Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate cozy comfort food, offering rich flavors with minimal effort. This dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all simmered together in a slow cooker. It’s the perfect meal for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving something warm and filling. Plus, the best part is that it’s all made in one pot, making clean-up a breeze!

Why Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a Game-Changer

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings stands out because of its simplicity and unbeatable flavor. You get all the hearty goodness of traditional chicken and dumplings without the hours of cooking. With a few basic ingredients, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Plus, it’s a hands-off recipe — simply load the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple.

Ingredients

For a delicious and hassle-free Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, gather the following ingredients:

• Onion: Adds a savory, aromatic base to the dish.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy when cooked in the slow cooker, these chicken breasts become the heart of the dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a rich, creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid that simmers with the chicken and vegetables.
• Fresh Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs bring a cozy, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Celery and Carrots: Classic vegetables for chicken soup, providing texture and a subtle sweetness.
• Frozen Peas: Add a burst of color and flavor; optional if you prefer a more minimalistic dish.
• Garlic: Imparts a warm, aromatic flavor to balance the richness of the soup.
• Refrigerated Biscuits: These easy-to-use biscuits are cut into bite-sized pieces to form the dumplings that cook right in the slow cooker.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, swap out chicken breasts for thighs for an even richer flavor.
• Gluten-Free Biscuits: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free refrigerated biscuits or make your own dumplings from scratch.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and replace it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings:

1. Prepare the Base: Start by scattering the chopped onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the onions. Season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano for added flavor.
2. Add the Liquids and Herbs: Pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the chicken breasts. Add fresh thyme and a bay leaf for that aromatic, herbal flavor. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for about 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, discard the thyme and bay leaf. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, stirring it into the flavorful liquid.
4. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the chopped celery, carrots, peas, and minced garlic. These vegetables will absorb the savory flavors and enhance the texture of the dish.
5. Add the Biscuits: Tear the refrigerated biscuits into small bite-sized pieces and stir them into the chicken mixture. Spoon the liquid over the biscuits to make sure they cook evenly. Cover and cook on high for another 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure the biscuits are fully cooked and tender.

Tips & Tricks

• Avoid Overcooking the Biscuits: The biscuits will cook through in about 2 hours, but make sure to stir every 30 minutes. If you like a doughy texture on the bottom of the biscuits, leave them as is; they’ll still cook through and absorb all the flavors.
• Check for Seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the overall flavor.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

While Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is hearty enough on its own, you can elevate the meal with a few side dishes or variations:

• Side Dishes: Pair this comforting dish with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans to add freshness.
• Spicy Version: Add a bit of heat by mixing in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
• Make-ahead Option: Prep all the ingredients the night before, then refrigerate them. The next day, just throw everything into the slow cooker and enjoy a stress-free meal.

Why This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a Must-Try

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a meal that’s both easy and satisfying. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. With its creamy base, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, this meal is a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, hands-off meal that combines the best flavors of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this recipe will warm you up and leave everyone at the table happy. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to dish for any season. Plus, with minimal effort and clean-up, it’s an ideal addition to your meal rotation.

Give this easy and delicious Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings a try, and you’ll see why it’s destined to become your new favorite comfort food!

FAQs

More Relevant Recipes

• Creamy Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup: This hearty and creamy soup brings together potatoes, broccoli, and a rich cheddar base, just like the comfort food vibes of chicken and dumplings. It’s an easy, cozy dish that you can make in your slow cooker, perfect for a chilly day.
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: This recipe features juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s a flavorful, family-friendly dish that pairs well with rice, making it a great option for a comforting meal, similar to the hearty nature of chicken and dumplings.
• Crockpot Crack Potato Soup: If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy, and comforting meals, this crack potato soup is a must-try. With its creamy base and loaded with cheese and bacon, it has a similar rich and satisfying feel to the beloved chicken and dumplings, all made easily in a slow cooker.

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