Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: 1 Comfort Dish

Oh, there’s just something magical about a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings, isn’t there? It’s pure comfort food, like a warm hug on a chilly evening. And the best part? You can get all that goodness with hardly any fuss thanks to your trusty slow cooker. My absolute favorite version is this super simple crockpot chicken and dumplings. I remember making this for the first time on a crazy busy Tuesday; I just tossed everything in, went about my day, and came home to the most incredible aroma. It’s a total game-changer for busy families or anyone who just wants a no-stress, soul-warming meal.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is a lifesaver:

• Super Easy: Just dump and go! Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
• Ultimate Comfort: It’s like a warm, cozy blanket in a bowl. Perfect for chasing away those dreary-day blues.
• Big on Flavor: Rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and those pillowy dumplings – pure happiness!
• Weeknight Warrior: Who needs takeout when you can have this deliciousness ready when you walk in the door? It saves so much time!

Ingredients for Simple Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, gathering your ingredients is the first step to crockpot chicken and dumplings heaven! You don’t need anything fancy here, just good ol’ pantry staples:

• About 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts – they break down perfectly in the slow cooker.
• 1 cup of carrots, chopped up into nice bite-sized pieces.
• 1 cup of celery, also chopped. These veggies are key for flavor!
• Half a cup of onion, chopped. It adds a great depth.
• 4 cups of chicken broth – this is the base of our delicious sauce!
• 1 teaspoon of salt, just to get things seasoned right.
• Half a teaspoon of black pepper.
• And half a teaspoon of dried thyme – it gives it that classic poultry flavor.
• For thickening, you’ll need half a cup of all-purpose flour mixed with half a cup of milk.
• And the magical part: 1 (8 ounce) can of refrigerated biscuits, which we’ll cut into pieces for our yummy dumplings.

Equipment Needed for Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

You don’t need a whole lot of fancy gear for this, thankfully! Just grab your trusty 6-quart slow cooker – that’s the star of the show. You’ll also want a large bowl for shredding the chicken and mixing up the thickener, a whisk to get that smooth slurry, and maybe some shredding forks or even just two regular forks to pull the chicken apart. Easy peasy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, ready to whip up this amazing crockpot chicken and dumplings? It really couldn’t be any easier. Just follow these few simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of pure comfort in no time! For even more great ideas on simple meals, you should check out the easy recipes section.

Preparing the Base for Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

First things first, get your ingredients into the slow cooker. Place those chicken breasts right down at the bottom. Then, toss in your chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Adding them around the chicken helps them cook evenly and really soak up all those yummy flavors from the broth. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in your salt, pepper, and thyme. Give it a little stir to make sure everything is nicely coated. Easy peasy start, right?

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

Now for the magic to happen! Pop the lid on your slow cooker. You can cook this on low for about 6 to 8 hours, which is great if you want to start it in the morning. Or, if you’re running a bit short on time, cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, you want that chicken to be super tender and cooked all the way through. This long, slow cooking process infuses all those veggies and seasonings right into the chicken. It’s what makes this dish so incredibly flavorful!

Shredding the Chicken and Thickening the Broth

Once the chicken is cooked and tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker into a large bowl. Leave the veggies and broth in the pot! Now, grab two forks and shred that chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart really easily. Once shredded, put the chicken back into the slow cooker. Next, we make it creamy! In a small bowl, whisk together your flour and milk until it’s totally smooth – no lumps allowed! Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and give it a good stir. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth gets nice and thick. Yum!

Adding and Cooking the Dumplings

This is the part that makes it *dumplings*! Open up that can of refrigerated biscuits. Now, you can just tear them into smaller chunks, or if you want them a bit more uniform, cut them into quarters. Drop these biscuit pieces into the simmering, thickened stew. Don’t overcrowd them; give them a little space to puff up. Cover the slow cooker again and let them cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they look plump and are cooked all the way through. You can even poke one with a fork to make sure there’s no raw dough inside. And there you have it – perfect crockpot chicken and dumplings!

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, you’ve made the main dish, but let’s talk about making it truly next-level! These little tweaks have saved me more than once and made my crockpot chicken and dumplings a total hit. Trust me, a few smart moves can make all the difference.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

So, you want to switch things up a bit? Totally doable! If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, go for chicken thighs – they get even more tender and add a richer flavor, though they might need a little longer to cook. Feeling like a veggie party? Toss in some frozen peas or corn during the last half hour of cooking. It adds a pop of color and extra sweetness! These little changes are easy and make the dish your own.

Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Dumplings

This is key! You don’t want mushy or raw dumplings, right? Make sure your stew is simmering nicely *before* you add the biscuit pieces; they need that heat to cook through. Don’t just plop them all in one spot; distribute them across the surface of the stew so they all get a chance to puff up. And the best way to tell if they’re done? Give one a gentle poke. If it springs back and doesn’t feel doughy, they’re ready to go! If they seem to be sinking a bit, just let them simmer a few more minutes.

Serving and Storing Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Now that you’ve got this amazing crockpot chicken and dumplings, serving it is the best part! Ladle generous portions into bowls, making sure everyone gets a good mix of tender chicken, veggies, and those fluffy dumplings. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely touch of color and freshness. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 days. To reheat, I like to warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash more broth if it seems too thick. You want it nice and warm, but not boiling hot, to keep those dumplings tender! For more delicious dinner ideas, check out my dinner recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Got questions about this amazing crockpot chicken and dumplings? You’re not alone! Here are some things folks often ask:

Can I use pre-made biscuit dough for this crockpot chicken and dumplings?

Absolutely! That’s actually what the recipe calls for. Just make sure you cut them into smaller pieces so they cook through evenly. Using canned biscuits is what makes this recipe so quick and easy!

How do I make the dumplings fluffier in my crockpot chicken and dumplings?

For super fluffy dumplings, make sure your stew is simmering nicely *before* you drop them in. Don’t let them sit in the liquid for too long before cooking, and give them a little space to puff up a bit. They should get nice and tender!

Can I make this crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! You can cook the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then, just reheat and add the flour mixture and biscuits when you’re ready to serve. It tastes best enjoyed fresh, but it’s still good as leftovers!

Nutritional Information

So, you’re curious about the deets? Since this recipe is made in the crockpot and uses simple ingredients, the nutrition can vary a bit based on exactly what you use. But, typically, one serving of this delicious crockpot chicken and dumplings will have around 450 calories, about 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It’s hearty, filling, and oh-so-satisfying!

Share Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Creations!

I just LOVE hearing from you guys! If you whip up this amazing crockpot chicken and dumplings, please let me know how it turned out. Drop a comment below, give it a star rating if you’re feeling generous, or snap a pic and tag me on social media – I love seeing your kitchen creations! You can always reach out through the contact page if you have questions or just want to share your cooking adventures. And if you love this recipe, maybe check out the about page to see more of my kitchen stories!

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