Thanksgiving is all about spending quality time with loved ones, not spending hours in the kitchen. This Crock Pot Chicken Stuffing recipe allows you to enjoy the company of your guests while simultaneously creating a delicious and comforting side dish. This recipe offers a twist on the traditional stuffing, incorporating succulent cooked chicken for added flavor and moisture. It's perfect for busy cooks who still want to impress their family and friends with a fantastic Thanksgiving meal.
What Makes This Crock-Pot Chicken Stuffing Recipe Special?
This recipe is designed for ease and convenience. Using a slow cooker means you won't be tied to the oven, freeing up space and time. The addition of cooked chicken elevates the stuffing's flavor profile, providing a richer, more savory experience. Plus, the slow cooking method ensures perfectly moist and flavorful stuffing every time – no more dry, crumbly disappointments!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best)
- 3 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, and cubed bread.
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Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring all the bread is moistened. Gently stir to combine.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until the bread is tender and the stuffing is heated through. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
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Serve: Serve your delicious Crock Pot Chicken Stuffing alongside your Thanksgiving feast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply shred the turkey and substitute it for the chicken. The flavor will be slightly different, but equally delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. You could also add mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables to boost the flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffing in your slow cooker the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Just add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time when you're ready to cook it.
What kind of bread is best for stuffing?
Day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the broth better than fresh bread, resulting in a more moist stuffing. However, any type of bread you prefer can be used—cubed French bread, sourdough, or even cornbread would all work well!
Can I bake this stuffing instead of using a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can adapt it for baking. Transfer the combined ingredients to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top.
This Crock Pot Chicken Stuffing recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering convenience and deliciousness in one delightful package. Enjoy your stress-free Thanksgiving!
