When the crisp air calls for something warm and deeply satisfying, nothing quite hits the spot like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. But who has hours to spend in the kitchen? That's where your trusty Crockpot comes in! Our Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings you all the comforting flavors of this classic dish with minimal effort, making it the perfect hands-off meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Imagine tender, succulent chicken, wholesome vegetables, and fluffy, savory dumplings all simmered together in a rich, creamy broth. This isn't just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl, made incredibly simple thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Let's dive into how you can bring this ultimate comfort food to your table tonight!
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This recipe isn't just easy; it's a game-changer for anyone craving a truly hearty and flavorful meal without the fuss. The slow cooker method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, practically falling apart, and infuses all the ingredients with deep, aromatic flavors. Plus, the convenience of setting it and forgetting it means you can focus on other tasks while your dinner practically makes itself.
It’s a complete meal in one pot, which translates to fewer dishes and less stress. Whether you're feeding a family or looking for delicious leftovers, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers warmth, satisfaction, and incredible taste with every spoonful.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece
Gathering a few simple ingredients is all it takes to create this comforting slow cooker meal. Most of these are likely already in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store. The combination of fresh aromatics, creamy soup, and tender chicken creates the perfect foundation for our fluffy dumplings.
For another incredibly simple and flavorful chicken dish, be sure to try our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide! for a lighter option.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Getting this dish from your counter to your table is surprisingly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and your slow cooker will do most of the heavy lifting. You'll find the full, detailed recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview of the cooking process:
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Evenly Cooked Dumplings: To ensure your dumplings cook through and are wonderfully fluffy, make sure to stir them every 30 minutes during the last two hours of cooking. This prevents sticking and ensures even exposure to the simmering broth.
- Season to Perfection: Always taste your dish before serving! Salt and pepper are essential, but a pinch of dried parsley or a dash of poultry seasoning can elevate the flavors even further.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers are fantastic! Store any remaining chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the sauce, as it tends to thicken in the fridge.
- The Power of the Slow Cooker: For more general advice on mastering your slow cooker for consistently delicious results, check out these 9 Essential Tips for Using Your Slow Cooker from Real Simple.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
While this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a complete meal on its own, you can easily customize it to your taste or serve it with a simple side. Consider adding other vegetables like corn or green beans during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color. A dash of red pepper flakes can give it a subtle spicy kick if you like heat. Serve it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
More Comforting Slow Cooker Recipes
If you're a fan of the ease and deliciousness of slow cooker meals, we have more recipes you'll love! For another hearty and flavorful one-pot wonder, don't miss our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe.
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest, proving that incredible flavor doesn't have to come with a hefty time commitment. With tender chicken, savory vegetables, and those irresistible fluffy dumplings, it's a dish that warms you from the inside out and leaves everyone at the table feeling satisfied. So, set your slow cooker, embrace the ease, and get ready to enjoy a deeply comforting meal that's sure to become a cherished family favorite!
FAQs
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
This recipe typically takes about 5 hours in the slow cooker on high. The chicken cooks for 3 hours initially, then the vegetables and dumplings are added for another 2 hours, ensuring everything is tender and fully cooked.
Can I use homemade dumplings instead of refrigerated biscuits?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuits offer a convenient shortcut, you can certainly use your favorite homemade dumpling dough. Simply drop spoonfuls of dough into the slow cooker during the last hour or two of cooking, ensuring they cook through.
What if my chicken and dumplings are too thin or too thick?
If the sauce is too thin, you can remove a cup of liquid, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch, then return it to the slow cooker to thicken. If it's too thick, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes, this dish freezes quite well! Allow the leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.
Classic Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Balanced
Description
An effortlessly comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy, homemade-style dumplings simmered in a rich, creamy broth.
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 cup frozen peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuits (e.g., Pillsbury Grands)
Instructions
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped celery, carrots, peas, and minced garlic. These vegetables will absorb the savory flavors and enhance the texture of the dish.
Step 5: 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.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider browning the chicken breasts briefly before adding them to the slow cooker, though it's not strictly necessary. Don't forget to stir the dumplings occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
