Discover the Best Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Today!

When the weather turns cool and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy comfort of a big bowl of homemade Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This classic dish is the epitome of heartwarming, soul-nourishing fare – tender chicken simmered to perfection in a rich, creamy broth, topped with fluffy, pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a hug and makes you feel instantly better. And the best part? You can let your trusty slow cooker do most of the work while you sit back and enjoy the heavenly aromas wafting through your kitchen.

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The Magic of Slow Cooking

The beauty of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings lies in the slow, gentle cooking process. By letting the ingredients simmer away in the crockpot for several hours, the flavors have ample time to meld and deepen, resulting in a stunningly flavorful, fall-apart-tender chicken. The long, slow cooking also helps to tenderize even the toughest cuts of chicken, transforming them into juicy, succulent bites.

But the real magic happens when you add the dumplings to the mix. Dropping those fluffy, pillowy bites of dough onto the simmering chicken and broth creates a comforting, old-fashioned dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy. As the dumplings cook, they soak up all the rich, creamy flavors, becoming the perfect complement to the tender chicken.

Mastering the Ingredients

The key to Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is using quality, flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the essential components that come together to create this cozy classic:

• Chicken: This dish works well with either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The thighs will offer a bit more moisture and richness, while the breasts provide a leaner, more delicate texture.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This canned soup adds a creamy, comforting base to the dish, helping to thicken the broth and infuse it with delicious chicken flavor.
• Cream of Celery Soup (optional): For an extra boost of flavor, you can also add a can of cream of celery soup, or simply use more cream of chicken soup.
• Onions and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide a savory foundation, adding depth and complexity to the overall dish.
• Carrots: Carrots not only add a pop of color, but they also contribute sweetness and texture to the stew.
• Frozen Peas: Peas are a classic addition, providing a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, creamy broth.
• Chicken Broth: The broth serves as the liquid base, infusing the dish with even more chicken flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: A combination of dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and optional poultry seasoning helps to season the dish and bring all the flavors together.
• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: These store-bought biscuits are the key to the fluffy, delicious dumplings that crown the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note and a beautiful finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings couldn’t be easier. Simply toss all the ingredients (except the biscuit dough) into your slow cooker, give it a gentle stir, and let the magic happen!

Add to Crockpot

Start by placing the chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup (if using), onion, garlic, carrots, peas, chicken broth, thyme, pepper, salt, and poultry seasoning (if using) into your crockpot. Stir the mixture lightly to combine all the ingredients.

Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken and vegetable mixture on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the broth and vegetables.

Add Dumplings

Now it’s time to add the dumplings! Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them gently on top of the chicken mixture. Cover the crockpot and continue cooking on high for an additional 1 hour, or until the dumplings are fully cooked through and fluffy.

Serve

Ladle the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness!

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

To ensure your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings turns out absolutely delicious every time, keep these tips in mind:

Ingredient Quality Matters

Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and look for canned soups and broths without a lot of added sodium or preservatives.

Adjust Seasonings to Taste

Taste the broth before adding the dumplings and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your personal preferences.

Accommodate Dietary Needs

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free biscuit mix or skip the dumplings altogether and serve the chicken and vegetables over mashed potatoes or rice. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the mixture seems too thick.

Variations on a Classic

While the traditional Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a true comfort food staple, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this beloved dish:

Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings

For a heartier, more down-home version, use all-purpose flour instead of refrigerated biscuit dough to make the dumplings. The result is a thicker, chunkier stew with dumplings that soak up all the rich, savory flavors.

Vegetarian Chicken and Dumplings

Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, diced tofu, or plant-based meat alternatives for a delicious meatless version. You can even use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.

International Flavors

Give your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings a global twist by incorporating spices and herbs from different cuisines. Try adding a dash of curry powder, garam masala, or fresh cilantro for an Indian-inspired take, or use oregano, basil, and Parmesan for an Italian-style twist.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Loaded Mashed Potato Stuffed Meatballs
• Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers
• Bacon Ranch Pizza Dip Stuffed Bread Bowl
• Chicken Meatloaf Muffins

FAQ

Can I cook dumplings in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is that you can cook the dumplings right in the slow cooker. Simply drop the biscuit dough pieces onto the simmering chicken and broth mixture, cover, and let them cook for an additional hour until they’re light and fluffy.

What are some common mistakes when making chicken and dumplings?

Some common mistakes to avoid include overcooking the dumplings, which can make them tough and dense, and not shredding the chicken properly, leaving it in large, dry chunks. Additionally, not seasoning the broth well enough or using low-quality ingredients can result in a lackluster dish.

How to thicken chicken and dumplings in a crockpot?

To thicken the broth in your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, you can try a few techniques. First, make sure to use the full amounts of cream of chicken and cream of celery soups, as they help to create a rich, creamy base. You can also try mixing a tablespoon or two of cornstarch or all-purpose flour with a bit of cold water, then stirring it into the hot broth to help it thicken up.

Are dumplings better in the oven or slow cooker?

For Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, the slow cooker is the way to go. The gentle, moist heat of the crockpot helps the dumplings cook through and become light and fluffy, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the chicken and broth. Baking the dumplings separately can result in a drier, tougher texture.

Comfort Food at Its Finest

When you need a hug in a bowl, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the answer. This classic comfort food dish combines tender, shredded chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and pillowy soft dumplings for a truly satisfying and soul-warming meal. With the convenience of the slow cooker, you can enjoy this comforting classic with minimal effort. So go ahead, cozy up with a big bowl and let the flavors of this timeless dish wrap you in a warm, comforting embrace.

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