If you are craving a comforting, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug, this Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Tender chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned stuffing, and creamy flavors meld together effortlessly in the slow cooker. The green beans add a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness, all resulting in a dish that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe promises hearty family-friendly goodness with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish stand out. From the juicy chicken to the creamy sauce and crisp green beans, every component is simple yet essential to achieving that perfect balance.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish – they cook tender and juicy in the crock pot.
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the chicken without overpowering it.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: A gentle kick that brightens the overall taste.
- 1 (6-ounce) box Stovetop stuffing: Provides the savory base and delightful texture that makes this recipe irresistible.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the sauce, making it rich without heaviness.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Helps create a smooth, velvety sauce that keeps the stuffing moist.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: The secret sauce that brings everything together with comforting flavor.
- 1/3 cup water: Keeps the mixture from drying out during slow cooking and ensures perfect consistency.
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen green beans: Adds color, crunch, and a healthy touch to this hearty meal.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings used to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly with seasoned salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step ensures the chicken has a flavorful base and will cook up juicy and tender in the slow cooker. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart crock pot to prevent sticking, and then place the chicken right at the bottom, setting the foundation for your layers.
Step 2: Add the Stuffing Mix
Next, sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the chicken. This dry layer will absorb all the delightful juices during cooking, becoming wonderfully soft and packed with flavor. It’s the comforting heart of this dish, offering that classic stuffing flavor without the fuss.
Step 3: Prepare and Pour the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water until smooth. This creamy, tangy mixture is what transforms the dish from ordinary to divine. Pour it evenly over the stuffing layer, making sure to coat everything fully. This sauce keeps the stuffing moist while blending all the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Top with Green Beans and Season
Scatter frozen green beans on top of the sauce layer and season with about 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. The green beans add freshness, texture, and a vibrant pop of color that makes this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crock pot with the lid and cook everything on HIGH for 3 to 4 ½ hours, or on LOW for about 6 hours. This slow cooking softens the chicken and stuffing perfectly while allowing all the flavors to meld to perfection. The result? A warm, hearty meal that almost feels like a home-cooked hug.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate this comforting dish with a touch of freshness. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving to add color contrast and a mild herbaceous note. A squeeze of lemon over the green beans can also brighten the whole plate.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or a warm crusty bread to soak up those creamy juices. Roasted carrots or a light vinaigrette-based coleslaw would add complementary textures and flavors without overwhelming the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner presentation, serve the chicken with stuffing and green beans plated individually on family-style platters with some fresh herbs sprinkled around. Alternatively, scoop portions into individual oven-safe bowls and broil briefly with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from the Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their creamy texture. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to preserve quality.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave a little space at the top as the stuffing and sauce may expand slightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry, and cover with foil to keep moisture locked in. Stir gently halfway through reheating to help restore that comforting, creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Using frozen chicken can result in unevenly cooked meat and longer cooking times, which might affect the texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for the green beans?
If you’re not a fan of green beans or want to mix it up, frozen broccoli florets or snap peas make wonderful alternatives that also provide color and crunch.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well. This way you can enjoy the same great flavors without gluten.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just make sure your crock pot is large enough (at least 6–8 quarts) to accommodate a doubled batch, and adjust cooking times as needed, checking for doneness toward the end.
What if I prefer a crunchier topping on the stuffing?
For a crispy topping, sprinkle some shredded cheese or crushed crackers over the green beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking, and switch to the broil setting if your crock pot insert is oven-safe for that golden finish.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe is the perfect blend of ease and deliciousness, sure to become a go-to family favorite. It’s comfort food at its finest, requiring minimal prep but rewarding you with maximum flavor and heartiness. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again whenever you need a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans recipe combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful stuffing, and fresh green beans, all cooked together in a slow cooker for an easy, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Stuffing Mixture
- 1 (6-ounce) box Stovetop stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/3 cup water
Vegetables
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen green beans
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a lightly greased 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Stuffing Mix: Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix directly over the chicken breasts in an even layer.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the stuffing layer, spreading it out for good coverage.
- Add Green Beans and Season: Scatter the frozen green beans evenly over the top of the creamy stuffing layer. Season the green beans with about 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 1/2 hours or on LOW for 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing is tender.
Notes
- You can substitute the green beans with other frozen vegetables like broccoli or mixed vegetables for variety.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, this recipe can be adapted for baking in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered, for about 45-60 minutes.
- Add some shredded cheese on top in the last 15 minutes of cooking for an extra creamy texture.
