Fall-Apart Tender Crockpot Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

Crafting a delectable crockpot whole chicken with stuffing transforms ordinary dinner into a comfort food celebration.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Tender meat and herb-infused bread cubes promise a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Minimal preparation means maximum flavor without hours of complicated cooking techniques.

Simple ingredients combine to create a hearty dish that welcomes everyone around the table.

Imagine cutting into perfectly seasoned chicken nestled among rich, flavorful stuffing – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s make dinner magic happen with this foolproof recipe that’ll have people asking for seconds.

How To Store Crockpot Whole Chicken With Stuffing

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate chicken meat from bones and place in shallow containers. Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum.
• Wrap chicken pieces tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or containers. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 4 months. Avoid freezing stuffing separately.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in baking dish. Add small amount of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil.

FAQs For Crockpot Whole Chicken With Stuffing

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley instead of fresh sprigs, and add it to the seasoning mix for similar flavor.

• Is it safe to cook a whole chicken in a crockpot?

Absolutely! As long as the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C), it’s completely safe. Using a meat thermometer helps ensure proper cooking.

• What if I don't have all the spices in the seasoning mix?

You can use a pre-made poultry seasoning blend or create a simplified mix with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The key is to season the chicken well before cooking.

Why Crockpot Whole Chicken With Stuffing Is A Family Favorite

• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Create a hearty, delicious meal with minimal prep that transforms ordinary evenings into something special.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Crockpot method allows you to walk away while the chicken cooks perfectly tender, developing rich flavors without constant monitoring.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with vegetables and protein, this recipe delivers a complete balanced meal in a single cooking vessel, reducing cleanup and maximizing nutrition.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Delivers classic home-cooked taste that appeals to all ages, with familiar seasonings and comforting ingredients everyone will enjoy.

Everything You Need For Crockpot Whole Chicken With Stuffing

• Whole Chicken: A succulent centerpiece that provides the primary protein for the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Thyme, Cayenne Powder, Brown Sugar: A robust spice mixture that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Onions, Celery, Carrots: A classic mirepoix that creates a flavorful foundation and aromatic base for the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds freshness and visual appeal to the finished dish.

• Stuffing Mix, Chicken Broth: A convenient and delicious way to create a moist and flavorful accompaniment to the chicken.

• Cornstarch, Water: A simple slurry that helps transform the cooking juices into a rich and smooth sauce.

How To Make Crockpot Whole Chicken With Stuffing Easily

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Blend

Create a tantalizing spice mixture by combining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne powder, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Blend these ingredients thoroughly to ensure a perfect flavor distribution.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Gently pat the chicken dry using paper towels. Massage the spice blend all over the chicken, making sure to coat both the exterior and interior cavity completely for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Create a Vegetable Foundation

• Chopped onions
• Celery (including leafy stalks)
• Sliced carrots

This vegetable base will add depth and moisture to the dish.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken

• Remaining celery pieces
• Fresh parsley sprigs

The herbs and vegetables will impart additional flavor during cooking.

Step 5: Position the Chicken

Nestle the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetable bed in the crockpot, ensuring it sits comfortably and evenly.

Step 6: Add Stuffing and Liquid

Sprinkle stuffing mix generously over the chicken. Pour chicken broth over the stuffing to help it cook and absorb moisture.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the stuffing is fully cooked.

Step 8: Rest and Prepare

Remove the chicken from the crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender meat.

Step 9: Create a Luscious Sauce

Whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Pour this mixture into the crockpot’s remaining juices, stirring until the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Carve the chicken and plate it alongside the stuffing and roasted vegetables. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley for a stunning presentation.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Whole Chicken With Stuffing

• Use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the chicken, ensuring the seasoning mixture adheres perfectly and creates a flavorful crust.
• Select fresh vegetables like crisp celery and sweet carrots to enhance the dish's overall taste and provide additional nutrients.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked and safe to consume, avoiding any potential foodborne illnesses.
• Create a smooth cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch together without lumps, which helps thicken the sauce naturally and adds a glossy finish to the dish.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, moist meat that falls off the bone and delivers maximum flavor.

Different Ways To Make Crockpot Chicken With Stuffing

• Herbal Mediterranean Chicken: Replace traditional seasonings with oregano, rosemary, and lemon zest for a bright Mediterranean flavor profile. Add kalamata olives and diced tomatoes to the vegetable base.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap existing spices with Cajun seasoning blend. Include bell peppers and andouille sausage in the vegetable mix for extra heat and complexity.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken: Use five-spice powder, ginger, and soy sauce as seasoning. Replace vegetables with bok choy, mushrooms, and green onions. Add sesame oil for authentic Asian undertones.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken: Substitute brown sugar with barbecue rub. Mix in smoked paprika and chipotle powder. Add bacon pieces to the vegetable layer for extra smokiness and depth.

Best Pairings With Crockpot Whole Chicken And Stuffing

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Opt for a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir that balances the herb-seasoned chicken's richness and complements its tender texture.
• Create Vegetable Side Harmony: Roast Brussels sprouts with bacon bits or prepare a fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette to enhance the chicken's savory profile and add bright, contrasting flavors.
• Match Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm garlic bread or herb-infused dinner rolls to soak up the delicious thickened sauce and provide a comforting carbohydrate element that rounds out the meal.
• Elevate Beverage Choice: Consider a craft amber ale or wheat beer that can stand up to the chicken's robust seasonings while offering a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty dish.

Crockpot Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 45 1x

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Description

Succulent crockpot whole chicken with stuffing brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Herb-infused poultry nestled with savory bread cubes creates a hearty meal that will satisfy hunger and warm souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 whole chicken (4.5 lbs / 2 kg)

Herbs and Spices:

• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1.5 teaspoons thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne powder
• 0.5 tablespoon brown sugar
• 0.33 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Vegetables and Stuffing:

• 2 medium onions, quartered
• 3 stalks celery (with leafy stalks for the cavity)
• 2 small carrots, chopped
• 1 package seasoned stuffing mix (6 ounces / 170 grams)
• 0.5–1 cup chicken broth from cooked chicken
• 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Blend aromatic spices including salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
2. Thoroughly pat the chicken dry using paper towels, then massage the spice mixture comprehensively across the entire chicken surface, ensuring complete coverage inside the cavity.
3. Arrange a colorful medley of chopped onions, celery (with leafy stalks intact), and carrots as a flavorful foundation in the crockpot.
4. Delicately tuck remaining celery stalks and fresh parsley sprigs inside the chicken cavity to enhance internal flavor profile.
5. Gently position the seasoned chicken atop the vegetable base in the crockpot, ensuring stable placement.
6. Evenly distribute prepared stuffing mix over the chicken, then carefully pour chicken broth to moisten the stuffing thoroughly.
7. Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours, monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and stuffing becomes completely cooked.
8. After cooking, carefully transfer chicken from crockpot and allow 10-15 minutes resting time before carving to preserve moisture.
9. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water, then incorporate into remaining cooking liquid to develop a rich, thickened sauce.
10. Plate carved chicken alongside roasted vegetables and stuffing, drizzling the luxurious thickened sauce over the top and garnishing with fresh parsley for a refined presentation.

Notes

• Ensure chicken skin gets crispy by patting it completely dry before seasoning, which helps achieve better browning and texture.
• Customize spice blend by adjusting cayenne and brown sugar ratios for personal heat and sweetness preferences.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular stuffing mix with quinoa or gluten-free bread cubes mixed with herbs.
• Prevent dry chicken by checking internal temperature early and avoiding overcooking, as slow cookers can vary in heat intensity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 45
• Calories: 31 kcal
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 39 mg
• Fat: 1.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg