfort without fuss. Sit back, serve yourself a hearty plate, and enjoy every bite of your homemade Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe!
Top Tip
Making a delicious Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is easier than you think, and with a few insider tips, you’ll get the best flavor and texture every time.
- Clean the Chicken Cavity: Removing the innards before cooking really makes a difference—not just for taste, but also presentation. It keeps the flavor clean and prevents any unwanted bitterness.
- Season Generously: I’ve found that rubbing the poultry seasoning and paprika thoroughly all over the chicken skin, plus adding salt and pepper to your taste, brings out that comforting, savory depth.
- Reserve Your Cooking Liquid Carefully: Saving exactly 1.5 cups of the cooking liquid for the stuffing ensures it’s perfectly moist without becoming soggy—trust me, this little step prevents a lot of disappointment!
- Finish with a Quick Broil: Want crispy skin? After slow cooking, pop your chicken under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. It adds that lovely, golden crunch that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, thyme sprigs, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions add a pop of color and fresh flavor to this hearty dish. A squeeze of lemon juice over the sliced chicken brightens the overall taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe with classic sides like steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp garden salad. For extra comfort, mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob work wonders too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Separate the chicken and stuffing into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—ideal for prepping meals in advance or saving leftovers.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm the chicken and stuffing in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through. If you like, add a splash of broth or water to keep the stuffing moist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs or breasts. Cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the chicken until it’s fully cooked and tender.
You can create a simple blend using dried sage, thyme, and rosemary as a substitute. These herbs complement the chicken and stuffing beautifully.
Absolutely! Feel free to use any stove top stuffing flavor you enjoy. Just be mindful of the seasoning and sodium content if you use strongly flavored varieties.
Cook the whole chicken in the crockpot on high for 6 hours as directed. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If unsure, use a meat thermometer to check.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is truly one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug in food form. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for bringing loved ones together around the table. I hope it becomes a family favorite in your home just as it has in mine!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and 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
A hearty and comforting crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe featuring tender slow-cooked whole chicken layered over a medley of diced carrots, celery, and onion, infused with poultry seasoning and paprika, and finished with flavorful stove top stuffing cooked in the savory juices.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 medium celery ribs diced
Chicken and Seasoning
- 5 pounds whole chicken
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Stuffing
- 6 ounces box stove top stuffing any flavor
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables and Chicken: Add the diced carrots, onion, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker. Clean out the inside of the whole chicken, discard any innards, then place the chicken on top of the vegetable layer.
- Season Chicken: Pour the melted salted butter evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning and paprika on top, then rub all the seasonings thoroughly over the chicken skin. Optionally, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Chicken: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove Chicken and Prepare Stuffing: Carefully remove the chicken and transfer it to a platter, covering with foil to keep warm. In the slow cooker, remove all liquid but reserve 1.5 cups of the cooking liquid, leaving the cooked vegetables in place.
- Add Stuffing: Stir the contents of the 6-ounce stuffing box into the reserved liquid and vegetables in the slow cooker. Replace the lid and cook on high for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the stuffing to absorb the flavors and cook through.
- Serve: Fluff the stuffing with a fork. Slice the chicken as desired, either placing it back into the slow cooker for a warm serving presentation or serving directly from the platter. Enjoy your crockpot chicken and stuffing!
Notes
- Cleaning out the chicken cavity before cooking removes any undesirable innards which improves flavor and presentation.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding salt and pepper or using other herbs like thyme or rosemary as preferred.
- Using any favorite flavor of stove top stuffing allows for flavor variation.
- If you prefer a crispier chicken skin, you can briefly broil the cooked chicken for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking.
- Make sure to reserve exactly 1.5 cups of liquid for the stuffing to prevent it from being too dry or soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg



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