Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Nothing warms the heart and soul quite like a cozy bowl of chicken and dumplings, especially when it’s prepared effortlessly in a crockpot. This beloved comfort food is the epitome of home-cooked goodness, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that envelop you in warmth. Imagine tender chicken simmered to perfection, surrounded by fluffy dumplings and a rich, creamy broth. For those who crave nostalgia and simplicity, this easy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is bound to become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
- One-pot convenience saves time on cleaning while delivering heaps of flavor.
- Versatile enough for any time of year — perfect for chilly evenings or casual family dinners.
You’ll find that this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also nurtures your spirit, bringing loved ones together around the dinner table.
Making Chicken and Dumplings at Home
Creating this classic dish is a breeze when you let the crockpot do the heavy lifting. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can set it and forget it. The following steps will guide you through crafting a creamy, hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get started on the cooking process:
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Next, add the cream of chicken soup to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, chopped onion, and frozen mixed vegetables. Gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, mixing it well with the remaining ingredients.
- Take the biscuit dough and cut it into quarters. Drop the pieces on top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy your cozy meal!
Storage Tips for Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Your delicious leftovers deserve proper storage for future enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days at 40°F.
- Freeze: If you want to enjoy this dish later, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: To serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
When it comes to serving this comforting dish, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to enhance your mealtime experience:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or freshly baked rolls for dipping — the broth is irresistible!
- Pair it with a simple side salad to add some freshness to your meal.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to bring a pop of color and flavor.
- For a bit of tanginess, a dollop of your favorite hot sauce on top adds a delightful kick.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish is a surefire hit that everyone will love.
Tips to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking to enhance its flavor.
- For an extra creamy texture, consider stirring in some sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
- To save even more time, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts for a quicker prep.
With these tips in hand, you’re well on your way to a delightful culinary experience.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences, here are a couple of variations to consider:
- For a lighter version, swap the cream of chicken soup for a low-fat version or even a homemade alternative using a roux and chicken broth.
- To amp up the veggies, feel free to toss in other favorites such as bell peppers or spinach, customizing the dish to your liking.
These adjustments will ensure that the recipe remains versatile and enjoyable for everyone at your table.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prep this dish the night before by combining all the ingredients in the crockpot, storing it in the fridge, and then setting it to cook in the morning.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully! They add a richer flavor and become wonderfully tender when cooked through.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process if you prefer a kick of heat.
As you might guess, this recipe is rich in flavor and easy to adapt to various preferences, making it a true family favorite.
Nutritional Information
For those keeping an eye on nutrition, here’s a rough breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
These numbers can vary based on specific brands used, so feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, certain missteps can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Neglecting to season: Failing to season the chicken properly can result in a bland dish. Don’t skimp on spices!
- Rushing the cooking time: Cooking too quickly can lead to tough chicken or raw dumplings. Stick to the recommended cook times for the best results.
- Ignoring the dumpling cooking time: Dumplings need enough time to rise and cook fully. Be sure to cover the pot, allowing steam to do its magic.
With these tips in mind, you’ll master this recipe and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Conclusion
There you have it — an easy, scrumptious, and soul-warming crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe. This meal combines the convenience of slow cooking with the traditional flavors that echo home-cooked comfort. Whether you’re sharing it with your family on a chilly evening or enjoying it solo after a long day, this dish is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So grab your crockpot and give this recipe a try; it might just become your new go-to for weeks to come!
Print
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 420 minutes
- Total Time: 435 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A cozy bowl of chicken and dumplings made effortlessly in a crockpot, featuring tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crockpot, mixing well with the other ingredients.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and drop on top of the chicken mixture.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese just before serving. You can also use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.