Nothing beats the cozy goodness of a slow-cooked meal, especially when it's a whole chicken bathing in rich flavors alongside savory stuffing. This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s as effortless as it is delicious—let me show you how to make it your new weeknight winner.

Inside a shiny slow cooker, there is a thick mix of stuffing with many small pieces. The stuffing has light brown, yellow, and golden bits that look soft and crumbly. Bright orange carrot slices and green celery pieces are spread evenly throughout. There are also small white onion pieces mixed in. The stuffing looks moist and cooked, filling the oval cooker fully. The background surface is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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 Stuffing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This crockpot chicken and stuffing combo has quickly become a favorite in my house. It’s one of those meals where you can set it and forget it, then come back to a feast that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day. Let me spill why this recipe really shines.

Effortless preparation: Just a few simple steps and you’re done until dinner time.
Perfectly tender chicken: Slow cooking locks in all that juicy flavor and tenderness.
Savory, fluffy stuffing: Made right in the crockpot using the cooking juices, so it’s bursting with flavor.
Family-friendly comfort food: A hearty dish that satisfies all ages and tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before grabbing your slow cooker, here’s a quick look at the ingredients that make this dish a winner. I’ve found using fresh vegetables and a whole chicken with good quality butter seriously elevates the final flavor. Plus, the boxed stuffing mix makes it easy to get that classic, comforting texture without any hassle.

Flat lay of two medium diced carrots, one small diced yellow onion, two medium diced celery ribs, a whole raw chicken with clean skin, a small white bowl of melted salted butter, a small white bowl of poultry seasoning powder, a small white bowl of paprika powder, an unopened box of stove top stuffing removed and displayed as loose dried stuffing mix on a simple white ceramic plate, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Carrots: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the slow cooker base.
Yellow onion: Brings subtle savory notes that blend beautifully with the chicken.
Celery ribs: Offers a mild aromatic crunch that complements the other veggies.
Whole chicken: The star of the dish, slow-cooked for juicy, fall-off-the-bone goodness.
Salted butter: Melts over the chicken for rich flavor and helps create a luscious skin.
Poultry seasoning: Classic herb blend that highlights the chicken’s natural flavor.
Paprika: Adds a touch of earthiness and subtle color contrast.
Box stove top stuffing: Convenient and reliable, mixing with the cooking juices for perfect texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is a true comfort food classic, but the best part is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste. Feel free to mix things up or keep it simple—the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you!

Variation: I love using an Italian-flavored stove top stuffing mix to give the dish a little herbaceous kick. It pairs beautifully with the paprika and poultry seasoning on the chicken.
For a gluten-free twist: Swap the stuffing mix for a gluten-free bread stuffing or use quinoa to keep this meal safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive guests.
Extra crisp skin: Before placing the chicken in the slow cooker, quickly sear it in a hot skillet until golden brown. This adds a lovely crispy texture when you serve it.
Seasonal touch: Add chopped fresh thyme or rosemary into the vegetable mix for an earthy, seasonal flavor boost.
Leftovers idea: Use leftover shredded chicken in sandwiches, salads, or even mixed into a hearty soup the next day.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe

A white plate with a layered dish starting with a bottom layer of chunky yellow stuffing mixed with small pieces of orange and green vegetables, showing a soft texture; on top, several thin slices of light beige meat arranged neatly; the meat is covered with a smooth, thick brown gravy drizzled evenly; bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the entire dish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a green and white patterned cloth partly visible in the background, and some green plants blurred in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Lay the Flavorful Foundation

Start by dicing 2 medium carrots, 1 small yellow onion, and 2 celery ribs. Toss these colorful veggies into the bottom of your slow cooker—it’s like building a cozy bed for your chicken to rest on. Make sure your 5-pound whole chicken has been cleaned out inside, discarding the giblets for the best flavor and texture. Place the chicken right on top of the veggies. This step ensures each bite of chicken gets infused with those wonderful vegetable aromas as it cooks gently over 6 hours.

