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Cozy Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Easy Recipe with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

cozy crockpot chicken and stuffing casserole - featured image

A comforting slow-cooked casserole featuring tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a rich creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for cozy nights and easy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for searing)
  • 6 cups prepared stuffing mix (about 200 g)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (360 ml)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for substitution)
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half (360 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release moisture and start browning.
  5. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes).
  7. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
  8. In your crockpot, spread the prepared stuffing mix evenly on the bottom. Pour the chicken broth over the stuffing to moisten it but not make it soggy.
  9. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the stuffing layer.
  10. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken and stuffing.
  11. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  12. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover for 5-10 minutes to melt, or broil briefly for a browned top.

Notes

Searing the chicken adds flavor and keeps it juicy. Use cremini mushrooms for best texture. Stir sauce constantly after adding flour to avoid lumps. Keep the crockpot lid closed during cooking to maintain heat. For a thicker sauce, reduce on stove or add a flour/cornstarch slurry. Optional cheese topping can be melted on top after cooking. Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat but increase cooking time. For gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing mix and flour. Dairy-free versions can use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken casserole, creamy mushroom sauce, stuffing casserole, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy dinner