There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings, isn’t there? It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up. And let me tell you, making chicken and dumplings in a crockpot is a total game changer! I love how easy it is to toss everything in and let it simmer away, filling my kitchen with those amazing aromas that make everyone’s mouth water. You don’t have to hover over the stove, and the end result is a hearty meal that feels like home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again! So let’s get cooking and dive into this delicious chicken and dumplings crockpot goodness!
Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings Crockpot
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making your chicken and dumplings in the crockpot truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. They’ll get tender and shred beautifully during cooking.
- 4 cups chicken broth: This is the base of your dish, adding rich flavor. You can use homemade broth or store-bought; just make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake!
- 1 cup carrots, sliced: Fresh carrots add a nice sweetness and color. You can slice them or chop them into small pieces, whichever you prefer.
- 1 cup celery, chopped: Chopped celery gives that classic flavor and crunch. Make sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking!
- 1 onion, diced: I love using a sweet onion for a milder flavor, but any onion you have on hand will do. Just dice it up nice and small!
- 2 cups frozen peas: These add a lovely pop of color and sweetness! No need to thaw; just toss them in straight from the freezer.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: This adds a depth of flavor without the chopping! Feel free to use fresh garlic if you have it on hand, about 2-3 cloves minced.
- 1 tsp thyme: Dried thyme works perfectly here, but you could also use fresh if you have it—just double the amount since fresh herbs are milder.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: A little kick to balance the flavors. Adjust this to your taste!
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough: This is what makes the dumplings! Just grab your favorite brand, and you’re ready to go.
Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking; it makes the process so much smoother! Now, let’s get ready for the next step!
How to Prepare Chicken and Dumplings Crockpot
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the heart of the matter—making this delicious chicken and dumplings in the crockpot! I promise, it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal waiting for you.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, place the 2 lbs of chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. There’s no need to fuss about cutting them; they’ll cook down and shred beautifully later.
- Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. This rich liquid is what brings everything together, so don’t skimp on it!
- Now, add in the 1 cup of sliced carrots, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1 diced onion. These veggies are essential for flavor and texture, so make sure they’re evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle in the 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of thyme, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper to season your dish. Don’t worry, the flavors will meld beautifully as it cooks!
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better for tender chicken!
- Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks. It should fall apart easily!
- Now, cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters. Toss those fluffy pieces into the crockpot and give everything a gentle stir.
- Cook it all for an additional 30 minutes on high to let the dumplings rise and cook through. Trust me, this is where the magic happens!
- Finally, stir in 2 cups of frozen peas just before serving. They’ll add a fresh pop of color and sweetness!
And there you have it! A simple, hearty meal that practically cooks itself. Enjoy the comforting aroma wafting through your home while you wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe! Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Comforting Delight: This dish is like a warm hug after a long day, perfect for cozy family dinners.
- Easy Preparation: You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do all the work. It’s practically foolproof!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with veggies and lean chicken, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about serving.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this dish, making it a hit for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
- Meal Prep Dream: With leftovers that taste even better the next day, it’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.
Seriously, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!
Tips for Success with Chicken and Dumplings Crockpot
To ensure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the cooking process; letting everything simmer on low for those full 6-8 hours really deepens the flavors and tenderizes the chicken. If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just add it in during the last hour to warm it up!
Also, be careful not to overmix the biscuit dough when you add it to the pot; you want those dumplings to stay fluffy and light. If you prefer a thicker broth, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with some water and stir it in just before adding the dumplings. Lastly, always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper makes all the difference! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your delicious chicken and dumplings crockpot dish, there are a few fabulous pairings that can really enhance the meal experience! I love serving it alongside a light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders!
If you’re looking to make it a bit heartier, consider adding some crusty bread or warm dinner rolls on the side. They’re perfect for soaking up that comforting broth! And don’t forget about a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli; the freshness of the veggies complements the flavors beautifully. For a special touch, you might even whip up a quick fruit salad for dessert to finish off your cozy meal on a sweet note. Trust me, these sides will make your chicken and dumplings even more satisfying!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving (about 1 cup) of this chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. It’s a hearty, wholesome dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it a perfect family meal!
FAQ about Chicken and Dumplings Crockpot
Got questions about making this chicken and dumplings crockpot recipe? No problem! Here are some common queries I’ve come across:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Absolutely! Just toss them in the crockpot frozen, and they’ll cook perfectly. Just be aware that it might add a little time to your cooking schedule.
What if I don’t have chicken broth? If you’re out of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water, though I recommend adding a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prep everything the night before, keep it in the fridge, and then pop it in the crockpot in the morning. It’s a fantastic meal prep option!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to throw in some corn, green beans, or even potatoes for extra heartiness. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
I hope these answers help you on your chicken and dumplings journey! Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious chicken and dumplings is super simple! Just make sure to let any leftovers cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy this comforting dish later, you can also freeze it! Just freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to indulge in those leftovers, reheating is a breeze. For the best results, thaw any frozen portions in the fridge overnight. Then, you can reheat in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If the broth has thickened too much, just stir in a little chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Enjoy your cozy meal again!
Print
Chicken and Dumplings Crockpot: 6 Easy Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting dish of chicken and dumplings made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
Instructions
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken and return to the pot.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and add to the crockpot.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.
- Stir in frozen peas before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- For a thicker broth, add cornstarch mixed with water.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken and dumplings crockpot
