Why make this recipe
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. This dish combines tender chicken, veggies, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth that warms you up inside. It’s easy to prepare and requires very little hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends. The ingredients are simple and often things you already have at home. You can set it in the morning and come home to a delightful dinner that the whole family will love.
How to make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Making Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is incredibly straightforward. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can easily prepare this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning (optional)
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the 2 lbs of chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add Broth and Soups: Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, the can of cream of chicken soup, and if you choose, the cream of celery soup. Stir gently until combined.
- Add the Vegetables and Seasonings: Sprinkle the diced onion, sliced carrots, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning (if using) evenly on top.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks and stir to mix everything evenly.
- Prepare the Biscuits: Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into 1-inch pieces and drop them into the crockpot. Gently press them into the surface.
- Cook the Dumplings: Cover and cook on HIGH for another hour without lifting the lid.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutriments benefits
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are some benefits of the main ingredients:
- Chicken: A great source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall energy.
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, these help maintain good eyesight and boost the immune system.
- Peas: Full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they contribute to heart health and digestion.
- Onions and Garlic: Known for their antibacterial properties, they also add flavor and nutrients.
What to Serve With Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty meal that can stand on its own, but you might want to pair it with a few sides to make your dinner even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans can add more color and nutrients to your meal.
- Crusty Bread: Slices of crusty bread or garlic bread are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll love Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings because it’s the epitome of comfort food. It combines the heartiness of chicken and dumplings with the convenience of a slow cooker, so you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences. This dish is perfect for families, gatherings, or cozy nights in, satisfying everyone’s taste buds with its creamy goodness.
How to store Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
If you have leftovers (which is highly likely), storing them is easy:
- Refrigerate: Allow the dish to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Place it in a proper freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Avoid leaving the chicken in the crockpot for too long; it can become dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
- Adding Too Many Ingredients: While it’s tempting to add additional veggies, be cautious. Overcrowding the pot can lead to uneven cooking.
- Lifting the Lid: Each time you lift the lid, you lose heat and extend cooking time. Keep it covered to maintain optimal cooking conditions.
Variation (if any)
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Different Dumplings: Instead of refrigerated biscuit dough, you could make homemade dumplings from scratch for a more unique texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or include diced jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken directly in the crockpot. Just remember to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
2. What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can omit it and just use an extra can of cream of chicken soup or substitute with another cream soup like cream of mushroom.
3. Can I make this dish in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely! You can make Chicken and Dumplings in a pressure cooker. Cook the chicken and broth for about 20 minutes on high pressure, shred, and then add the biscuit pieces. Cook for an additional 10 minutes on high pressure.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a wonderful recipe for anyone looking to make a cozy, hearty meal with minimal effort. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, it’s sure to become a comforting favorite in your home. Enjoy!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 435 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish combining tender chicken, veggies, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth, perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning (optional)
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and cream of celery soup. Stir gently until combined.
- Sprinkle the diced onion, sliced carrots, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning on top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir to mix evenly.
- Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into 1-inch pieces and drop them into the crockpot, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for another hour without lifting the lid.
- Stir in the frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 420 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
