Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in a delicious feast. At the heart of many Thanksgiving celebrations lies the comforting aroma of chicken and dressing, a dish that evokes warmth and tradition. While this classic can be time-consuming, using a slow cooker offers a fantastic solution, allowing you to enjoy more time with your family and less time in the kitchen. This guide will walk you through creating a mouthwatering crock pot chicken and dressing recipe that's sure to become a Thanksgiving staple.
What is Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing?
Crock pot chicken and dressing is a simplified version of the traditional Thanksgiving dish. Instead of roasting a whole bird, we utilize a slow cooker to gently cook a whole chicken or individual chicken pieces, resulting in incredibly tender meat. The resulting chicken broth is then used to create a moist and flavorful dressing, often made with bread, herbs, vegetables, and seasonings. This method simplifies the cooking process, minimizing the need for constant oven monitoring and maximizing flavor infusion.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe uses a whole chicken, but you can easily adapt it to use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old is best)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry. Place the chicken in your slow cooker.
- Add aromatics: Add the chopped onion and celery to the slow cooker around the chicken.
- Season and add broth: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Season the chicken and vegetables generously with sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Slow cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, shredded chicken, cooked onion and celery from the slow cooker, and fresh parsley (if using). Gradually add some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to moisten the bread, but avoid making it soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Gently mix everything together until well combined. You can either return the dressing to the slow cooker for a few more minutes on low or serve it immediately.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes! This recipe works perfectly with leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred the chicken and skip steps 1-5. Add the shredded chicken to the bread mixture along with the desired amount of broth.
What kind of bread is best for chicken dressing?
Day-old bread is ideal for chicken dressing because it absorbs the liquid better without becoming mushy. You can use any type of bread you prefer, but crusty bread like sourdough or Italian bread tends to hold its shape well.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use whole-wheat bread, reduce the amount of salt, and add more vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Using less bread and more vegetables will also help reduce the calorie count.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and dressing components separately ahead of time. Cook the chicken and prepare the dressing ingredients the day before. Combine and reheat gently on Thanksgiving Day.
What are some variations of crock pot chicken and dressing?
You can customize this recipe to your liking. Some variations include:
- Cranberry-Walnut Dressing: Add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the dressing for added sweetness and texture.
- Sausage Dressing: Add cooked sausage to the dressing for a savory flavor boost.
- Wild Rice Dressing: Incorporate wild rice into the dressing for a more complex flavor and texture.
With its ease of preparation and delicious results, crock pot chicken and dressing is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy the time saved and the delicious flavors of this modernized classic. Happy Thanksgiving!
