When you think of comfort food, warm, hearty chicken and dumplings often comes to mind. This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings together tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings in a simple way. You can prepare it in your slow cooker, which makes mealtime stress-free and perfect for busy days.
Why We Love This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This recipe is a go-to for many home cooks for several reasons. First off, it’s incredibly simple and requires minimal prep. You can throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The combination of creamy broth and tender chicken is simply unbeatable, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, using refrigerated biscuits for dumplings means you don’t have to fuss with making them from scratch, so you can have this cozy meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients about Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Directions
Making this easy chicken and dumplings dish is as simple as following a few straightforward steps.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This allows them to soak up all the flavors as they cook.
- Add the Broth and Soups: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add the 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup. Both ingredients will create a delightful, creamy base for your dish.
- Incorporate the Vegetables: Toss in your sliced carrots, celery, and chopped onion. These veggies bring color and nutrition to the dish while adding flavor.
- Season: Sprinkle in the garlic powder and dried thyme. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Everything Together: Use a spoon to gently stir the ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
- Set the Heat: Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Prepare the Dumplings: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve your meal, open the can of refrigerated biscuits. Tear each biscuit into quarters and stir them into the crockpot. This makes for light, fluffy dumplings that soak up delicious flavors.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the crockpot and cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the dumplings to cook through and become airy.
- Shred the Chicken (Optional): If you prefer shredded chicken, you can easily do this by taking the cooked chicken out, shredding it with two forks, and returning it to the crockpot.
Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness!
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Serving Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful experience. You can ladle the warm stew into bowls, ensuring each serving contains a mix of chicken, veggies, and fluffy dumplings. The dish is perfect on its own, but you can also enhance the experience by pairing it with warm, crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley, can add a pop of color and flavor if you like. Don’t forget to keep the leftovers as this dish tastes even better the next day!
Expert Tips: Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
To make your slow-cooked chicken and dumplings even better, consider these tips.
- Customizing the Veggies: Feel free to add others you enjoy. Peas, corn, or even green beans can complement the dish nicely.
- Boosting Flavor: For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens up the dish and enhances the overall taste.
- Adjusting the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Using Frozen Chicken: If you forget to thaw your chicken breasts, you can start with frozen ones, but remember to extend the cooking time by about an hour for safety and best results.
How to Store Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Storing Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is straightforward. After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the dish into an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the dish. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it can be stored for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
You can put your unique spin on this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Here are some variations to consider:
- Herbed Chicken: Instead of thyme, you can try using rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile. Herbs can truly transform the dish!
- Creamy Spin: Adding a cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes can give the broth a richer, creamier sauce that is utterly luxurious.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free biscuits and ensure that your cream of chicken soup and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
FAQ
What is Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish made with chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings cooked slowly in a flavorful broth, all prepared effortlessly in a crockpot.
How long do I need to cook Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
You can cook this dish on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Can I use frozen chicken for Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure safety and proper cooking.
What can I serve with Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. The balance of warm, hearty stew with a light side adds a lovely touch to your meal.
Can I make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Once cooked, store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze them for later enjoyment.
Now, you’re all set to make this delightful Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe that will have you and your loved ones coming back for seconds! Enjoy every comforting bite!
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add the 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup.
- Toss in your sliced carrots, celery, and chopped onion.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently stir the ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, tear each refrigerated biscuit into quarters and stir them into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Optionally, shred the chicken and return it to the crockpot.
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