Description of this recipe: This Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food, delivering a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Tender shredded chicken simmers in a rich, savory broth, topped with fluffy, perfectly cooked dumplings made from refrigerated biscuits. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion when you crave a warm, comforting meal.
Why you will love this recipe: This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal hands-on time, and utilizes pantry staples. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. The use of refrigerated biscuits as dumplings makes the process quick and convenient, without sacrificing taste or texture. Plus, who doesn’t love a big bowl of creamy chicken and dumplings? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Introduction
Chicken and dumplings is a classic dish that has been passed down through generations. Every family seems to have their own cherished version, often involving hours of simmering and carefully crafted dumplings. This Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe offers a modern twist on the classic, streamlining the process without compromising the comforting flavors we all know and love.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and convenience. The slow cooker is the star of the show, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The use of refrigerated biscuits as dumplings is a clever shortcut that saves time and effort, while still delivering a light and fluffy texture that complements the creamy chicken broth perfectly.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply throw the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal ready to enjoy. It’s also a great option for potlucks or gatherings, as it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 pounds total)
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (using unsalted allows you to control the sodium level)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (again, low-sodium gives you more control over the final saltiness)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (adjust to your preference)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adjust to your preference)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (adds richness and flavor)
- 1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuits (look for a brand that you enjoy the taste of)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: Fresh cracked pepper, dried parsley
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Chicken: Begin by spraying the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken and soup mixture from sticking to the bottom and sides of the pot. Next, season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as this will help to enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
Step 2: Combine the Soup Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the unsalted cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and melted butter. Ensure that all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. The butter adds a richness and depth of flavor to the soup, while the onion and garlic powders provide a subtle aromatic base.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure that the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid. Place the lid securely on the crockpot and cook on LOW heat for approximately 5 hours. Cooking on low heat allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful, as it gently simmers in the soup mixture.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken: After 5 hours of cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Be careful, as the chicken will be very hot. Once shredded, return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the soup mixture.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings: Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and carefully separate each biscuit. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each biscuit into 8 bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the dumplings will cook evenly and have a pleasant texture. Gently sprinkle the biscuit dough pieces over the top of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker, making sure to distribute them evenly.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings: Cover the slow cooker again and switch the heat to HIGH. Cook for approximately 1 hour, or until the biscuit dough is fully cooked and the dumplings are puffed up and golden brown on top. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so be sure to check the dumplings periodically to ensure they are not overcooked.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish: Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the lid from the slow cooker and let the Chicken & Dumplings cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper and dried parsley for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Ingredient Availability: 5/5 (Easily Available)
- Flavor Complexity: 4/5 (Flavorful and Comforting)
- Overall Rating: 5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot in bowls as a main course.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Offer crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Garnish with additional herbs like chives or thyme for added flavor.
Tips:
- For a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If you prefer a more savory flavor, add a teaspoon of poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning to the soup mixture.
- You can use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts to save time. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking.
- If you don’t have refrigerated biscuits, you can use homemade dumpling dough or frozen dumpling dough. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- To prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker, you can place a layer of parchment paper on the bottom of the pot before adding the ingredients.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
6 hours
Total Time:
6 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving):
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and comforting meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. The tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out.
So, next time you’re craving a comforting and easy-to-make meal, give this Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Questions & Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh?
A: While fresh chicken breasts are recommended for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. However, it’s crucial to ensure the chicken is fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker. Thawing the chicken beforehand will allow it to cook more evenly and prevent the broth from becoming diluted. You may need to add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some excellent additions include diced carrots, celery, onions, peas, or corn. If using raw vegetables, add them to the slow cooker along with the chicken breasts at the beginning of the cooking process. If using frozen vegetables, add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and soup mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply pour the mixture into the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe as directed. However, it’s best to add the dumplings just before cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Q4: What if my dumplings are not cooking through?
A: If your dumplings are not fully cooked after the recommended cooking time, try increasing the heat to high and cooking for an additional 15-30 minutes. You can also try placing a kitchen towel under the lid of the slow cooker to absorb excess moisture, which can help the dumplings to cook more evenly. Be sure to check the dumplings frequently to prevent them from overcooking or burning.
Q5: Can I use gluten-free biscuits for this recipe?
A: Yes! Many brands offer refrigerated gluten-free biscuits that can be used as a substitute in this recipe. Simply follow the recipe instructions as directed, using the gluten-free biscuits instead of regular biscuits. Keep in mind that gluten-free biscuits may have a slightly different texture than regular biscuits, so be sure to check them frequently during the last hour of cooking to ensure they are cooked through but not overcooked.
