Name: Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large carrots, diced into 1/2″ pieces; 1 small yellow onion, diced into 1/2″ pieces; 2 ribs celery, diced into 1/2″ pieces; 5 pound whole chicken, cleaned out inside; ½ cup salted butter; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 6 ounces boxed stuffing (any flavor)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

I absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe because it takes the guesswork and hassle out of preparing a wholesome, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slowly cooked alongside hearty vegetables and flavorful stuffing, all mingling together with rich, buttery seasoning. It’s one of those dishes that fills your home with the most inviting aroma and makes everyone gather around the table with eager smiles. Whether you’re serving family or guests, this recipe delivers satisfying, soulful flavors with minimal hands-on time, which makes me love it even more.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

From my experience, the flavor profile of this dish is absolutely irresistible. The combination of poultry seasoning, paprika, and a rich butter coating creates a savory, slightly smoky essence that perfectly complements the natural juices of the chicken and the earthiness of the vegetables. The stuffing absorbs the flavorful cooking liquid, making every bite moist and deeply satisfying. Each element—carrots, onions, celery, and the chicken—melds together to create a harmony of tastes and textures that feels both homey and elegant.

What truly sets this recipe apart for me is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. You simply layer the veggies, place the whole chicken on top, slather with seasoned butter, and let the slow cooker work its magic. There is no need to fuss over timers or complicated steps. It’s ideal for busy days, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions when you want something hearty but hands-off. I’ve served it for family dinners and holiday gatherings, and it never fails to impress with its effortless deliciousness and comforting vibes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A raw whole chicken sits in the center of a black slow cooker bowl, spread out with its legs at the bottom and wings on the sides. The chicken is coated evenly with a reddish-brown spice rub, giving it a slightly rough texture. Underneath the chicken, there is a small layer of chopped vegetables that include orange carrot pieces and small green bits, likely celery or herbs, peeking out from the edges. The slow cooker bowl contrasts with the white marbled surface underneath, and a light green cloth is partly visible in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but essential, each contributing unique taste and texture. Fresh vegetables add natural sweetness and depth, the whole chicken offers juicy tenderness, and the boxed stuffing soaks up flavorful broth resulting in a delightfully soft and savory side. Together, these staples transform into an unforgettable meal.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Carrots: Diced into half-inch pieces for just the right tender bite and natural sweetness.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild, savory base flavor that enhances the whole dish.
Celery ribs: Give a subtle crunch and aromatic freshness.
Whole chicken (5 pounds): The star of the meal, perfectly slow-cooked for tender, juicy results.
Salted butter: Melts into a rich, comforting coating carrying the spices.
Poultry seasoning: Brings an herby warmth that ties all the flavors together.
Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the ingredients.
Boxed stuffing (6 ounces): Absorbs flavorful cooking juices to become soft, fluffy, and delicious.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by dicing the carrots, yellow onion, and celery into uniform half-inch pieces. Place these vegetables in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. They form a flavorful bed for the chicken and keep it elevated as it cooks.

Step 2: Clean the inside cavity of the whole chicken, removing any extra parts like giblets. Position the chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. This layering helps the chicken juices drip down, enriching the veggies and stuffing later.

Step 3: Melt the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this seasoned butter mixture all over the chicken, rubbing it to coat every part evenly. This step is key for infusing the bird with flavor and creating a beautifully seasoned crust.

Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork.

Step 5: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a platter. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the stuffing.

Step 6: Drain off all but about 1.5 cups of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, making sure the vegetables stay inside. Pour the boxed stuffing mix into the crockpot with the veggies and liquid. Stir gently to combine, then cover and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Fluff the stuffing with a fork before serving.

Step 7: Serve the stuffed chicken back on the platter alongside the stuffing from the slow cooker, or place everything together in the slow cooker if you want to keep it warm during serving. Enjoy this comforting, hands-free meal with your favorite sides!

Servings and Timing

This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe serves about 6 hearty portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. The prep time is around 15 minutes, which involves chopping vegetables and seasoning the chicken. Cooking is largely hands-off, requiring 7 hours on LOW or about 5 to 6 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. Total time from start to ready is approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes. Once cooked, you can rest the chicken for a few minutes before carving or serving, which helps the juices redistribute for maximum juiciness.

