Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ll absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe. It’s one of those magical meals where tender, juicy chicken cooks low and slow alongside flavorful veggies and buttery stuffing. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want it on repeat for cozy weeknights or lazy weekends.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together beautifully—the veggies add sweetness and moisture, the herbs bring warmth, and the butter and stuffing provide that cozy, rich flavor. Pro tip: a good quality whole chicken makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.

• Carrots: Diced for sweetness and moisture, carrots give gentle flavor and help keep the chicken tender.
• Yellow onion: Adds aromatic depth; I recommend a small one so it doesn’t overpower the dish.
• Celery ribs: Offer that classic stuffing crunch and flavor; diced finely so they cook evenly.
• Whole chicken: A 5-pounder works best for slow cooking—cleaned and ready to soak in those delicious flavors.
• Salted butter: Melted and poured over the chicken, this makes everything rich and luscious.
• Dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme is a staple in poultry dishes and stuffing alike.
• Dried sage: If you can’t find sage, oregano is an easy swap—I’ve tried both and love the sage’s warmth best.
• Paprika: Not just for flavor but also to add a lovely color to the chicken, since it won’t get crispy in the slow cooker.
• Stove top stuffing mix: I’m a fan of savory herb style, but chicken, turkey, or cornbread flavors work wonderfully too.

Variations

I love experimenting a little with this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe depending on what I have on hand, and I encourage you to customize it to fit your cravings or dietary preferences.

• Herb Swap: I once swapped dried sage for fresh rosemary and thyme—it gave the chicken a slightly different but still delicious aroma that my family really noticed.
• Stuffing Style: Using cornbread stuffing adds a sweet, Southern twist that I recommend if you want something a bit different.
• Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching salt, try using unsalted butter and low-sodium broth to control seasoning better.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the other veggies to add earthiness and more color to the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker Base

First, clean out your whole chicken, removing any extra packaging inside the cavity—this always puzzled me until I watched a pro show how important it is! At the bottom of your slow cooker, spread out the diced carrots, onion, and celery. These veggies work like a cozy bed for the chicken and infuse the cooking liquid with fantastic flavor.

Step 2: Season and Set the Chicken

Next, place the whole chicken over the veggies. Drizzle the melted salted butter all over the chicken—this locks in moisture and adds richness. Sprinkle the dried thyme, sage (or oregano if you’re using that), paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on all sides. The paprika is my secret for giving the chicken a lovely golden tone even without roasting.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for about 4-5 hours. I prefer the low and slow method—it really tenderizes the meat and lets flavors develop without any rush. You’ll want to check around the 7 hour mark—when the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165°F, you’re golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing Right in the Slow Cooker

Once the chicken is done, carefully transfer it to a platter and tent it with foil to keep warm. This step is key because it lets the chicken rest and retain those juices. Drain some of the slow cooker liquid—leave about 1½ cups with the veggies, which you’ll use to hydrate the stuffing.

Add your stove top stuffing mix into the slow cooker over the veggies, pour in that 1½ cups of liquid, and replace the lid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the stuffing can absorb all those wonderful flavors. Afterward, fluff it up gently with a fork. I’ve learned that patience here really pays off for that perfect texture.

Step 5: Serve with Style or Keep it Cozy

For a beautiful presentation, try putting the chicken back on top of the stuffing in the slow cooker. It looks impressive with minimal fuss. If you’re keeping it simple for family dinner, I usually slice the chicken on a platter and spoon the fluffy stuffing alongside—it’s a winner every time.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme—just a sprinkle adds bright color and a fresh herbal note that balances the rich flavors. Adding a lemon wedge or two on the side is also a great idea if you want a little zing to cut through the buttery stuffing.

Side Dishes

Although this recipe is a meal on its own, I often serve it alongside roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp garden salad. Sometimes I’ll whip up some mashed potatoes for extra indulgence, especially if there’s leftover gravy from the slow cooker liquid.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the stuffing in a beautiful casserole dish and placed slices of the chicken on top, slid under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the skin a little. It’s a bit of effort but makes for an impressive centerpiece when friends come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find that the flavors actually deepen after a day or two. Just be sure to separate the chicken from the stuffing if you have the space—it helps keep textures intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the chicken and stuffing successfully by portioning them into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Keep in mind the stuffing might absorb extra moisture, so consider reheating gently to revive it.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken covered in the oven at 325°F to keep it moist. The stuffing heats best in the microwave or on the stovetop—add a splash of broth if it seems dry, and fluff it up before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe comes together with minimal effort but maximum flavor. It’s perfect when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without fussing over the stove or oven. I still remember the first time I made it—it quickly became one of my go-to recipes for busy days and family dinners alike. I genuinely think you’ll enjoy the comforting flavors and the way it feels like you cooked up a feast, even on your busiest day. Give it a try, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!

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