There’s just something about comfort food that wraps you in a cozy hug, right? And let me tell you, nothing does it quite like my crockpot chicken and dumplings. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken swimming in a creamy broth, with fluffy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; the aroma filled the kitchen, and we all gathered around the table like moths to a flame. My kids were raving about it before they even took their first bite! What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to throw together. Just toss everything in the crockpot, and let the magic happen. Trust me, after a long day, this dish is the ultimate reward—warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup of carrots, chopped
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into pieces
How to Prepare Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Preparing the Ingredients
Let’s kick things off by prepping our ingredients! First, grab that chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces. No need to stress about it being perfect; just make sure they’re manageable. Next up, chop your carrots and celery into small chunks—about half an inch works great. For the onion, just dice it finely so it blends nicely into the broth. Measure out your chicken broth and cream of chicken soup—this is where the magic begins! Oh, and don’t forget to have your spices ready; they’re the secret to elevating this dish!
Cooking in the Crockpot
Now, it’s time to bring everything together in the crockpot! Start by layering the chicken, chopped carrots, celery, and diced onion right at the bottom. It’s like creating a cozy little nest for all those flavors! Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the top, making sure everything is well-covered. Sprinkle the garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper evenly across the mixture. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. My tip? Low and slow is the way to go for the best flavors, so if you can, opt for the low setting!
Making the Dumplings
Once your chicken is tender and the aroma is heavenly, it’s time to add those dumplings! Carefully shred the chicken right in the pot—this makes it easier for all that goodness to blend. Then, grab your biscuit dough and drop spoonfuls right on top of the bubbling broth. No need to stir—just let them sit! Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until those dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve puffed up and look absolutely irresistible!
Tips for Success with Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a super quick and easy option, substitute the raw chicken for rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and toss it in at the end to save time!
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. I always recommend tasting the broth before adding the dumplings to make sure it’s just right for you!
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, toss some in at the end for a burst of freshness. It really elevates the dish!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dumplings: When adding the biscuit dough, make sure to give them space. This helps them rise better and stay fluffy!
- Leftovers are Golden: This dish reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s handy to know what you’re fueling your body with! Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the numbers here are approximate. Here’s a general breakdown for one serving (about 1 cup) of my crockpot chicken and dumplings:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
So, whether you’re cozying up with a bowl on a chilly night or feeding the family, you can enjoy this dish knowing it’s not just delicious but also packed with protein and flavor!
FAQ About Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Using frozen chicken is a great option if you’re in a pinch. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to extend the cooking time. If cooking on low, aim for about 8-9 hours, and if you’re on high, it could take up to 5-6 hours. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Great question! To lighten things up a bit, consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier flavor with a bit less fat. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for a lower-fat version or even a homemade alternative made with Greek yogurt. Adding more veggies, like spinach or peas, is another fantastic way to boost the nutrition without sacrificing taste!
What can I serve with crockpot chicken and dumplings?
This dish is so hearty that it really shines on its own, but if you’re looking to add some sides, I’ve got a few ideas! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, or you could whip up some roasted broccoli or green beans for a colorful plate. If you want to stay cozy, a slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy broth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavors: Each bite is like a warm hug, thanks to the tender chicken and creamy broth that make this dish a family favorite.
- Easy Cooking: The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy your day while it works its magic.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings or add your favorite veggies to make it your own!
- Leftover Bliss: It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or enjoying again the next day.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the fluffy dumplings and savory chicken—perfect for everyone at the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk leftovers! If you find yourself with any delicious crockpot chicken and dumplings after dinner (which is totally possible because it makes a generous batch), you’ll want to store them properly to keep all that flavor intact. First things first, let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps avoid condensation, which can make your dumplings soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy those cozy flavors again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up! You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just make sure it’s heated all the way to 165°F (75°C) before diving in again. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you saved some for later!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: 5 Steps to Comfort Food Bliss
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings cooked in a creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken breast
- 1 cup of carrots, chopped
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of biscuit dough
Instructions
- Place chicken, carrots, celery, and onion in the crockpot.
- Pour chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the ingredients.
- Add garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
- Drop biscuit dough by spoonfuls into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- For a richer flavor, add fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken and dumplings, chicken and dumplings recipe