Step 2: Butter, Season, and Rub It In

Next, melt ½ cup of salted butter and carefully pour it evenly over the entire chicken. Now sprinkle 1 teaspoon each of poultry seasoning and paprika all over, then rub everything in thoroughly for an even coating. This step really locks in flavor—don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper to your liking here. The butter keeps the chicken moist while the spices give it that perfect cozy warmth.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker with the lid and crank it up to high for 6 hours. This low-and-slow method transforms your chicken into tender, juicy perfection that literally falls off the bone. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is fully cooked and tender—an internal temperature of 165°F ensures it’s safe and ready to enjoy.

Step 4: Prep the Perfect Stuffing

Carefully transfer the chicken onto a platter and cover it with foil to keep warm. Next, drain all but 1.5 cups of the flavorful liquid left in the slow cooker—be sure to leave the cooked vegetables right where they are. This rich broth-soaked veggie base will be the secret to your stuffing’s moist, savory goodness.

Step 5: Stir, Cook, and Fluff the Stuffing

Dump the entire 6-ounce box of stove top stuffing mix into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine with the reserved liquid and veggies. Pop the lid back on and cook on high for 10 minutes. When it’s done, fluff with a fork to separate the grains and reveal a perfect blend of tender veggies and flavorful stuffing ready to enjoy alongside your chicken.

Step 6: Serve and Savor Every Bite

Slice the chicken however you prefer—breast, thigh, or leg—and either serve it plated next to the stuffing or arrange it back in the slow cooker for a warm, inviting presentation right at the table. This meal serves 6 hearty portions and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Dig in and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors that only a slow-cooked whole chicken with stuffing can deliver!

Top Tip

Getting the best results from your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe is all about a few simple tricks that make the slow cooker magic happen effortlessly.

Butter is Your Best Friend: Pouring melted salted butter over the whole chicken before cooking helps keep the meat juicy and adds a rich flavor that seeps into the veggies and stuffing later on.
Season Generously: Don't be shy with your poultry seasoning and paprika. I learned that rubbing the spices all over the chicken ensures every bite bursts with that comforting savory taste.
Save That Liquid: Draining the cooking liquid but leaving 1.5 cups plus the veggies makes the stuffing burst with flavor and moisture. It’s the secret to a perfectly tender stuffing every time.
Patience is Key: Resist the urge to rush; cooking on high for the full 6 hours guarantees tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken you’ll love.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe

A whole raw chicken with pale beige skin rests on top of a bed of mixed vegetables in a shiny stainless steel oval slow cooker. The vegetables consist of chopped bright orange carrot slices, light green celery pieces, and small white onion chunks, all forming the first layer. The chicken, with wings slightly tucked in and legs bent, covers the vegetables fully, creating a rounded top layer. The slow cooker is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up your Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a lovely touch of acidity that cuts through the richness perfectly. For a bit of crunch, toasted sliced almonds or crispy fried onions make a delightful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts adds a wonderful crispness. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the comfort-food feel beautifully. If you're craving more carbs, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob round out the meal wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover chicken and stuffing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping stuffing and chicken separately will help maintain their textures better.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken and stuffing for up to 2 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store the stuffing in a separate freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and stuffing in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through, covering with foil to keep moisture in. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave on medium power, stirring the stuffing halfway through to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for a whole chicken, bone-in, skin-on parts like thighs or drumsticks will also work well and even cook a bit faster. Just adjust the cooking time to around 4-5 hours on high, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.

What flavors of stove top stuffing work best?

You can use any flavor you prefer! Savory herb or chicken-flavored stuffing blends are classic choices that complement the dish beautifully. Feel free to experiment with wild rice or cornbread stuffing mixes for a unique twist.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F. The meat should also be tender and juices run clear.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Since this recipe revolves around a whole chicken, it’s not vegetarian as is. However, you can adapt it by using vegetable broth and adding extra veggies like mushrooms and squash, then preparing the stuffing with vegetarian or vegan options.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about coming home to the aroma of tender chicken and savory stuffing slow-cooked to perfection. This Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe delivers that heartwarming feeling with so little effort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual Sunday dinner, I hope this dish brings warmth and smiles to your table again and again. Happy cooking!