Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing

There’s something magical about a meal that cooks itself while you go about your day — and still greets you with the smell of comfort, warmth, and home. Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing is one of those recipes that never fails to win hearts. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and downright delicious — the kind of Southern comfort food that feels like a big hug from Grandma.

Whether you’re planning a Sunday dinner, hosting the holidays, or just craving something hearty on a chilly evening, this dish will hit the spot every single time. And the best part? You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. Your slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you.


Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe

If you’ve ever had traditional chicken and dressing baked in the oven, you know it can be a little high-maintenance. You have to stir, bake, check moisture levels, and keep your eye on it constantly. But with the Crock Pot version, you can toss in your ingredients, set it, and let the slow heat do the rest.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation:

  • Effortless cooking – Toss everything in and let your slow cooker work its magic.
  • Perfect for busy days – Ideal for workdays, holidays, or lazy Sundays.
  • Classic flavor – You get all the rich, savory goodness of old-fashioned dressing without the fuss.
  • Family-friendly – Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
  • Smells heavenly – The aroma alone will make your home feel cozy and inviting.

This dish is everything Southern comfort food should be — warm, flavorful, and soul-satisfying.


Ingredients You’ll Need

To get that authentic, homemade taste, use simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing Ingredients

IngredientQuantityNotes/Substitutions
Chicken breasts or thighs2 lbsBoneless, skinless (thighs stay juicier)
Cream of chicken soup1 can (10.5 oz)Low sodium preferred
Chicken broth1 ½ cupsHomemade or store-bought
Celery½ cup, choppedAdds crunch and aroma
Onion½ cup, dicedYellow or white onion works
Cornbread mix6 cups, crumbledDay-old or slightly dry
Eggs2 largeHelps bind the dressing
Butter½ cup, meltedAdds moisture and flavor
Poultry seasoning1 tspKey Southern flavor
Salt & pepperTo tasteAdjust to your liking

Pro Tip: If you like a little extra depth, toss in a pinch of fresh sage or thyme — it adds that unmistakable “holiday” aroma.


Step-by-Step: How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Once everything’s prepped, your slow cooker takes care of the rest.

Step 1 – Prepare the Cornbread Base

Start with crumbled cornbread. Day-old works best because it holds up better and keeps your dressing from turning mushy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread crumbs, chopped celery, onion, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.

Step 2 – Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together your cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, melted butter, and eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cornbread base and stir until evenly coated. The texture should be moist but not soupy.

Step 3 – Layer in the Crock Pot

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Place the chicken pieces at the bottom — this ensures they stay juicy and soak up all the flavors. Pour the cornbread dressing mixture on top, spreading it evenly.

Step 4 – Cook Low and Slow

Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken shreds easily with a fork and the dressing is golden and firm around the edges.

Step 5 – Shred and Serve

Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly into the dressing. Give it a gentle stir to combine, then serve it warm with your favorite sides.

Cooking Tip:
If the dressing feels a bit dry before serving, drizzle in a splash of warm chicken broth and stir. It’ll bring back that perfect creamy texture.


Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing

You might think this dish is foolproof (and it pretty much is), but a few expert tweaks can make it absolutely unforgettable.

  • Use day-old cornbread: Freshly baked cornbread will fall apart too easily.
  • Don’t skip the butter: It adds moisture and richness.
  • Avoid overmixing: The dressing should have texture, not be mushy.
  • Layer correctly: Always place the chicken at the bottom for even cooking.
  • Rest before serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes after cooking for the flavors to settle.

If you love your dressing on the creamier side, stir in an extra half cup of broth before serving. For a crispier top, transfer the finished dish to a baking dish and pop it under the broiler for 5 minutes.


What to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing

This hearty dish plays beautifully with a variety of sides — especially ones that balance its richness.

Here are some crowd-pleasing pairings:

  • 🥔 Mashed potatoes – Because you can never have too much comfort food.
  • 🌽 Creamed corn – Sweet and buttery goodness.
  • 🥬 Green beans or collard greens – Add color and freshness to your plate.
  • 🥖 Homemade rolls or biscuits – Perfect for soaking up that savory sauce.
  • 🍰 Pecan pie or banana pudding – Because no Southern meal ends without dessert.

