Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing Recipe
When you try this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite at my table. The blend of tender chicken and savory dressing brings comforting flavors that remind me of home.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare, which means I can spend more time with my family instead of in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing everything to meld together beautifully.
Plus, it fills the house with an irresistible aroma that gets everyone excited for dinner. I love that it’s a complete meal in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be adding this dish to your regular rotation too!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious recipe:
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1 whole chicken)
- 6 cups crumbled cornbread
- 8 slices firm white bread (torn into pieces)
- 2 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
- 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 chopped celery ribs
- 4 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
Now, let’s talk about a few things regarding the ingredients. It’s totally okay to use leftover chicken from a previous meal, or even a rotisserie chicken from the store. Just make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for that perfect mouthful.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the white bread for whole grain or even add a bit of spice with some jalapeño cornbread. And, if you’re a fan of herbs, feel free to toss in some fresh parsley or thyme to elevate the flavors even more.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so you can make it your own! Just remember, the more you make it, the more you’ll find your favorite tweaks and twists. Happy cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing
Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing might just become your new favorite kitchen adventure. Start by gathering all those delicious ingredients—4 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 6 cups of crumbled cornbread, and 8 slices of firm white bread torn into pieces.
You might be wondering how all of this can turn into a scrumptious dish. It’s simple, really. Toss everything into a large mixing bowl. This includes the 2 cans of chicken broth, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of chopped onion, and 3 chopped celery ribs. Oh, and don’t forget the 4 lightly beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of ground sage, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. It’s like a big party in a bowl, and trust me, you’re going to want to join in on the fun.
Once you’ve got everything mixed together nicely, it’s time to bring out the slow cooker. Spray that 5-quart beauty with some vegetable oil spray—let’s keep things from sticking, shall we?
Pour the chicken mixture into the slow cooker, and if you’re feeling fancy, dot the top with 8 tablespoons of room temperature butter. Because butter makes everything better, right?
Now, set your slow cooker to high and let it work its magic for about 3 to 4 hours, or if you prefer a slower approach, you can set it to low for 7 hours. This is the part where you could binge-watch your favorite show or maybe finally finish that novel you’ve been meaning to read.
Just be sure to stir everything before serving. Enjoy the wonderful aroma wafting through your home, and get ready to dig into a comforting bowl of goodness that’s sure to warm your heart.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic flavors of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate this comforting dish even further.
For a twist, I sometimes swap out the chicken for turkey or even cooked sausage for a heartier flavor. If I want a lighter version, I use low-fat cream of chicken soup and whole grain bread.
To add some zing, I toss in chopped jalapeños or bell peppers. For a touch of sweetness, I’ve tried adding diced apples or cranberries.
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also bring a delightful aroma. The possibilities are endless, and each variation makes this dish uniquely mine!
What’ll you try?
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing
After exploring various substitutions and variations for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside this hearty dish.
I love pairing it with a simple green salad. The crispness of fresh greens balances the richness of the dressing beautifully.
You might also consider roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, which add a lovely earthy flavor.
If you want something extra comforting, a side of mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw works wonders too.
Don’t forget some warm bread rolls to soak up all the delicious flavors!
Finally, a light dessert, such as apple pie or vanilla ice cream, rounds out the meal perfectly.
These combinations make for a satisfying, well-rounded dining experience!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing turns out perfectly, I recommend prepping your ingredients ahead of time.
Chop your onions and celery the night before, and store them in the fridge. This makes assembly a breeze.
If you prefer a little extra flavor, don’t hesitate to season your chicken before cooking it. You can also experiment with different bread types for a unique twist—sourdough or whole grain can add interesting textures.
If you find the dressing too dry, just add a bit more chicken broth as it cooks.
Finally, let it sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld together.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious creation!