Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect dish for any home cook looking for comfort and simplicity in their meals. This beloved recipe combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that all come together beautifully in one slow cooker. Not only does this dish warm your home with its delightful aroma, but it also warms your heart, making it an ideal option for family dinners, gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. Plus, making it in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on the little things that matter most.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Not only does it come together easily with minimal prep, but it also offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Imagine a steaming bowl filled with succulent chicken, vibrant vegetables, and pillowy dumplings. It’s a comforting hug in food form!
Moreover, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can throw everything into the pot in the morning and come back to a meal that’s ready to enjoy without any fuss. It’s also a perfect way to use up leftover vegetables or adjust the recipe according to what’s in your pantry.
Eating a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings fosters a sense of togetherness, making it a staple at family dinners and potlucks. It’s not just about the food; it’s about bringing people together and creating memories around the table.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you will need to create this comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- 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
Let’s dive into the step-by-step directions to make this delicious dish, ensuring that each ingredient shines through in the final product.
- Prep the Chicken and Veggies: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Next, chop the onion, carrots, and celery, then dice the garlic. Add these vegetables to the crockpot, sprinkling them over the chicken.
- Add Broth and Soup: Now, pour the chicken broth over your ingredients, followed by the cream of chicken soup. Be sure to stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Season the mixture with dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to suit your taste.
- Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to develop beautifully while keeping the chicken exceptionally tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the crockpot, ensuring it gets mixed with the vegetables and broth.
- Add Cream and Peas: If you choose to include peas, stir them into the mixture along with the heavy cream. This addition increases the richness and creaminess of your dish, making it even more comforting.
- Make the Dumplings: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. To this dry mixture, add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the dumplings remain light and fluffy.
- Cook the Dumplings: Take spoonfuls of the dumpling batter and drop them over the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Cover the pot again, and let it cook on high for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the dumplings have puffed up and are cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are fully cooked, it’s time to serve your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. Ladle generous portions into bowls and dig in! You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how nourishing this meal is—perfect for any day of the week.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
When serving your delicious Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, consider garnishing with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color and a fresh finish. You can serve this dish as is or alongside warm crusty bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth. A simple green salad on the side can also complement your meal, providing a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the dish.
Feel free to enjoy leftovers the next day; this recipe reheats beautifully! It will likely taste even better as the flavors meld together overnight. Simply warm it in the microwave or a saucepan on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up if necessary.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
To ensure that your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and high-quality broth will make a world of difference. Look for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook: If you find that your chicken is overcooked, it can become dry and tough. Stick to the recommended cooking times for optimal results.
- Swap Out Veggies: Feel free to use other vegetables you enjoy. Bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms can make excellent additions or substitutions.
- Adjust for Moisture: If your mixture looks too thick before adding the dumplings, don’t hesitate to add more broth or cream. You want enough moisture for the dumplings to steam and rise properly.
- Make Ahead: You can prep all your ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and simply toss them into the crockpot in the morning for a quick and easy dinner.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Storing leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed to make it creamy once again.
If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it. Ladle the cooled chicken and dumplings into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat frozen leftovers, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
One of the best aspects of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is its adaptability. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Herb Variations: Instead of thyme and parsley, experiment with other herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Dumpling Style: Try adding some shredded cheese to your dumpling batter for a cheesy twist or substitute with biscuit dough for a different texture.
- Protein Options: While chicken is classic, you can swap it with turkey or even a vegetarian alternative like chickpeas or lentils for a meat-free meal.
- Add More Veggies: For added nutrition, incorporate spinach, corn, or zucchini into your mixture. They not only enhance color but also bring new flavors to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Why is my chicken dry in the Crockpot?
If you cook the chicken for too long, it can dry out. Always follow the recommended cooking times, and check the internal temperature—165°F is the safe temperature for chicken.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Yes! You can chop all your vegetables, measure out your ingredients, and store them in the fridge for a quick assembly in the morning.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can mix in other vegetables based on your preferences. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
What should I do if the dumplings are too dense?
Overmixing the dumpling batter can lead to density. Be gentle when mixing your ingredients, and stop just before it becomes perfectly combined.
Can I use store-bought dumplings?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use prepared dumplings from the store. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, adding them to your crockpot near the end of the cooking time.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 medium Onion Diced
- 3 medium Carrots Sliced
- 3 stalks Celery Sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1 cup Frozen Peas Optional
- 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Melted Butter
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the ingredients. Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and frozen peas, if using.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter to make the dumpling batter.
- Spoon the dumpling batter over the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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