There’s nothing quite like a meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas. The Easy Slow Cooker Chicken with Gravy & Stuffing is the ultimate cozy comfort food—juicy, tender chicken bathed in rich, flavorful gravy, served with savory stuffing that soaks up every bit of goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone linger at the table, savoring each bite and asking for seconds (or thirds!).
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few familiar ingredients, a slow cooker, and a little patience while it works its magic. The result? A hearty, satisfying dinner perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or even a laid-back Sunday meal. From the golden, tender chicken to the comforting stuffing and savory gravy, this dish captures all the warmth and flavor of a classic home-cooked meal—without hours of standing at the stove.
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Chicken with Gravy & Stuffing
Choosing the Right Chicken
For this recipe, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks work best—they stay juicy during slow cooking and develop a rich flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an option for a lighter version, but they can dry out more quickly, so monitor cooking times carefully.
Prepping the Vegetables
Carrots, celery, and onions form the classic base for the gravy and stuffing flavor. Chop them into even pieces so they cook uniformly. Sautéing them briefly before adding them to the slow cooker can enhance the flavor, but you can skip this step for a truly hands-off approach.
Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken with Gravy & Stuffing
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks | 4–6 pieces | Skin-on for juicier, more flavorful meat |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Optional, enhances flavor |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp | Optional, adds depth |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Chopped into ½-inch pieces |
| Celery stalks | 2 | Chopped into ½-inch pieces |
| Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | Low-sodium recommended |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Adds richness to gravy and stuffing |
| Pre-made stuffing mix | 6 oz | Use chicken-flavored or plain stuffing cubes |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp | For thickening the gravy |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp | Chopped, optional for garnish |
| Optional seasonings | ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary | Adds extra flavor to chicken and gravy |
Tips for Success:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- For a hands-off version, skip sautéing vegetables; slow cooker will develop flavor naturally.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry before adding it to the slow cooker.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken with Gravy & Stuffing
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs or drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp slightly and ensures the seasoning sticks. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over all sides of the chicken. This simple seasoning forms the foundation of a flavorful dish without overwhelming the natural taste of the meat.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Chop carrots, celery, and onion into uniform pieces. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. These veggies act as a flavorful bed for the chicken and contribute to a rich, savory gravy as they cook. For extra depth, you can sauté the vegetables in a little butter or oil for 3–4 minutes before adding them, though this is optional.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Broth
Arrange the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. The broth keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking and forms the base for your gravy. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender, juicy, and easily pull apart with a fork.
Step 4: Prepare Stuffing
About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, prepare your stuffing. Place the pre-made stuffing mix in a separate bowl. Stir in a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to make it moist and flavorful. Then transfer it to the slow cooker on top of the chicken, allowing it to absorb the juices while finishing cooking.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Check the chicken for doneness and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve the tender chicken alongside the moist stuffing and pour some of the slow-cooked gravy over everything for a comforting, hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions, Variations :
Serving Suggestions
The Easy Slow Cooker Chicken with Gravy & Stuffing is the perfect centerpiece for a comforting family dinner or a casual weekend meal. Serve the tender, juicy chicken alongside the savory stuffing and spoon generous amounts of gravy over both for a truly satisfying experience. For a heartier meal, pair it with simple sides such as steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots. These fresh vegetables add color, texture, and a nutritional balance to your plate.
For a holiday gathering or dinner party, place the slow-cooked chicken in a large serving dish and surround it with the stuffing, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme. The presentation looks elegant without requiring extra effort. You can also serve the gravy in a small pitcher on the side, allowing guests to add as much as they like.
If you’re short on time or want a fun twist, consider plating individual servings by slicing the chicken and layering it over a portion of stuffing with a drizzle of gravy. It makes the meal feel a little fancier, perfect for family-style meals or casual entertaining.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Cheesy Stuffing Twist: Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the stuffing during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a rich, melty topping.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Add a pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or sage to the broth for a more aromatic flavor profile.
- Light Version: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and low-sodium broth for a leaner option. Reduce cooking time slightly to prevent dryness.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers to the vegetable base for additional texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and thickener like cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken, gravy, and stuffing in separate airtight containers for up to 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.
Freezing: For longer storage, portion the chicken, gravy, and stuffing into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
Tips for Best Results:
- Always cool leftovers slightly before refrigerating or freezing to maintain texture.
- Reheat slowly to prevent overcooking or drying out the chicken.
- Refresh stuffing with a little extra broth or melted butter when reheating to restore moisture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that boneless chicken cooks faster and may dry out if left in the slow cooker for too long. Check doneness frequently and consider shorter cooking times.
Q2: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. The next day, cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Q3: Can I make this dish in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken and vegetables in a baking dish with broth, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 1.5–2 hours. Add the stuffing during the last 20–25 minutes of cooking.
Q4: How can I thicken the gravy?
Mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour or cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes of cooking. This will give a rich, silky gravy.
Q5: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Assemble the dish (without cooking) and store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
Conclusion
The Easy Slow Cooker Chicken with Gravy & Stuffing is the ultimate comfort food—juicy, tender chicken, savory stuffing, and rich, flavorful gravy that bring everyone together at the table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a family gathering or holiday meal. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking approach, this dish is ideal for busy cooks who still want to serve homemade, hearty meals. From the first bite, the flavors blend perfectly, creating a cozy, satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken with Gravy & Stuffing
- Total Time: 3 hours
Description
A hearty, hands-off slow cooker dinner featuring tender chicken, savory stuffing, and rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect for weeknights, family meals, or holidays.
Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 6 oz pre-made stuffing mix
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
- Optional: ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place chopped vegetables in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange chicken on top and pour chicken broth over. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before done, prepare stuffing with some cooking liquid and add on top of chicken.
- Stir gently, cook until heated through, and check seasoning.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with chicken, stuffing, and gravy.
Tips:
Sauté vegetables for extra flavor, but it’s optional.
For thicker gravy, stir a slurry of flour and water into the slow cooker before finishing.
Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)