Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings to warm your soul on a chilly evening. The tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and creamy, flavorful broth make this classic comfort food irresistible. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!

I first fell in love with this recipe during a busy season of life. Between work and family obligations, dinner needed to be effortless yet hearty enough to satisfy everyone. This crockpot recipe has become a staple, filling our home with its rich aroma and our bellies with joy. Let’s dive into the details so you can bring this magic to your table tonight.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Prepare to fall head over heels for this recipe! Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings isn’t just easy to make – it’s a lifesaver on busy days.

First off, it’s incredibly convenient. Toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a piping-hot, homemade meal with minimal effort.

This dish is also a crowd-pleaser. The creamy base, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings are a guaranteed hit, whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing guests.

Not to mention, it’s a one-pot wonder! No need to dirty multiple pans or spend hours cleaning up. Just grab your crockpot, and you’re ready to go.

Finally, it’s wonderfully customizable. Add veggies, switch up the seasonings, or tweak the dumplings to suit your family’s tastes. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient works together to create a comforting masterpiece. Here’s a closer look at the key players:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this dish. Thighs provide a bit more flavor and richness, while breasts are leaner. Both shred beautifully after slow cooking.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic pantry staple creates the creamy base for the dish. For a lighter version, you can use low-sodium or low-fat varieties.

Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and keeps the dish perfectly balanced. Homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought version works best.

Biscuits: Store-bought refrigerated biscuit dough makes the perfect shortcut for dumplings. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also make dumplings from scratch!

Vegetables: Traditional chicken and dumplings often include peas, carrots, and celery. Feel free to mix in your favorites or leave them out for a simpler version.

Seasonings: A blend of garlic, onion powder, thyme, and a dash of pepper enhances the dish’s flavors without overpowering the creamy base.

Special Equipment: All you need is a slow cooker (any size over 6 quarts works best) and a ladle for serving.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Creating this delicious dish is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for the perfect bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Place your chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add your chopped onions, carrots, and celery on top.
2. Make the Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup. Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
3. Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
4. Add the Dumplings: About 1 hour before serving, shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the broth. Then, cut your biscuit dough into small pieces (about 1-inch) and place them on top of the mixture. Replace the lid and let the dumplings cook on high for 1 hour until they’re fluffy and cooked through.
5. Finish and Serve: Give everything a final stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust as needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Storage Options

Leftovers of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings are just as delightful as the first serving! Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerate: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: While the dumplings may lose some texture, the dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm the dish gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain the creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

• Add More Veggies: Incorporate green beans, mushrooms, or even corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Try Rotisserie Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save even more time. Simply add it during the last hour of cooking along with the dumplings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the biscuit dough with gluten-free dumplings or even small gluten-free pasta.
• Herb Boost: Mix fresh rosemary or sage into the broth for an elevated flavor profile.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.

No matter how you tweak it, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Get creative and make it your own!

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food made effortless. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep for the week, this dish checks all the boxes. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation. So grab your slow cooker and let the magic happen!

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