Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot

Crockpot Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe with Creamy Celery Sauce

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of tender chicken breasts, flavorful stuffing, and creamy soup creates a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional stuffed chicken recipes that have been passed down through generations. This modern twist on a classic dish allows for easy preparation and hands-off cooking, making it a popular choice for busy home cooks.

Ingredients

3-4 boneless whole chicken breasts
stuffing of your choice
2 cans of cream of celery soup
paprika

How to prepare

Prepare the stuffing.
If using a package mix, use 0.5 of the package (you may substitute applesauce for water in the stuffing, and you can also add 0.5 cup of cut-up onion to the stuffing).
Roll the stuffing up in the breast and secure with a toothpick.
Brown the breast in butter or margarine in a hot pan.
Once browned, sprinkle with paprika and transfer to a crockpot.
Cover the breasts with 2 cans of cream of celery soup.
Set the crockpot to high and cook for 5 – 6 hours.

Variations

Use different types of stuffing, such as cornbread, wild rice, or quinoa.
Add diced vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to the stuffing for extra flavor and nutrition.
Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for the cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken breasts before adding them to the crockpot. This will help seal in the juices and add extra flavor to the dish.

- Feel free to get creative with the stuffing ingredients. You can use a pre-made stuffing mix or create your own combination of herbs, vegetables, and grains.

- For a crispy topping, broil the dish in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is slow cooking in a crockpot, which allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup instead.

- Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients, such as dried fruits, nuts, or herbs.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them in the crockpot. This is a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the dish on a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy sauce and rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream of celery soup) and gluten (stuffing mix), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Stuffed Chicken Breasts in the Crockpot. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just returned from a trip to the farmers market with a bounty of fresh ingredients. As I unpacked my bags and started to plan my meals for the week, I came across a handwritten note tucked away in an old cookbook.

The note was from my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who had passed away a few years earlier. She was a master in the kitchen and had always been generous with her recipes. This particular note contained detailed instructions for making stuffed chicken breasts in the crockpot, a dish I had never attempted before.

I felt a rush of excitement as I read through the recipe, imagining the flavors and aromas that would fill my kitchen as the chicken cooked low and slow in the crockpot. I could almost taste the savory stuffing of spinach, cream cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, mingling with the tender chicken breasts.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and prepping the chicken breasts. As I carefully sliced open each breast to create a pocket for the stuffing, I thought back to all the times Mrs. Jenkins had guided me through new recipes, patiently teaching me her culinary secrets.

I filled the breasts with the spinach mixture, securing them with toothpicks, and placed them in the crockpot. I poured in a mixture of chicken broth, white wine, and herbs, and set the timer for a few hours. As the comforting aroma of the dish began to waft through the house, I settled in with a cup of tea to wait for the magic to happen.

When the timer finally went off, I lifted the lid of the crockpot to reveal the most tender and flavorful stuffed chicken breasts I had ever seen. The spinach filling had melted into a creamy, cheesy goodness, and the chicken was perfectly cooked and moist.

I couldn't wait to dig in and savor the fruits of my labor. As I took my first bite, memories of Mrs. Jenkins flooded back to me. I could almost hear her voice cheering me on as I mastered yet another recipe in her honor.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time tweaking the ingredients and adding my own personal touch. But no matter how many variations I try, the original recipe from Mrs. Jenkins will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make stuffed chicken breasts in the crockpot, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy it has brought me throughout the years. And I know that Mrs. Jenkins is looking down on me with a smile, proud of the culinary legacy she passed on to me.

So here's to you, Mrs. Jenkins, and to all the wonderful recipes and memories you have given me. I will always cherish the time we spent together in the kitchen, creating delicious dishes and sharing our love of food. And I will continue to pass on your recipes and teachings to future generations, keeping your spirit alive in my kitchen for years to come. Thank you for everything, my dear friend.