Serve it family-style and watch how quickly it disappears.


Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

If you’re planning a holiday meal or want to meal prep, this recipe is your best friend.

To make ahead:

  • Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • In the morning, place it in the slow cooker base and start cooking — no stress, no fuss.

To store leftovers:

  • Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze:

  • Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
  • Store for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

This makes it perfect for holiday leftovers or quick weeknight dinners when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.


Flavor Variations You’ll Love

Once you’ve nailed the classic version, feel free to get creative with it!

  1. Cheesy Chicken and Dressing – Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar for extra comfort.
  2. Spicy Cajun Style – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of Cajun seasoning for a bold kick.
  3. Turkey and Dressing – Use leftover holiday turkey instead of chicken.
  4. Vegetable Mix-In – Peas, carrots, or mushrooms make great additions.

Every variation keeps that same soul-warming base while adding your own twist.


Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories420
Protein28g
Carbs18g
Fat24g
Sodium780mg
Fiber2g

(Values may vary based on exact ingredients used.)


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing without cream soup?

Absolutely! You can swap the canned soup for a homemade version. Combine 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 1 tablespoon of flour, then cook until thickened. Mix in a bit of chicken broth and season to taste.

Q2: What’s the best cornbread for Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing?

Day-old, slightly dry cornbread works best. Fresh cornbread tends to crumble too much and makes the dressing too wet.

Q3: Can I use boxed stuffing mix instead of cornbread?

Yes, though it changes the texture slightly. Boxed stuffing adds a saltier, more seasoned flavor. Adjust your salt accordingly.

Q4: How do I keep the dressing from turning soggy?

Use less broth and avoid overmixing. You can also leave the lid slightly ajar during the last 30 minutes of cooking to release excess steam.

Q5: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Use an 8-quart Crock Pot and add an extra hour to your cook time. Perfect for holidays or big family gatherings.


Bringing Southern Comfort to Your Table

Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing isn’t just another recipe — it’s a memory in the making. Each spoonful carries that unmistakable blend of warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction that defines true Southern cooking.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how effortlessly it turns out every time. Whether it’s a lazy weekend dinner, a holiday feast, or a midweek craving for something hearty, this recipe delivers on flavor, comfort, and simplicity.

So dust off your slow cooker, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create something special — the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like home.


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Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing

Recipe by Nanny's RecipesCourse: Dinner DelightsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

4

hours 
Total time

4

hours 

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • Base Ingredients
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 celery ribs, diced

  • 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

  • Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, divided

  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

  • 2 teaspoons dried sage

  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Liquids and Mixtures
  • 1 can (284 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup

  • 1 can (284 grams) condensed cream of celery soup

  • 2 large eggs

  • 480 millilitres chicken broth

  • 120 millilitres whole milk

  • Stuffing Mix
  • 1 bag (340 grams) cornbread stuffing mix

  • 3 cups (approximately 120 grams) herb seasoned stuffing mix

Directions

  • Step 1 – Prepare the Cornbread Base
    Start with crumbled cornbread. Day-old works best because it holds up better and keeps your dressing from turning mushy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread crumbs, chopped celery, onion, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.
  • Step 2 – Mix the Dressing
    In a separate bowl, whisk together your cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, melted butter, and eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cornbread base and stir until evenly coated. The texture should be moist but not soupy.
  • Step 3 – Layer in the Crock Pot
    Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Place the chicken pieces at the bottom — this ensures they stay juicy and soak up all the flavors. Pour the cornbread dressing mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
  • Step 4 – Cook Low and Slow
    Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken shreds easily with a fork and the dressing is golden and firm around the edges.
  • Step 5 – Shred and Serve
    Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly into the dressing. Give it a gentle stir to combine, then serve it warm with your favorite sides.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Dressing
    You might think this dish is foolproof (and it pretty much is), but a few expert tweaks can make it absolutely unforgettable.
    Use day-old cornbread: Freshly baked cornbread will fall apart too easily.
    Don’t skip the butter: It adds moisture and richness.
    Avoid overmixing: The dressing should have texture, not be mushy.
    Layer correctly: Always place the chicken at the bottom for even cooking.
    Rest before serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes after cooking for the flavors to settle.