The aroma of warm, savory chicken and dressing wafting from your slow cooker is the epitome of comfort food. This recipe simplifies the classic dish, allowing you to enjoy all the flavor without the fuss of oven-roasting. Forget complicated recipes and enjoy a moist, flavorful meal that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering.
What Makes This Crock-Pot Chicken and Dressing Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients in a slow cooker; it's about achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. We start with a flavorful base of herbs and spices, ensuring the chicken and dressing are infused with deliciousness. The slow cooking process yields incredibly tender chicken and perfectly moist dressing, eliminating the risk of dry, overcooked components often associated with traditional oven methods.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup crumbled cornbread (can substitute with 1 cup cubed bread, stale is best!)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the browned (or un-browned) chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery and onion. Add the chicken broth, cornbread (or bread), flour, sage, poultry seasoning, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
- Layer and Cook: Pour the dressing mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the dressing is heated and slightly thickened. Internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or serving whole. Serve the chicken with the delicious dressing alongside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of bread for the dressing?
Absolutely! While cornbread is traditional, you can experiment with other types of bread, such as sourdough, wheat bread, or even biscuits. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the liquid more efficiently without becoming mushy.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the amount of butter or use a healthier alternative like olive oil. You can also increase the amount of vegetables in the dressing, adding carrots, mushrooms, or other options you enjoy. Using whole wheat bread instead of white bread will also boost the nutritional value.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. However, it's best to assemble and cook the chicken and dressing on the day you plan to serve it to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
What are some side dishes that pair well with crock-pot chicken and dressing?
This hearty dish pairs perfectly with simple sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, a simple salad, or cranberry sauce.
Can I freeze leftover chicken and dressing?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken and dressing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
This Crock-Pot Chicken and Dressing recipe offers a delicious, convenient, and customizable meal option for any occasion. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking while savoring the comforting flavors of this classic dish!
