Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing is everything you want in a comforting, hearty, and ridiculously easy weeknight meal. The chicken turns out unbelievably tender and juicy, infused with savory herbs, while the stuffing soaks up all those rich, flavorful juices—no oven required! It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it kind of recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set It and Forget It: Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a fully cooked, aromatic dinner ready to go.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: The chicken gets infused with herbs and butter, while the stuffing becomes irresistibly moist and savory thanks to all those delicious drippings.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: This recipe takes just minutes to throw together and delivers major payoff in taste.
• All-in-One Meal: No need to juggle side dishes—your protein and carb are cooked together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to build this flavor-packed meal. No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—just classic comfort food goodness:

• Whole Chicken: Choose a fresh, plump bird. A 4-5 pound chicken works beautifully and stays juicy in the slow cooker.
• Stuffing Mix: Use your favorite boxed stuffing—seasoned or cornbread both work well. It acts as the perfect sponge for all those chicken juices.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist. A few pats on top go a long way.
• Onion: Finely chopped and mixed into the stuffing to give it a nice depth and a little sweetness as it cooks.
• Celery: Classic stuffing addition that adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
• Chicken Broth: Moistens the stuffing and gives it a deeper, more savory flavor.
• Poultry Seasoning: A must for that comforting holiday flavor, even if it’s a Tuesday night.
• Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple—season the bird generously to bring out its natural flavor.

Variations

Want to mix it up a little? Here are some great ways to put your own spin on this recipe:

• Add Veggies: Carrots, potatoes, or green beans can be added to the bottom of the slow cooker for a built-in side.
• Spicy Kick: Rub the chicken with smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne to the stuffing for a little heat.
• Different Stuffing Base: Try using cubed day-old bread, brioche, or even wild rice for a twist on traditional stuffing.
• Herb Butter Rub: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme and rub it under the chicken skin for even more flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing

Step 1: Prep the Stuffing

In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, chopped onion, celery, poultry seasoning, and chicken broth. Mix until everything is just moistened—not soggy.

Step 2: Fill the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season it generously with salt and pepper inside and out. Stuff the cavity loosely with some of the prepared stuffing. Don’t pack it too tightly—stuffing expands as it cooks.

Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place any remaining stuffing in the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the chicken breast-side up on top of the stuffing layer. Dot the top of the chicken with butter.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and is falling-apart tender. The juices will run clear and the aroma will be irresistible.

Step 5: Optional Browning

For a crispy skin, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended if you love golden, crackly skin.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dry the Chicken Well: Dry skin helps the seasoning stick and gives you a better chance at crispy skin if you broil it later.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly without guessing.
• Don’t Overstuff: Loosely fill the cavity—too much stuffing can prevent even cooking.
• Broil to Finish: That quick blast in the oven really adds a wow factor to the finished dish.

How to Serve

This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few serving ideas:

Garnishes:

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Side Dishes:

Serve with roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad to lighten things up.

Sauce:

A quick gravy made from the drippings takes it to the next level. Just strain the juices and thicken with a cornstarch slurry on the stovetop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The stuffing reheats beautifully and soaks up even more flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and stuffing separately. Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, or microwave individual portions with a splash of broth to keep things juicy.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
You can, but using a whole chicken creates a more flavorful dish thanks to the bones and skin. If you use boneless pieces, reduce the cook time and skip stuffing the cavity.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?
Nope! The slow cooker does all the work. If you want a crispy skin, a quick broil at the end will do the trick.

Can I make this with homemade stuffing?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s moistened before adding it to the slow cooker. Day-old bread works best for a from-scratch version.

How do I keep the stuffing from getting too soggy?
Don’t overdo the broth—add just enough to moisten. Also, placing the chicken on top of the stuffing helps regulate how much juice it absorbs.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing is the ultimate cozy dinner with minimal effort. It’s warm, satisfying, and packed with classic flavors that taste like a Sunday feast—any day of the week. If you’ve got a slow cooker and a craving for something comforting, give this one a try. It just might become your new favorite go-to dinner!

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