If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this Crockpot Whole Chicken with Stuffing is the perfect choice. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and juicy while infusing it with the flavors of aromatic herbs and spices. The stuffing mix, seasoned to perfection, absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken, creating a savory side that’s just as flavorful as the main dish. This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a wholesome, family-friendly dinner with minimal effort. The chicken comes out with a crispy golden skin, and the stuffing inside is rich and flavorful. Whether it’s for a Sunday dinner, holiday meal, or even a simple weeknight, this Crockpot Whole Chicken with Stuffing offers a great balance of convenience and taste. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering smells as it slow-cooks throughout the day, making it a comforting go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking

With the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. Let the Crockpot do all the hard work while you go about your day.

2. Tender and Juicy Chicken

The chicken comes out perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, with flavors infused from the seasoning and the stuffing.

3. Flavorful Stuffing

The stuffing absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken, making it incredibly flavorful and a great complement to the meat.

4. Family-Friendly

This recipe is sure to please everyone at the table, from kids to adults, with its savory and comforting flavors.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, this Crockpot Whole Chicken with Stuffing is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Whole chicken (4-5 lbs.)
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Thyme
Cayenne powder
Brown sugar
Medium onions
Celery stalks (including leafy parts for the cavity)
Carrots
Seasoned stuffing mix
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Chicken broth (from the cooked chicken)
Cornstarch
Water

Variations

Vegetarian Stuffing: Replace the seasoned stuffing mix with a vegetarian version and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meatless meal.
Herb Variations: Add herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano to the seasoning mix for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing.
Gravy Option: Instead of making a slurry with cornstarch and water, you can use flour to make a thick, creamy gravy with the chicken drippings.
Root Vegetables: Add root vegetables like potatoes or parsnips to the Crockpot for a complete one-pot meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub it all over with the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne powder, and brown sugar. Be sure to season inside the cavity as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the onions, celery, and carrots into large chunks. Place them in the bottom of the Crockpot to create a flavorful base for the chicken.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

Stuff the chicken cavity with some of the chopped celery and any leftover leafy celery stalks.

Step 4: Place the Chicken in the Crockpot

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the Crockpot. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.

Step 6: Prepare the Stuffing

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions, but use some of the chicken broth (from the cooked chicken) to moisten the stuffing.

Step 7: Serve

Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the Crockpot and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken with the stuffing and vegetables.

Step 8: Make Gravy (Optional)

For gravy, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add it to the liquid in the Crockpot and stir over low heat until thickened.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can elevate the flavor of the chicken, especially if you’re preparing it for a special occasion.
Monitor Chicken Temperature: Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Don’t Overstuff the Chicken: Be sure not to overstuff the chicken cavity with too much stuffing, as it can affect the cooking time and prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
Crisp the Skin: If you prefer crispy chicken skin, transfer the chicken to a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes after it’s done in the slow cooker.

How to Serve

Serve the Crockpot Whole Chicken with Stuffing alongside some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a comforting, complete meal. You can also add a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the chicken and stuffing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the chicken has cooled, store the leftover chicken and stuffing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the leftovers, remove the meat from the chicken and store it along with the stuffing in freezer-safe containers. This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and stuffing in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

While you can use chicken breasts, the whole chicken will yield a juicier, more flavorful dish since the meat benefits from slow cooking and the stuffing absorbs more flavors.

2. Can I cook this on high in the Crockpot?

Yes, you can cook this recipe on high for 4-5 hours, but it’s recommended to cook on low for 6-7 hours for the best tenderness and flavor.

3. Do I need to brown the chicken before cooking it?

No, there’s no need to brown the chicken before placing it in the Crockpot. The slow cooking process will ensure it’s cooked perfectly.

4. Can I use homemade stuffing?

Absolutely! You can use homemade stuffing, just ensure it’s seasoned well and moist enough to absorb the chicken drippings.

5. Can I use a frozen whole chicken?

It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking it in the Crockpot to ensure even cooking. If cooking from frozen, increase the cook time.

6. Can I add potatoes to the Crockpot?

Yes, you can add potatoes to the Crockpot along with the other vegetables. Just chop them into large chunks to prevent them from becoming mushy.

7. How do I make the stuffing gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the seasoned stuffing mix with gluten-free stuffing and use gluten-free broth.

8. Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of the Crockpot?

Yes, you can roast the whole chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

9. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

The slow cooker’s moist heat prevents the chicken from drying out, but be sure to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

10. Can I use a different kind of broth for the stuffing?

Yes, you can use vegetable or turkey broth instead of chicken broth to suit dietary preferences.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Whole Chicken with Stuffing is the perfect comfort meal for any occasion. With its savory chicken, flavorful stuffing, and tender vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to make and satisfying. The slow cooker ensures that everything comes out perfectly cooked, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a special meal, this recipe will become a go-to for delicious, stress-free cooking.