There's nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings simmering away. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful base to create the ultimate comfort food.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something satisfying yet effortless. Since then, it’s been my go-to for cozy family dinners or lazy weekend meals. Let’s dive into why this recipe will soon become a staple in your home.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe
Get ready to embrace your new favorite slow-cooker dinner. This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is everything you need for a cozy, stress-free meal.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep, you can toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy weekdays or when you simply don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s also crowd-pleasing and family-friendly. Even the pickiest eaters will adore the fluffy dumplings and creamy, savory sauce. Pair it with a simple side salad or enjoy it on its own for a complete, satisfying meal.
Lastly, this recipe is highly budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients means you can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
Now that you’re convinced, let’s break down what you’ll need to make this dish shine.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient contributes to a flavorful and comforting dish.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Thighs are slightly more forgiving and stay tender during slow cooking, but breasts are a great leaner option.
- Vegetables: A combination of diced onions, carrots, and celery adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture to the dish. Frozen mixed vegetables can also be used for convenience.
- Chicken Broth: Use a high-quality broth or stock for the base of your dish. If you want an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of white wine.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient helps create the creamy, comforting texture. You can use homemade or store-bought versions.
- Refrigerated Biscuits: These make the fluffiest dumplings with minimal effort. Cut them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the crockpot.
- Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper gives the dish a cozy, well-rounded flavor.
If you have a slow cooker with a sauté function, you won’t need additional equipment. Otherwise, a large skillet will come in handy for softening the vegetables before combining everything in the crockpot.
How To Make This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe
Making this dish is as simple as layering, stirring, and waiting while your crockpot does the hard work.
Start by placing chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, spreading them evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper on top to season everything well.
Pour in the chicken broth and spoon in the cream of chicken soup, ensuring it’s distributed evenly. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it well.
Cut your refrigerated biscuits into small pieces (about 1-2 inches each) and drop them into the crockpot. Stir gently to ensure the biscuit pieces are submerged in the sauce.
Cover and cook on high for another hour, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. The sauce will thicken beautifully during this time.
Serve your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage Options
This dish stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
For short-term storage, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
If you’d like to freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The dumplings may soften slightly after storage, but the flavor remains just as delicious.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, try turkey, beef, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Herb Adjustments: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or parsley for different flavor profiles.
- Dumpling Options: Use homemade dumpling dough, frozen pre-made dumplings, or even drop biscuits for a unique twist.
- Lighter Version: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a lower-fat alternative or make your own using skim milk and flour.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to make this dish truly your own. No matter how you customize it, you’ll end up with a meal that’s comforting, delicious, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
PrintCrockpot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a delicious and hearty comfort food classic. Made with tender chicken, creamy broth, fluffy dumplings, and simple pantry ingredients, it’s an easy slow cooker recipe for satisfying meals.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped carrots, and celery. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Stir in frozen peas.
- Tear biscuit dough into small pieces and add them to the crockpot. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on high for 1 hour or until the biscuit dough is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, use homemade cream of chicken soup or low-sodium broth.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
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