I’ve always been a fan of traditional Southern cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes is chicken and dressing. This hearty recipe has been a staple in my household for years, and it’s a crowd-pleaser whenever I serve it to family and friends.
The dish is believed to have originated in the Southern United States, where it was often served at special occasions like weddings and holidays. The name ‘chicken and dressing’ refers to the fact that the dish typically consists of shredded or diced chicken cooked with a mixture of bread-based ‘dressing’ or ‘stuffing.’
Over time, the recipe has evolved to include various ingredients and cooking methods, but its core essence remains the same. When I make this recipe, I love how the slow cooker brings all the flavors together, creating a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
My kids devour this dish, and it’s one of their favorite meals when they come home from school. In fact, my husband often requests it for dinner, and I’m happy to oblige because it’s so easy to make and always turns out delicious.
The slow cooker does all the work for me, freeing up time to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks away. This recipe is not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods.
By using boneless chicken breasts and limiting the amount of oil used in cooking, I can feel good about serving this meal to my family without worrying about excessive calories or fat content.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing
4.8 from 533 votes
A comforting Southern-style dish featuring tender chicken and savory herb dressing cooked low and slow. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers a moist, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
4In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, and melted butter until smooth.
5Stir in the chopped onion, celery, sage, thyme, and rosemary until evenly combined.
6Add the stuffing mix to the soup mixture and stir until all the bread cubes are moistened.
7The mixture should be thick but spoonable; if too dry, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth.
8Spread half of the dressing mixture evenly in the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker.
9Place the seared chicken breasts on top, then cover with the remaining dressing, pressing gently to level.
10Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
11The dressing should be set and lightly golden around the edges.
12Remove the chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
13Serve the dressing alongside the chicken, spooning any pan juices over the top for extra moisture.
For a richer flavor, use homemade cream soups or add 1/2 cup of sour cream. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing Works
This chicken and dressing slow cooker recipe is a staple in our household, and I highly recommend giving it a try.
It’s easy to make, deliciously comforting, and perfect for any occasion whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it hot or cold, as a main course or as an accompaniment to other dishes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing
Q: What is the history behind chicken and dressing?
A: Chicken and dressing has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where it was often served at special occasions like weddings and holidays. The dish typically consists of shredded or diced chicken cooked with a mixture of bread-based ‘dressing’ or ‘stuffing.’
Q: Can I use different types of bread for the dressing?
A: Yes, you can experiment with various types of bread for the dressing, such as white bread, whole wheat bread, or even cornbread. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly based on the bread’s absorbency.
Q: How long does it take to cook chicken in a slow cooker?
A: Cooking time will depend on your slow cooker’s settings and the size of your chicken pieces. Generally, you can expect 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting gluten-free bread for the traditional bread used in the dressing. Additionally, be sure to check the ingredients of your chicken broth for any gluten-containing additives.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it can be cooked in bulk and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
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