Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hands-off meal that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and leaves everyone smiling at the dinner table, you’ve come to the right place. I absolutely love this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe because it’s unbelievably easy to pull together, yet tastes like you spent hours fussing over it. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and stuffing soaking up all that flavorful juice — trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new go-to family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple, mostly pantry staples and fresh veggies that complement the slow cooker magic perfectly. I always pick a whole chicken around five pounds — big enough for leftovers but not too large to fit in my crockpot. And, the stuffing is key for that cozy ‘home-cooked’ vibe, so choose a variety you love!

• Carrots: I dice them small to cook evenly and add subtle sweetness and earthiness.
• Yellow Onion: Gives a gentle savory base and balances the flavors nicely.
• Celery Ribs: Adds that classic stuffing crunch and depth.
• Whole Chicken: Look for one about 5 lbs for perfect fit and cook time.
• Salted Butter: Melting it first helps evenly coat the chicken and vegetables, infusing rich flavor.
• Dried Thyme: A fragrant herb that pairs beautifully with poultry.
• Dried Sage: If you don’t have sage, oregano makes a great substitute with a slightly different but warm flavor.
• Paprika: This little touch adds color and a mild smoky taste; it keeps your chicken from looking pale in the slow cooker.
• Boxed Stove Top Stuffing: I swear by savory herb style, but chicken, turkey, or cornbread varieties all work.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your taste or dietary needs. I’ve experimented with a few variations over the years — feel free to put your own spin on it!

• Herb Swap: When I’m out of sage, oregano works just fine and adds a slightly different flavor profile without missing a beat.
• Stuffing Swap: Sometimes I use cornbread stuffing for a sweeter touch or even homemade bread stuffing if I’m feeling ambitious.
• Low Sodium Version: Use unsalted butter and low-sodium broth to control salt levels, especially if serving to kids or those watching salt intake.
• Extras: Adding garlic cloves or fresh herbs like rosemary in the slow cooker can deepen flavor if you’re looking to jazz it up.

How to Make Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Veggies

Start by removing any giblets or packaging from inside your whole chicken — this step is key for an even cook and clear presentation. Dice your carrots, onions, and celery into small, uniform pieces so they’ll cook perfectly over the hours.

Step 2: Layer and Season in the Slow Cooker

Add the diced veggies to the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful bed for the chicken. Place the chicken on top, then drizzle the melted butter all over. Sprinkle the dried thyme, sage (or oregano), paprika, salt, and pepper evenly. This simple seasoning combo is magic when slow-cooked.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender and Juicy

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F and the meat falls off the bone easily — no poking or it might lose those precious juices!

Step 4: Make the Stuffing Right in the Slow Cooker

Carefully transfer the chicken to a serving platter and keep it covered with foil to stay warm. Now for an important tip: measure out and remove some of the cooking liquid, leaving about 1.5 cups along with the veggies. This precise amount is key for a perfectly moist stuffing. Stir in your boxed Stove Top stuffing mix and cover again — let it soak for about 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

Step 5: Serve with Style

I like to nestle the chicken back on top of the fluffy stuffing in the slow cooker if I’m serving right away — it looks impressive and keeps it warm. If it’s a casual family meal, slicing the chicken on a platter and spooning the stuffing from the pot works just fine too.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top for a little color and fresh herbal note — it makes the dish look inviting and tastes bright against the savory richness. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon adds a subtle zing that balances the butter and herbs beautifully.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple: roasted green beans, a crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette, or garlic mashed potatoes are my go-tos. My family also loves cranberry sauce alongside this meal for a classic touch that pairs naturally with the earthy herbs in the stuffing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve presented the whole chicken on a rustic wooden board surrounded by the stuffing and fresh herbs — it makes an unforgettable centerpiece. Another fun idea is to serve the stuffing in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets alongside sliced chicken for individual portions that feel fancy but are simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover chicken and stuffing in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This helps maintain the best texture — especially the stuffing, which can get mushy if mixed with chicken juices too long. Properly stored, leftovers last about 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick next-day meals.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the chicken and stuffing successfully. Just cool them completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and label with date. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they reheat well without losing moisture, so freezer meals really save the day whenever you need a quick dinner.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I gently reheat the chicken covered with foil in a 325°F oven to prevent drying, while I microwave the stuffing with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. This combo keeps everything tasting fresh and delicious — just like day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe has been a lifesaver for me on busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weekend dinners. I love how little effort it takes while delivering that classic, comforting meal we all crave. You’ll enjoy how the chicken stays juicy, the stuffing is perfectly soaked with herb and butter goodness, and the whole dish welcomes everyone to the table with open arms. Give it a try—I promise it will become one of your favorite slow cooker recipes too!

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