Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Bring comfort to your dinner table with a hearty and satisfying bowl of crockpot chicken and dumplings. This simple recipe from Spice and Bloom delivers all the cozy flavors you love with minimal effort. Made in a slow cooker, it’s the perfect dish to warm up your family during colder seasons or whenever you’re in the mood for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Loaded with tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is both comforting and irresistibly delicious. If you’re looking for an easy way to make a homemade classic without too much hassle, this is your go-to solution. Forget spending hours over the stove—let your crockpot do all the work while you relax and enjoy the process.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

– Chicken breasts (2-3 pieces, depending on size)

– Yellow onion (finely chopped, 1 medium-sized)

– Carrots (peeled and diced, 2 medium carrots)

– Celery (sliced thinly, 2 ribs)

– Chicken broth (4 cups)

– Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, approximately 10.5 ounces each)

– Bay leaf (1)

– Poultry seasoning (1 teaspoon)

– Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)

– Salt and black pepper (to taste)

– Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 package, about 12 ounces, torn into small pieces)

– Frozen peas (optional, 1 cup)

– Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)

Prep Time

This crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe requires minimal preparation. Perfect for busy weekdays or when you need a quick start to dinner, most of the time it takes is spent letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

– Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

– Cook Time: Approximately 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

– Total Time: 6-8 hours and 10 minutes

– Yield: Serves 4-6 people

Enjoy this wonderfully warm and creamy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe with friends and family. Whether it’s a serene evening or a busy weekend, this dish will bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Dice the onion, celery, and carrots into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If using garlic, mince it finely.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

In the bottom of your Crockpot, add the prepared vegetables (onions, celery, carrots, garlic). Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts over the top of the vegetables.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Add in the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine the seasonings with the broth.

Step 4: Cook on Low or High

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the Crockpot or carefully remove it, shred it, and return it to the pot.

Step 6: Prepare the Biscuit Dumplings

Open the canned biscuits and cut each one into 4-6 smaller pieces. These will expand as they cook, so smaller pieces work best.

Step 7: Add the Dumplings

Stir the shredded chicken into the broth and vegetables. Then, drop the biscuit pieces into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed over the surface but not overcrowded.

Step 8: Cook the Dumplings

Turn the Crockpot to HIGH and cook for another 1-2 hours, or until the biscuit dumplings are fully cooked through and fluffy. Stir gently during the cooking process to make sure all dumplings are exposed to the broth and cook evenly.

Step 9: Check for Seasoning

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Step 10: Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked and the mixture is hot, serve the chicken and dumplings immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

Note on Vegetables

You can customize the vegetables to your liking. Peas or corn can be added during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor and texture.

Note on Chicken

If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

Note on Dumplings

Make sure not to overcrowd the dumplings in the Crockpot. If there are too many, they may not cook evenly.

Note on Broth

If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before adding the dumplings.

Note on Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if the mixture becomes too thick.

Note on Cooking Time

Cooking time may vary depending on your Crockpot model, so check regularly to ensure the dumplings are cooked through without becoming soggy.

Cook Techniques

Using the Right Size of Crockpot

Ensure you’re using the correct size of crockpot for the recipe. A 6-quart crockpot works perfectly for even cooking and adequate space for ingredients.

Layering the Ingredients

Layering the ingredients properly promotes even cooking. Start with the chicken at the bottom, followed by the vegetables, seasoning, and liquids on top.

Cooking on Low for Best Results

Cooking on the low setting ensures a slow, gradual process that allows flavors to develop fully and the chicken to tenderize perfectly.

Adding Dumplings at the Right Time

Add the biscuit dough during the last 1-2 hours of cooking time to ensure it cooks through without becoming soggy or overcooked.

Shredding the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, shred it directly in the crockpot with two forks to blend it seamlessly with the rest of the dish.

Stirring Occasionally

Gently stir the contents of your crockpot occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent any ingredients from sticking to the sides or bottom.

Setting Timer Alerts

Use a timer or alarm to avoid overcooking. The timing is essential for both the chicken and dumplings to maintain the right consistency.

FAQ

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may increase the cooking time. Ensure the chicken is cooked through before shredding.

What Kind of Biscuit Dough Works Best?

Refrigerated biscuit dough works best for this recipe. Choose a brand or type that will rise well during cooking.

Can I Add Extra Vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as celery, peas, or green beans for additional flavor and nutrition.

How Do I Know When the Dumplings Are Fully Cooked?

The dumplings are done when they are firm and fluffy. Use a fork to check their consistency and ensure the dough is not raw in the center.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Chicken?

While you can use pre-shredded chicken as a shortcut, starting with raw chicken allows for better infusion of flavors into the meat while it cooks in the broth.

Will the Recipe Work Without Heavy Cream?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with milk or leave it out entirely, though the dish may be less creamy.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the recipe ahead of time. Reheat it on low in the crockpot or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

What Can I Do If My Dumplings Are Too Soggy?

Avoid adding dumplings too early. Also, ensure there is not too much liquid in the pot, as dumplings absorb moisture during cooking.

Conclusion

This delicious crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is the perfect comfort food for busy days. It’s simple to prepare, filled with hearty and flavorful ingredients, and slow-cooked to perfection. With the ease of a crockpot, you can enjoy the classic flavors of chicken and dumplings with minimal effort, making it an excellent option for family meals or gatherings.

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