This comforting slow cooker meal combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and green beans, offering all the flavors of Thanksgiving with minimal effort. With just 5 minutes of prep time and a few hours in the crock pot, you’ll have a hearty one-dish dinner ready to enjoy.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (6-ounce) box Stovetop stuffing mix
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen green beans
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with seasoned salt and black pepper. Place them at the bottom of a lightly greased 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add Stuffing Mix: Pour the dry stuffing mix over the chicken breasts.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water until smooth.
4. Layer the Mixture: Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the stuffing mix in the slow cooker.
5. Add Green Beans: Scatter the frozen green beans on top of the mixture. Season them with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
7. Serve: Once done, serve the chicken, stuffing, and green beans warm.

Nutrients Per Serving:

• Calories: 413
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 83mg
• Sodium: 1073mg
• Potassium: 571mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 972IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 86mg
• Iron: 2mg

The Comfort of Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans is the perfect dish for busy families who want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker recipe brings together the warmth of a traditional comfort meal with the convenience of a hands-free cooking method. The dish combines tender, juicy chicken, a flavorful stuffing mix, and nutritious green beans, making it a complete meal on its own. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even casual gatherings, as it requires minimal effort but delivers incredible taste. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with rich, savory goodness.

Why This Recipe Works

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. Using only a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels like a holiday feast without the stress of a big meal. The ingredients used in this dish are commonly found in most households, and the preparation takes just a few minutes before letting the slow cooker do all the work. Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. You can customize it based on your preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can swap the stuffing mix for a homemade version, use fresh green beans instead of frozen, or even add additional seasonings and herbs to enhance the flavor.

The History of Stuffing in Cooking

Stuffing has been a part of culinary traditions for centuries. The concept of stuffing meat with bread, herbs, and other ingredients dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Egyptians. In American cuisine, stuffing is most commonly associated with Thanksgiving, where it is traditionally served inside roasted turkey. However, stuffing is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various meats, including chicken, pork, and beef. This recipe takes inspiration from classic stuffing dishes, incorporating it into a one-pot meal that is easy to prepare. By using a slow cooker, the stuffing absorbs the juices from the chicken, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish that eliminates the need for separate cooking steps.

The Role of Green Beans in This Dish

Green beans add a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the soft stuffing and tender chicken. Not only do they provide a vibrant color to the dish, but they also bring a boost of nutrition. Green beans are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Including them in this recipe balances out the richness of the stuffing and creamy sauce, making the meal more wholesome. Using frozen green beans is a convenient option, as they are already prepped and can be added directly to the slow cooker. However, if you prefer a fresher taste, you can use fresh green beans and add them halfway through the cooking process to retain some of their crisp texture.

How to Customize This Recipe

While the original recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences.

• Protein Variations: While chicken is the primary protein in this recipe, you can use turkey or even pork chops for a different flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result.
• Different Stuffing Mixes: Store-bought stuffing mixes offer convenience, but you can use homemade stuffing with your choice of bread, herbs, and spices for a more personalized taste.
• Additional Vegetables: To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. These vegetables will enhance the overall flavor and texture.
• Cheesy Twist: If you love cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan over the stuffing before serving for a rich, melty finish.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Elevate the flavor by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage. A dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika can also add depth to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs well with additional side dishes if you’re serving a larger crowd. Some great accompaniments include:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the stuffing and chicken beautifully.
• Cranberry Sauce: A touch of sweetness from cranberry sauce adds a holiday-inspired element to the dish.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Simple Garden Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish is great for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully. Here are some storage and reheating tips to keep it fresh and flavorful:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While the chicken and stuffing freeze well, the green beans may become slightly mushy when thawed. If you plan to freeze, consider adding fresh green beans when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the dish in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

Although this dish is rich and comforting, it offers several nutritional benefits:

• High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber-Rich Ingredients: The green beans and stuffing contribute fiber, which supports digestive health.
• Calcium and Vitamins: The addition of sour cream and cream of chicken soup provides calcium, while green beans add essential vitamins.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing with Green Beans is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the classic flavors of a home-cooked meal in a simple, effortless way. Its combination of tender chicken, flavorful stuffing, and nutritious green beans makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even special occasions.