Craving a warm, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This Chicken and Stove Top Stuffing Crockpot recipe is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or effortless weekend dinners. Forget hours spent in the kitchen – this recipe lets your slow cooker do the work, leaving you with juicy chicken and flavorful stuffing ready in a fraction of the time. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes incredibly indulgent, proving that homemade cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (6-ounce) package stove top stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, start by searing the chicken breasts in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
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Layer the Crockpot: Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan used to sear the chicken (if applicable), sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, stuffing mix, cranberries (if using), and parsley (if using) to the slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is tender. You can easily check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the stuffing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't Overcrowd the Crockpot: Ensure there's enough space in your slow cooker for the ingredients to cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger slow cooker.
- Adjust Broth: If the stuffing seems too dry towards the end of cooking, add a little extra chicken broth. Conversely, if it’s too wet, you can let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, sage, or rosemary, to enhance the flavor of the stuffing.
Delicious Variations:
- Add Sausage: For a heartier meal, incorporate 1 pound of Italian sausage, browned and crumbled, into the stuffing mix.
- Use Different Stuffing: Experiment with different stuffing mixes, such as cornbread stuffing or wild rice stuffing.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with firm tofu, cubed and browned, for a vegetarian version of this quick dinner idea.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a comforting classic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anyone looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this simple yet impressive easy recipe!