CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, a creamy broth, and fluffy, pillowy dumplings—all cooked together in one easy pot. This slow cooker version of the classic dish makes mealtime simple and satisfying, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner for a chilly evening or a dish that feeds a crowd, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
This dish offers the best of both worlds—succulent, shredded chicken and tender, biscuit-like dumplings in a velvety, seasoned broth. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, while the dumplings cook to perfection on top, soaking in the savory flavors of the soup. With minimal prep and just a few hours of cooking time, you’ll have a filling meal that’s easy to make but rich in flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, too; you can make it as creamy or as light as you prefer, and there’s room to play with ingredients like vegetables or seasonings.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
– Servings: 6-8 servings
Why You Will Love This Recipe
1. Easy to Make: Just add your ingredients to the CrockPot, set it, and forget it until it’s time to eat.
2. Comforting & Hearty: The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings makes this a perfect comfort food.
3. Minimal Prep: No need for complicated steps—this recipe only takes 15 minutes of prep time.
4. Perfect for Busy Days: Since it’s cooked in a slow cooker, you can set it in the morning and come home to a hot, ready meal.
5. Customizable: Add extra veggies, swap seasonings, or use different types of chicken to make the recipe your own.
Ingredients Notes
– Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well in this recipe. Chicken thighs will result in a slightly richer, more flavorful broth, while chicken breasts are leaner and can be shredded more easily.
– Broth: Chicken broth is the base of the soup, but you can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. For extra creaminess, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and a little heavy cream or cream cheese.
– Dumplings: The dumplings are made from a biscuit dough (often from baking mix), making them incredibly easy to prepare and cook. You can make your own biscuit dough if you prefer, or use a pre-made option for convenience.
– Vegetables: Classic choices include carrots, celery, and onion, but you can add frozen peas, corn, or other veggies for extra flavor and texture.
How to Make CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of the CrockPot. Add diced carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and any other vegetables you’re using.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Stir to combine the ingredients. Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the CrockPot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir the shredded chicken back into the broth.
4. Make the Dumplings: In a separate bowl, prepare the dumpling dough according to package instructions (usually mixing with milk or water). Spoon the dumpling mixture over the soup, covering it evenly. Make sure not to stir the dumplings into the soup—they should float on top.
5. Cook the Dumplings: Cover the CrockPot again and cook on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until the dumplings have cooked through and are fluffy. Check with a toothpick or fork to make sure the dumplings are fully cooked.
6. Serve: Once the dumplings are done, garnish with fresh parsley or additional seasonings if desired, and serve hot.
Storage Options
– Refrigerator: Store leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.
– Freezer: This dish freezes well, though the dumplings may lose some of their texture. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding extra liquid as needed.
Variations and Substitutions
– Creamy Version: For an extra creamy soup, add a block of cream cheese or heavy cream in the last hour of cooking. You can also stir in some sour cream or half-and-half for richness.
– Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also try using tofu or tempeh as a protein replacement.
– Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition. Frozen veggies can be added toward the end of cooking.
– Dumpling Alternatives: If you don’t want to use biscuit dough, you can make homemade dumplings from scratch using flour, baking powder, butter, and milk. Or, for a low-carb option, use cauliflower dumplings.
Conclusion
CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect recipe for busy families or anyone craving a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and comes together beautifully in the slow cooker. The tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings make for a dish that everyone will love, and the best part is that it’s completely customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.