When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings. This classic dish, slow-cooked to perfection, has a way of bringing people together. Whether you’re escaping from the chilly Midwest winter or simply craving a soul-soothing meal, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe will transport you to that warm and cozy place. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also effortless to prepare. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you’ll have a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Are the Perfect Comfort Food
Crockpot meals are known for their convenience, but they also allow flavors to develop in a way that no stovetop cooking can achieve. This chicken and dumplings recipe is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The slow cooking method allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, while the dumplings soak up all the savory goodness from the broth. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that will save you time and clean-up. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend!
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 slices of crumbled bacon (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (cut into quarters)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- A drizzle of heavy cream for extra richness
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. These will serve as the foundation of your dish. Pour the chicken broth and the cream of chicken soup over the chicken. This will provide the rich, creamy base that makes this dish so satisfying.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, add the sliced carrots, sliced celery, and chopped onions. These vegetables add flavor, texture, and color to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount of vegetables to suit your taste. For example, you can add more carrots if you love their sweetness, or more celery for a bit of crunch.
Step 3: Season to Taste
Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, as it will enhance the flavor of the entire dish. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the soup and chicken.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for about 3 hours. During this time, the chicken will cook through and absorb all the delicious flavors from the broth and vegetables.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
After 3 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Shredding the chicken ensures that every bite of your chicken and dumplings will be filled with tender, juicy meat.
Step 6: Add the Peas, Bacon, and Dumplings
Once the chicken is shredded, return it to the crockpot. Stir in the frozen peas and the crumbled bacon. The peas add a pop of color and sweetness, while the bacon gives a smoky, salty depth to the dish.
Next, it’s time to add the dumplings. Take your refrigerated biscuits and cut them into quarters. Place the biscuit pieces on top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot. The biscuits will cook in the steam and broth, transforming into fluffy, tender dumplings.
Step 7: Continue Cooking
Replace the lid on your crockpot and continue cooking on high for another 1 hour. The biscuits will puff up and turn into soft dumplings, soaking up the savory broth and chicken flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are fully cooked, your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings are ready to serve! Spoon out generous portions of the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls. If desired, garnish with more chopped parsley or a drizzle of heavy cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Why This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Stands Out
There are plenty of chicken and dumpling recipes out there, but this one has a few standout qualities that make it a family favorite:
- Minimal Prep Time: You only need about 10 minutes to prepare all the ingredients. The rest of the cooking is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal simmers away.
- Versatility: This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. You can add more vegetables, such as potatoes or corn, for added heartiness. You can also swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
- Flavor-Packed: Between the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and crispy bacon, every bite of this dish is packed with layers of flavor.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe makes enough for 4 servings, but if you have leftovers, they taste even better the next day. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Choose High-Quality Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most convenient option, using bone-in chicken thighs can add even more flavor to your dish. Simply remove the bones before shredding.
- Avoid Overcooking the Dumplings: Dumplings can quickly become soggy if left in the crockpot for too long. Keep an eye on them and check after 45 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through but still fluffy.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Want to add a little kick? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika to spice things up.
- Add Fresh Herbs: While dried parsley works well, fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor of your dish even further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dumplings instead of canned biscuits?
Absolutely! If you prefer making dumplings from scratch, you can prepare a simple dumpling dough using flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. Drop spoonfuls of the dough on top of the chicken mixture and cook as directed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare the chicken and vegetables, then refrigerate the mixture until you’re ready to cook. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables. For an extra indulgent meal, serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and filled with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly winter day or simply craving a homestyle meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.