Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s basically just like the warm hug in the middle of the night. We’re talking about creamy, savory, soul-satisfying goodnessCrockpot chicken and dumplings.If you love Chicken Noodle Soup but crave something a little more substantial, try this recipe. If you’re a little…dumpling-y, then this is your new best friend. What are some of the best recipes for a weeknight meal? How do I cook a meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Is it easier to make fried chicken?
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What is crockpot chicken and dumplings?
Think of Crockpot chicken and dumplings.What is the ultimate comfort food casserole? What’s a Creamy Chicken stew? What are some of the best dumpling The beauty of this dish is that it’s incredibly forgiving and endlessly customizable. What is essentially a dump-and-go recipe that yields incredible flavor? How do I make dumplings from scratch? What is the best way to make biscuit dough? What is pure deliciousness?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the reasons why this recipe has become a staple in my house?
- Flavor explosion: WhatThe slow cooking process infuses chicken with so much flavor. The creamy sauce, combined with the savory herbs and the perfectly cooked dumplings, is just… Is the aroma alone enough to have your family racing to the table?
- EffortlessWhere does the “crockpot” really shine? With the magic of slow cooking, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the go. With hardly any effort, you can create a table with What are some of the best breakfast recipes that I can make in the morning before work and it’s ready to go when I get home?
- Budget friendlyWhat are some pantry staples to make this recipe? Can you use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save even more time and money? How do I stretch my grocery budget without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction?
- Is it really versatileWhat are some good ways to add veggies to your diet? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feeling fancy? Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. What are the possibilities?
Is this recipe similar to my grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie? What do you love about this movie?Crockpot chicken and dumplings are great.How comforting it is to be around people. Is it the perfect meal for a cold winter day, or just when you need ‘homey’? What is the goodness in your life? What are some good slow cooker recipes for chicken and dumplings? Is chicken so tender that it’s hard to beat?
How do you make a crockpot chicken and dumplings?
Quick Overview
Making Crockpot chicken and dumplings. is simpler than you might think! First, you’ll layer your chicken and veggies in the crockpot with some seasonings and broth. Let it simmer away until the chicken is fall-apart tender. Then, you’ll stir in some creaminess (like cream of chicken soup or heavy cream) and drop in your homemade or store-bought dumplings. Cook for a bit longer until the dumplings are cooked through, and boom! Dinner is served. The Slow Cooker really does all the work, leaving you free to relax (or tackle that mountain of laundry).
Ingredients
What is the recipe for chicken and sauce?
- I prefer skinless chicken breasts, but thighs work great too. 5-2 lbs boneless, skin-less Chicken Breasts (I prefer breast and thigh but I also like breast).
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped. 1 t
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- How much chicken broth should I use?
- What’s the best way to make your own condensed cream chicken soup?
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme per 1 cup.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter. 1 tablespoon butter
For the Dumplings (or Shortcut Version): For a
Homemade dumplings
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder. 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt. 3/4 teaspoon pepper.
- 3 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into pieces.
- I use 3/4 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it works great)!
Shortcut dumplings
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands! – these work best)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
I use a little cooking spray on the inside of my crockpot. I can’t get rid of it. How do you prevent a chicken from sticking to your hands?
Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Veggies
Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a nice bed for the chicken and allows the veggies to flavor the broth as it cooks. Then place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. I like to nestle them in a little so they are surrounded by the veggies.
Step 3: Season and Add Broth
Sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Add the butter on top.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork. I always do this when I’m at work, so I usually opt for the low setting.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 6: Add Cream of Chicken Soup (or White Sauce)
Stir in the condensed cream of Chicken Soup (or your homemade white sauce) until everything is well combined. This is what gives the sauce its creamy, comforting texture. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can make a quick white sauce on the stovetop with butter, flour, and milk.
Step 7: Prepare the Dumplings
If using homemade dumplings: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix!
If using biscuit dough: Simply open the can of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
Step 8: Add the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter (or the biscuit dough quarters) into the simmering chicken mixture. Be sure to leave a little space between each dumpling so they can cook evenly.
Step 9: Cook the Dumplings
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy. The dumplings should be puffy and golden brown on top. I usually check them with a toothpick to make sure they are cooked all the way through.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the crockpot chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. I like to add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
What to Serve It With
This crockpot chicken and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few serving suggestions:
- For a simple side: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. A simple side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would also be delicious.
- For a heartier meal: Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or cornbread for a truly comforting and satisfying meal. My family loves it when I make a big batch of buttermilk biscuits to go with it.
- For a potluck or gathering: This is a great dish to bring to a potluck or family gathering. It’s easy to transport in the crockpot and keeps warm for hours. Just be sure to bring a serving spoon!
My family has a tradition of serving this with a side of cranberry sauce during the holidays. It might sound a little strange, but the sweetness of the cranberry sauce complements the savory flavors of the chicken and dumplings perfectly. My kids ask for this all the time, especially when it’s cold outside!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the perfect crockpot chicken and dumplings every time. Here are a few of my top tips:
- Don’t overcook the chicken: If you cook the chicken for too long, it will become dry and tough. I recommend checking it after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
- Don’t overmix the dumpling batter: Overmixing the dumpling batter will result in tough, dense dumplings. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Don’t overcrowd the crockpot: If you overcrowd the crockpot, the dumplings won’t cook evenly. Make sure to leave a little space between each dumpling.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crockpot, such as potatoes, peas, or corn. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, will add a lot of flavor to the dish. Add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the dumplings just before cooking.
I once forgot to add the baking powder to the dumpling batter and ended up with flat, hard dumplings. Lesson learned! Now I always double-check my ingredients before I start cooking. Also, if you want a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the crockpot in the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover crockpot chicken and dumplings (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating:
- Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend storing this at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacteria growth.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the dumplings, if possible, to prevent the dumplings from getting soggy.
- Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze it is okay to add the dumplings and store together
To reheat, simply microwave the leftovers until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out. Frozen leftovers should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s always best to consume refrigerated leftovers within a few days to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for the most comforting, easiest crockpot chicken and dumplings you’ll ever make! This is a recipe I keep coming back to because it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a dish that always makes me feel warm and cozy inside. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious crockpot recipes, be sure to check out my other posts on slow cooker stews and soups! I really hope you try this recipe and love it as much as my family does. And I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!
Rustic Slow Cooker Beef Stew: The Ultimate Comfort Recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups beef broth low sodium
- 3 cups carrots peeled and sliced
- 3 cups potatoes cubed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.
- Transfer browned beef to a slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth with tomato paste, thyme, and pepper. Pour over beef and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or until beef is tender.
