There’s just something magical about *crockpot chicken and dumplings* that makes it the ultimate comfort food. Imagine coming home after a long day to the warm, inviting aroma of savory chicken simmering in a rich broth, with fluffy dumplings waiting to be devoured. This dish has a special place in my heart, as it’s been a family favorite for years! My kids absolutely love gathering around the dinner table, spoons in hand, ready to dig into this hearty meal together. What I love the most is how simple and stress-free it is to make—just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing! Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home, bringing everyone together for cozy meals full of love and laughter.
Ingredients List
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of sliced carrots
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 can of biscuit dough
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
How to Prepare *Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings*
Getting started with *crockpot chicken and dumplings* is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy in no time. Here we go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, place your boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all the amazing flavors from the broth.
- Next, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. The broth is the heart of this dish, so don’t skimp on it!
- Add your sliced carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion. These veggies not only add flavor but also give a lovely texture to the dish.
- Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients well.
- Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I usually opt for low to let those flavors really meld together.
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, it’s time to shred it! I like to use two forks for this—you want the chicken to be in bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot.
- To thicken the broth, mix the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the crockpot and stir it in.
- Now for the best part—cut the biscuit dough into quarters and drop them into the broth. Make sure they’re evenly spaced so they can puff up nicely!
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they look light and airy.
And there you have it! Your *crockpot chicken and dumplings* is ready to be served. Just scoop it into bowls and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while the crockpot works its magic.
- Comforting flavors: The savory broth combined with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings creates a warm hug in a bowl.
- Family-friendly dish: Everyone loves this classic! It’s a sure way to get your family gathered around the table.
- Easy cleanup: One pot does it all! Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and relax afterward.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *crockpot chicken and dumplings* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my go-to tips! First off, don’t rush the cooking time; letting it simmer on low for those full 6-8 hours really allows all those flavors to mingle and deepen. If you’re short on time, though, the high setting works too—just keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.
Next, always use quality ingredients! Fresh veggies and good-quality chicken make a world of difference in flavor. If you want to elevate the taste even more, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some fresh herbs like parsley right before serving. And remember, if you want a thicker broth, adjust the cornstarch mixture carefully; it’s easier to add more than to fix it if it gets too thick. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to put your own spin on *crockpot chicken and dumplings*, there are plenty of fun variations to try! Here are a few ideas that I love:
- Mixed Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans. They not only add color but also enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish!
- Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep, use a rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. Just shred it up and add it to the crockpot in the last hour of cooking to warm it through—this saves time and still gives you that delightful flavor!
- Herbed Dumplings: Add some fresh herbs to your biscuit dough, like chopped parsley or dill, for an aromatic twist. This little change can elevate the dish and add freshness.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the spices. It’s a great way to give your *crockpot chicken and dumplings* a fun kick!
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an ultra-creamy broth. It adds richness that’s simply irresistible.
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this comforting dish your own. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover *crockpot chicken and dumplings* can be a lifesaver for busy days, and storing it properly is key! First, let the dish cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers for easy reheating and to maintain the flavors—plus, they’re great for meal prep!
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results.
For reheating, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring every minute until heated through. Enjoy those cozy leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving of *crockpot chicken and dumplings*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients listed, so they might vary a bit:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This hearty dish not only fills your belly but also provides a good balance of protein and carbs, making it perfect for a comforting meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts in your *crockpot chicken and dumplings*. Just be sure to increase your cooking time a bit—set it on low for 8-10 hours or high for about 4-5 hours. The key is to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
How do I make it thicker?
If you want a thicker broth, there are a couple of ways to go about it! First, you can adjust the cornstarch mixture—I usually start with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. If it’s still too thin after adding it, mix up a little more and add gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices! In addition to carrots, celery, and onion, you can add peas, corn, green beans, or even diced potatoes for extra heartiness. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook through evenly!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just combine all the ingredients in the crockpot insert (except the biscuit dough) and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, set it to cook, and you’ll come home to a delicious meal waiting for you!
Can I freeze *crockpot chicken and dumplings*?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop for the best flavor and texture.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: 5 Simple Steps to Comfort
- Gesamtzeit: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A comforting dish of tender chicken and soft dumplings cooked slowly in a savory broth.
Zutaten
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of carrots, sliced
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 can of biscuit dough
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
Anweisungen
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the crockpot.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the crockpot to thicken the broth.
- Cut biscuit dough into quarters and add to the crockpot.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until dumplings are cooked through.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 6 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Crockpot
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken and dumplings
