The aroma of warm, savory chicken and dressing wafting from your slow cooker is the epitome of comfort food. This recipe simplifies the traditional Thanksgiving favorite, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal without the fuss of oven-bound cooking. Forget about basting and oven space battles; your crock pot does all the heavy lifting, resulting in perfectly tender chicken and fluffy dressing.
What Makes This Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe Unique?
This recipe prioritizes simplicity and flavor. We've streamlined the process for easy weeknight preparation, yet haven't compromised on taste. The slow cooking method allows the chicken to become incredibly juicy, while the dressing absorbs all the delicious flavors released during cooking. This isn't just a recipe; it's a shortcut to a heartwarming, flavorful meal the whole family will adore.
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Chicken:
- 1 whole (about 3-4 lb) chicken, or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
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For the Dressing:
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 cups cubed stale bread (day-old bread works best)
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, thyme, and rosemary all over the chicken.
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Crock Pot Assembly: Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Sauté Vegetables (Optional but Recommended): In a skillet, sauté the celery, onion, and carrots in a little butter until softened. This adds depth of flavor.
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Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables (or raw), bread cubes, milk or cream, melted butter, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the bread is evenly moistened.
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Add Dressing to Crock Pot: Gently spoon the dressing mixture around the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken and dressing.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken with the delicious crock pot dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, they will cook much faster, so reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
What kind of bread is best for the dressing?
Stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the moisture better without becoming mushy. Day-old bread works perfectly. You can also use leftover dinner rolls or cornbread for a unique twist.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the crock pot the night before and cook on low overnight for a truly effortless meal.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when pierced with a fork.
Can I freeze leftover chicken and dressing?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this slow-cooked classic!
