Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing
A whole chicken cooked in a slow cooker with butter, onions, carrots, and celery. Stove top stuffing is stirred into the chicken drippings with the vegetables.
A whole chicken cooked in a slow cooker with butter, onions, carrots, and celery. Stove top stuffing is stirred into the chicken drippings with the vegetables.
- Carbohydrate 3.6399883333478 g
- Cholesterol 40.6708333851558 mg
- Fat 15.4670750195503 g
- Fiber 1.10888333415985 g
- Protein 0.612252500204879 g
- Saturated Fat 9.7481508457148 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (65g)
- Sodium 134.218583472169 mg
- Sugar 2.53110499918794 g
- Trans Fat 1.10024166803526 g
- Calories 152 calories
Step-by-step
- Clean out the inside of the chicken by removing any extra parts or packaging and discard.
- Add the carrots, onion and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken.
- Pour over the melted butter and sprinkle over the thyme, sage, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Remove chicken to a platter and cover with foil.
- Remove (but save!) the chicken drippings from the slow cooker, leaving the veggies.
- Add the stuffing mix to the veggies in the slow cooker.
- Measure out 1 1/2 cups of the liquid that you removed and add to the stuffing and veggies.
- Stir and add back the lid. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the stuffing absorb the liquid for about 10 minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the slow cooker with the stuffing for a pretty presentation. (Alternatively, slice and serve the chicken on the platter and serve the stuffing from the slow cooker.)
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, kids' activities, and maintaining a semblance of a social life leaves precious little time for elaborate meal preparation. That's why I've become a devout follower of the slow cooker. It's my secret weapon for creating delicious, wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker whole chicken with stuffing recipe is a perfect example – a complete, comforting meal that practically cooks itself!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no fussy ingredients – just a whole chicken, some basic vegetables, and a box of your favorite stuffing mix. The slow cooker does all the hard work, gently infusing the chicken with flavor and creating the most succulent, tender meat you've ever tasted. The vegetables, simmering in the chicken juices, become incredibly flavorful and tender, absorbing all those delicious drippings. The stove-top stuffing, added towards the end, soaks up the remaining liquid and perfectly complements the savory chicken and vegetables.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Add some mushrooms to the stuffing for an earthy twist, or use different types of vegetables – perhaps some sweet potatoes or parsnips for a more autumnal flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! I often swap out the savory herb stuffing for a cornbread stuffing, especially during the holidays, or even a wild rice blend for a change of pace.
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is the ease of cleanup. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving me with minimal dishes to wash. After a long day, the last thing I want to deal with is a mountain of dirty pots and pans. The simplicity of this dish truly makes it a weeknight winner.
This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of comfort and ease in the midst of a busy life. It's a recipe that allows me to provide a nourishing and delicious meal for my family without sacrificing my precious time or sanity. So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious, stress-free meal, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It's a true lifesaver, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen, too.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious chicken drippings.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a special occasion, serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Storage & Reheating:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing. It's a meal that's sure to please the whole family!
