Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a hearty, slow-cooked meal perfect for cozy dinners. Tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters

Directions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add diced onion, chicken broth, butter, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
  4. After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks.
  5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  6. Add frozen peas and carrots, stirring to combine.
  7. Place the biscuit dough pieces on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
  8. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 to 2 hours, or until the biscuits are cooked through.
  9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 1,200mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g

What Makes Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings So Special?

One of the reasons why chicken and dumplings have been a staple in households for generations is because they’re incredibly versatile. The rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and comforting dumplings blend together perfectly, making for a meal that satisfies both the body and the spirit. What sets this particular recipe apart is the slow-cooking process. The Crockpot allows the flavors to meld together in a way that’s simply impossible with quicker cooking methods.

The slow cooker also simplifies the process. There’s no need for constant attention or stirring – just add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the Crockpot work its magic. This means that you can prepare this dish in the morning, go about your day, and come home to a warm, ready-to-serve meal.

The Comfort of Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

When you think of comfort food, homemade chicken and dumplings often come to mind. Unlike store-bought versions that can be heavy or lack flavor, this homemade recipe provides a wholesome, satisfying experience. The combination of creamy soup, tender chicken, and the light, fluffy biscuit dumplings make each bite feel like a cozy hug.

Making the dumplings from scratch (or using refrigerated dough, as in this recipe) adds a level of freshness that frozen or canned options can’t compete with. The texture of the dumplings, soft and pillowy, soaks up the broth, creating a perfect balance between the creamy liquid and the hearty, fluffy dumplings.

A One-Pot Meal: Easy Cleanup

Another benefit of this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ease of cleanup. Because everything is cooked in a single pot, there’s minimal mess to deal with afterward. The slow cooker takes the hassle out of preparing multiple dishes and reduces the number of pots and pans to wash. This makes it an ideal option for busy days when you want to make a satisfying meal without spending hours cleaning up afterward.

How to Make the Most of Your Slow Cooker

To get the best results from your slow cooker, it’s essential to follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures. Slow cookers work by cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period, allowing the flavors to develop slowly. This method of cooking ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy while the flavors meld together, making for a rich and flavorful broth.

However, the key to great slow-cooked chicken and dumplings lies in timing. Cooking the chicken on low for 6 hours ensures that it reaches the ideal level of tenderness without drying out. After shredding the chicken, adding the peas and carrots gives the dish a nice balance of flavor and texture. Finally, the biscuit dough is added on top and cooked until fluffy, creating the perfect dumplings to complement the chicken and broth.

Perfect for All Seasons

While chicken and dumplings are often associated with cooler weather, this dish is delicious year-round. In colder months, it provides warmth and comfort, while in warmer months, it’s still a satisfying, hearty meal that won’t weigh you down. Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening or a rainy spring afternoon, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe will always hit the spot.

Customizing Your Chicken and Dumplings

One of the greatest aspects of chicken and dumplings is how customizable the recipe can be. You can add or substitute various vegetables, seasonings, or even change the type of chicken used in the dish. For instance, some people prefer adding celery, corn, or even potatoes for extra flavor and texture. If you like a spicier kick, you could add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can give the dish a unique twist.

If you’re looking to make the recipe healthier, you can easily swap ingredients. For example, using low-sodium broth or a lighter version of the cream of chicken soup can help reduce the overall sodium content. Additionally, using whole wheat biscuit dough or adding more vegetables can increase the dish’s fiber content.

Why You Should Use a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are a game-changer for anyone who wants to make delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. The beauty of slow cooking is that you can set it and forget it. Unlike stovetop cooking or oven baking, there’s no need to monitor your food constantly. The slow cooker maintains a consistent low heat that allows for even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Dumplings

While chicken and dumplings might not always be considered the healthiest dish due to its creamy nature, it does offer a number of nutritional benefits. Chicken, the primary protein source in this recipe, is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.

A Family-Friendly Meal

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a great option for families. It’s a meal that both kids and adults can enjoy. The creamy broth and soft dumplings make it easy for young children to eat, while the flavor profile appeals to adults as well. Because the recipe is simple and doesn’t require much prep work, it’s an excellent choice for busy parents who want to prepare a meal that the whole family will love.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food

In conclusion, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and offers a rich, satisfying meal that appeals to people of all ages. Whether you’re looking to feed your family, host a gathering, or simply enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal, this recipe delivers. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for any occasion, and the slow cooker ensures that the dish comes out perfectly every time.

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