There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of crockpot chicken and dumplings. It’s like a big hug from the inside! I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted to create something that felt like home. The aroma wafting through the house as it cooked was simply mouthwatering! Everyone gathered around the dining table, and as soon as we dug in, I knew I had a winner on my hands.
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Seriously, it’s that simple! The slow cooking process really helps to meld all the flavors together, so every bite is a delicious explosion of comfort. Trust me, you’ll want to make this dish over and over again!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cozy dish of crockpot chicken and dumplings. I promise these ingredients are super easy to find, and they come together beautifully!
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here. You can also use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: This gives the dish its creamy texture and savory taste. Don’t worry; it’s a total lifesaver!
- 1 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake. This adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced: Fresh carrots add sweetness. You can use pre-sliced if you’re in a rush—no judgment here!
- 1 cup celery, sliced: This adds a nice crunch and freshness. I love the flavor it brings!
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion is perfect. It gives that classic savory base flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: You can use fresh garlic if you like, but garlic powder is super convenient!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking! I tend to go a bit heavier on the pepper for that nice kick.
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough: The dumplings! You’ll cut these into quarters and they’ll puff up beautifully in the crockpot.
How to Prepare Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the magic of making this dish! I promise, the process is as easy as pie—well, easier than pie, really! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a comforting meal bubbling away in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken in the crockpot: Start by putting your chicken breasts right at the bottom of the crockpot. They’ll soak up all the delicious flavors as they cook!
- Add the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth: Pour the can of cream of chicken soup and the chicken broth over the chicken. This will create that creamy base we all love. Give it a little stir to combine them.
- Stir in the veggies and seasonings: Toss in your sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This is where the magic begins—those veggies will add so much flavor!
- Set it to cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. I usually opt for low if I’m home and can let it simmer. The longer cooking time really helps the chicken become tender and the flavors to deepen.
- Shred the chicken: After the cooking time is up, carefully take the lid off (watch out for the steam!). Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. It should fall apart easily—this is when it gets super exciting!
- Add the dumplings: Now, cut your refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters. Gently drop them into the crockpot, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Don’t worry if they float a bit; they’ll puff up beautifully!
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes: Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. You can peek in, but resist the urge to dive in just yet!
Once that timer goes off, you’ll have a warm, hearty bowl of crockpot chicken and dumplings waiting for you. Just scoop it into bowls and dig in—trust me, you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work—no fuss, no mess!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Rich, Flavorful Experience: The slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully, making every bite a delightful explosion of taste.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with everyone! Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal clean-up means you can enjoy your meal without stressing about the dishes afterward.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners.
Tips for Success
To make your crockpot chicken and dumplings truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, a little extra attention can take this dish from good to absolutely fantastic!
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. You can also sprinkle in some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
- Choose the Right Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tenderness, but feel free to mix in thighs for a richer taste. Also, if you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken works wonders—just toss it in at the end to warm it through!
- Get Creative with Veggies: While carrots and celery are classic, don’t hesitate to throw in some peas or green beans for added color and nutrition. It’s a great way to clear out your fridge too!
- Watch the Dumplings: Keep an eye on those dumplings in the last 30 minutes of cooking. If they start to puff up and look golden, they’re ready to go! No one likes undercooked dumplings, so make sure they’re fluffy and cooked through.
- Don’t Rush the Shredding: When shredding the chicken, let it sit for a few minutes before diving in. This helps it retain moisture and flavor, making each bite even better!
- Leftovers Love: If you have any leftovers (which I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day—just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!
Follow these tips, and you’re bound to impress your family and friends with a comforting bowl of crockpot chicken and dumplings that they won’t forget!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown for one serving of my delicious crockpot chicken and dumplings. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a ballpark figure. If you’re counting macros or calories, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your ingredients!
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness knowing it’s not just delicious, but also packed with nutrients to keep you going!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken, but you’ll want to adjust your cooking time a bit. If you’re starting with frozen chicken breasts, set your crockpot to cook on low for about 8 hours. This way, the chicken gets plenty of time to cook through and become tender. Just make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let your crockpot chicken and dumplings cool down a bit, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it seems a little thick, don’t hesitate to stir in a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up!
Can I use a different type of soup?
Definitely! While cream of chicken soup is a classic choice, you can get creative with other soups too. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soups work beautifully and add a unique flavor to the dish. You could even try a cheddar cheese soup for a cheesy twist! Just remember to keep the creamy texture in mind when making substitutions.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your comforting bowl of crockpot chicken and dumplings, I love to keep it simple and cozy. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that pair perfectly with this dish:
- Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread or a buttery roll is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth!
- Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances out the richness of the dumplings.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, make a colorful and nutritious side dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.
- Pickles or Relish: A bit of tangy pickles or relish on the side can add a great contrast to the dish’s flavors.
Feel free to mix and match based on your mood or what you have on hand. No matter what you choose, you’ll have a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting dish of chicken and dumplings made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
Instructions
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Add cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
- Stir in carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Cut biscuit dough into quarters and add to the crockpot.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until dumplings are cooked through.
Notes
- You can add peas for extra flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken and dumplings
