Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a cozy, comforting dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by the rich aroma of tender chicken simmering away with wholesome vegetables and fluffy dumplings. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, and what’s more appealing is that it’s effortless to make in a slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. First and foremost, it is an ultimate comfort food that brings simple ingredients together to create something extraordinary. The process is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for beginner cooks or anyone looking for an effortless meal to serve.
The slow cooking method allows the chicken to become extra tender, practically falling apart effortlessly. The vegetables soak in the rich flavors, and the creamy broth envelops it all. And when you add those delightful dumplings, everything transforms into a hearty, satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with a crusty piece of bread or a simple side salad.
Additionally, the flexibility of this recipe is fantastic. Whether you want to add plenty of vegetables, make it gluten-free, or adjust the flavors to your preferences, this recipe allows for personal touches that let you shine as a home chef. Best of all, the leftovers—if there are any—make for delicious meals that can be reheated effortlessly!
Ingredients about Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Directions
Making Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is straightforward and can be broken down into simple steps that guarantee success.
- Prep the Chicken and Veggies: Start by laying the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure to add in the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. These vegetables will add depth and flavor to the dish as they cook.
- Add Broth and Soup: Gently pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the layered ingredients. This will form the base of your flavorful broth. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. This step is crucial for building the dish’s flavors.
- Cooking Time: Now, cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method is excellent for making the chicken tender and the flavors rich and harmonious.
- Shred the Chicken: When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then mix it back into the remaining ingredients in the crockpot.
- Add Cream and Peas: At this point, stir in the frozen peas (if you’re using them) and the heavy cream or half-and-half. This will create an even creamier, richer broth that makes the dish comforting and satisfying.
- Make the Dumplings: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, pour in the milk and melted butter. Mix everything until just combined—it’s okay if there are a few lumps. This ensures your dumplings will be fluffy and light.
- Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter evenly over the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Make sure not to overcrowd them, as they will puff up while cooking. Cover the crockpot and let the dumplings cook on high for about 30 to 40 minutes until they are fluffy and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Once ready, ladle the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and prepare to dig in. You’ll find yourself not only satisfied but excited to share this warm and hearty meal with family and friends.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
While you can enjoy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings on its own, there are various meaningful ways to present this appetizing dish. Start by ladling generous portions into deep bowls, allowing the creamy broth to rise around the fluffy dumplings and tender chicken.
Consider elevating the experience with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of black pepper on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. If you’re in the mood for a little crunch, serve your hearty stew with a side of crisp green salad, which will balance the richness of the dish.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. A fresh loaf of crusty bread goes well with this dish too and is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. In colder months, this meal becomes even more inviting when paired with a warm dessert, like apple pie or peach cobbler, to round off the meal beautifully.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
To ensure your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
- Use Quality Chicken Broth: The flavor of your broth plays a crucial role in this recipe. Opt for homemade or a high-quality store-bought variety to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Dumplings: The dumplings are what make this dish special, so make sure to prepare them as outlined in the recipe. If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought biscuit dough, but homemade dumplings are worth the effort.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary by crockpot, so keep an eye on your dish. If you notice the chicken shredding too quickly, reduce the cooking time slightly next time.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to match your preference. A bit more thyme, a touch of garlic powder, or additional veggies can create unique flavors that make the dish your own.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best served hot, right after the dumplings are cooked. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly, as the creaminess can change in texture once cooled.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
After enjoying your cozy meal, you may find yourself with some leftovers—which is great because it stores well! To store Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, simply let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk as needed to restore creaminess.
If you’re looking to enjoy your meal later, you can freeze the leftovers as well. While the dumplings may lose some of their texture during freezing, the flavors will still be delicious. Place the chicken and dumpling mixture in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
While this classic recipe is hard to beat, you may find that switching things up is fun! Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Vegetable Medley: Add more vegetables to the mix, such as green beans, corn, or bell peppers. This variation provides extra nutrition and vibrant colors.
- Substituting Meat: If you’re looking to make a different version, consider using turkey or even seitan for a plant-based alternative.
- Herb Swaps: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or oregano to switch up the flavor profile. When you change the herbs, you may find yourself enjoying an entirely new dish.
- Dumpling Changes: For a more savory touch, you can integrate herbs or cheese into your dumplings. Adding shredded cheddar or garlic powder into the batter adds an entire new layer of flavor.
- Creamy Mushroom Addition: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms for a deeper, umami flavor. Simply cook them lightly in butter before adding them to the crockpot with the other ingredients.
FAQ Section
What is the best way to make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
The best way to make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is to begin with quality ingredients, especially your broth and chicken. Following the steps meticulously and allowing the dish ample time to cook will ensure wonderful results each time you prepare it.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Cooking generally takes around 6-7 hours on low and about 3-4 hours on high. Always check your chicken’s tenderness—when it shreds easily, you know it’s ready!
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add frozen chicken breasts straight to your crockpot. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly for the chicken to cook thoroughly.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic.
- Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the ingredients, then sprinkle in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- When done, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the broth. Stir in frozen peas and heavy cream.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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