Tired of complicated dinners that take hours to prepare? Craving a warm, comforting meal that's both delicious and healthy? Look no further! This Chicken and Stuffing Crockpot recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering all the flavors of a classic roast chicken dinner with minimal effort. Get ready to experience a quick dinner idea that's so easy, even beginner cooks will feel like pros!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup stuffing mix (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your dish.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces, chicken broth, stuffing mix, cranberries, parsley, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: 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. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, fluff the stuffing with a fork and serve immediately. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Stuffing:
- Don't Overcrowd the Crockpot: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger slow cooker.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to your liking.
- Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, consider topping the stuffing with some toasted nuts or breadcrumbs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it Hearty: Include cooked sausage or vegetables like carrots and mushrooms for a more substantial meal.
- Change the Stuffing: Experiment with different stuffing mixes, such as cornbread stuffing or herb stuffing, to create unique flavor combinations.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This easy chicken and stuffing recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe showcases the best of both homemade cooking and convenient crockpot cooking. Enjoy!