How to Serve This Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe

A whole cooked chicken with a golden brown, slightly speckled skin sits centered in a white rectangular baking dish. The chicken is seasoned with black pepper and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Surrounding the chicken is a thick layer of mixed stuffing that includes visible bits of orange carrot, small green herbs, and soft bread crumbs. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface, next to a stack of white plates with dark rims, topped with three metal forks. A mint green cloth is folded near the bottom left corner of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this meal with vibrant, crunchy accompaniments to balance the richness of the chicken and stuffing. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with garlic and lemon zest really brighten the plate. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a side of sautéed mushrooms also pair beautifully, adding color and earthy flavors.

For presentation, I often place the carved chicken on a large platter surrounded by the fluffy stuffing and garnished with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs to add a pop of color and fresh aroma. If you want to impress, slice the chicken and fan it out neatly, then spoon the stuffing alongside or in small ramekins for a homestyle, inviting look. Serving the meal warm right out of the slow cooker is ideal to preserve the delicious juices and tenderness.

When it comes to beverage pairings, I’m partial to a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to complement the buttery, savory flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling apple cider or a refreshing iced tea with lemon works wonderfully. This dish feels right at home on cozy weeknights but also shines at holiday meals, Sunday gatherings, or casual dinner parties with friends.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your preferences. For instance, if you’re gluten-free, simply swap the boxed stuffing for a gluten-free variety or even homemade cornbread stuffing to keep that classic flavor without the wheat. You could also switch up the seasoning blend; I like adding a bit of garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary for extra aroma.

If you prefer a different cooking method, you can start the chicken in the slow cooker and finish it under the broiler for just a few minutes to crisp up the skin—a step I highly recommend if you love that golden, crackly texture. Additionally, for a lighter variant, try using olive oil instead of butter and a low-sodium seasoning blend to reduce fat and salt. Vegetables like parsnip or sweet potato can be added for more variety and natural sweetness.

For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, this recipe can be adapted by substituting the whole chicken with large portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks, and using vegetable broth with vegan stuffing instead. It won’t be the same, but it’ll still deliver that cozy, comforting vibe with delicious flavors by following the same slow cooking method.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, any leftovers should be promptly stored in airtight containers to preserve flavor and moisture. I recommend using glass or BPA-free containers and placing them in the refrigerator where they will keep well for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and stuffing separate if possible helps maintain their textures; stuffing can sometimes become dense if mixed too early.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully if you want to save some for later. I usually portion out the chicken and stuffing into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken and stuffing gently in the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil, to keep the chicken from drying out and the stuffing fluffy. Alternatively, reheating in a microwave on medium power works well for quicker meals, but watch carefully to avoid overheating. Avoid reheating at too high temperature or too long, as this can make the chicken tough and the stuffing mushy. Adding a splash of broth or water to the stuffing before reheating helps revive its moist texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I cook this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe on high heat?

Absolutely! While I prefer cooking on LOW for the most tender, fall-off-the-bone results, you can cook on HIGH for about 5 to 6 hours. Just keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without drying out.

Is it safe to cook stuffing inside the chicken cavity in this recipe?

In this particular recipe, the stuffing is cooked separately in the slow cooker after the chicken is done. Cooking stuffing inside the chicken cavity isn’t recommended here due to slow-cooker temperature control and food safety concerns. Instead, the stuffing fully absorbs cooking juices in the crockpot, delivering the same great flavor safely.

Can I use a frozen chicken for this recipe?

I recommend using a fully thawed whole chicken for even cooking and food safety. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven doneness and longer cooking times, which might affect the texture and flavor of both the meat and stuffing.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The best way to check is with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (away from bone). When it reads 165°F, the chicken is safe and perfectly cooked. The meat should also be tender and juices should run clear.

Can I add other vegetables or herbs to the slow cooker?

Definitely! I enjoy experimenting by adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, garlic cloves, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Just keep in mind the cooking time and size of vegetable pieces so everything cooks evenly and complements the main flavors.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and fuss-free meal that feels like a big warm hug from the inside out, this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Stuffing Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s one of those dishes I turn to again and again, whether for weeknight family dinners or special occasions. The juicy chicken, flavorful veggies, and rich buttery stuffing all come together effortlessly, making you look like a culinary rockstar without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a go—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your home too!