Crock pot chicken and dressing – the epitome of cozy comfort food! This classic dish, traditionally a Thanksgiving staple, is surprisingly easy to make in your slow cooker, freeing up your oven and your time. Forget hours spent in the kitchen; this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken and flavorful dressing with minimal effort. Let's dive into the delicious details!
What Makes This Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe So Easy?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender while infusing the dressing with incredible flavor. No need to constantly monitor or stir – just set it and forget it (almost!). This means you can focus on other preparations, spend time with loved ones, or simply relax knowing a delicious meal is on its way.
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Chicken:
- 3-4 lb whole chicken (or equivalent pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
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For the Dressing:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (day-old is best)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sage
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Rub it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Nestle the chicken on top of the vegetables.
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Slow Cook the Chicken: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
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Prepare the Dressing: While the chicken cooks, prepare the dressing. Combine the cubed bread, chicken broth, milk, chopped celery, onion, egg, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well to ensure the bread is evenly moistened.
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Combine Chicken and Dressing: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Remove the vegetables from the slow cooker and discard or use them in another dish. Add the prepared dressing to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
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Cook the Dressing: Cook the dressing on low for another 30-45 minutes, or until heated through and slightly browned on top. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve: Carve the chicken and serve it alongside the delicious crock pot dressing.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the chicken before cooking.
- Use leftover chicken: This recipe works perfectly with leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the dressing during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make it a complete meal: Add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, or green beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
- Use different bread: Experiment with different types of bread, such as cornbread or sourdough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey breast or even pork loin. Adjust cooking time accordingly depending on the type and size of the meat.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The chicken and dressing can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight freezer-safe containers. It should last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
What should I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs perfectly with simple sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your effortless and delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
