Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Making comfort food doesn’t get much easier—or more satisfying—than a warm bowl of Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that offers a cozy embrace with each bite. I fondly remember my grandmother making this on chilly evenings, the aroma wafting through the house, creating an atmosphere of warmth and love. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering when you want something hearty and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. What makes Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings truly special is how it combines tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings, all cooked together in one pot.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug that brings people together. Here’s why you should give it a try:

  1. Effortless Preparation: With minimal hands-on cooking time, this dish essentially cooks itself. Just toss in a few ingredients in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you by dinner.

  2. Kid-Approved: The combination of chicken and dumplings is a surefire hit with kids. They love the comforting flavors and the fun of dipping into fluffy dumplings.

  3. Budget-Friendly: Comprised of basic pantry staples and affordable ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank while delivering satisfying results.

  4. Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or even meal prep for the week, this dish fits all scenarios effortlessly.

“This recipe was a game-changer! My whole family loved it, and it was so easy to make. I’ll definitely be making this again!” — Happy Mom

The Cooking Process Explained

Let’s walk through what you’ll need and how to bring this delightful dish to life. Here’s the scoop: you’ll start by preparing your ingredients and then let the slow cooker do its magic. The result? A dish that melts in your mouth and warms your soul.

What You’ll Need

Gather these items before you start cooking:

  • 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp onion powder (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuits

These ingredients come together to create the heart of this delicious dish. Feel free to use low-fat options or organic ingredients for a healthier twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Let’s dive into how to create this comforting meal:

  1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Start by spraying a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

  2. Season the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to taste. This adds wonderful flavor to the meat.

  3. Mix the Soup Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, melted butter, and chicken broth until it’s well combined.

  4. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Pour this creamy mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.

  5. Cooking Time: Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW heat for about 5 hours.

  6. Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Shred them with two forks and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

  7. Add the Dumplings: Open your can of refrigerated biscuits. Separate the biscuits and cut each biscuit into 8 bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the biscuit dough over the top of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker.

  8. Finish Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and switch it to HIGH heat. Cook for an additional hour until the biscuits are cooked through.

  9. Final Touch: For a little flair, garnish with fresh cracked pepper and dried parsley before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ways to plate your dish:

  • In a Shallow Bowl: Serve the chicken and dumplings right in a wide bowl, allowing the broth to pool beautifully at the bottom.
  • Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
  • Accompanied by Leafy Greens: A side salad or steamed greens make great companions, adding a fresh crunch that balances the dish’s creaminess.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep the leftover goodness fresh:

  • Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the dumplings may lose their texture. For best results, freeze the chicken mixture separately from the biscuits. It should last for about 2-3 months.
  • Reheating: When reheating, add a touch of broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Pro Chef Tips

  • Searing for Extra Flavor: For added depth, consider searing the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. This step develops a rich flavor base.
  • Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs—like rosemary or thyme—can be added during cooking for a fragrant touch. Just remember to remove them before serving.
  • Customizing Thicker Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed in water) stirred in at the end of cooking can do the trick.

Creative Twists

  • Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick.
  • Vegetable Boost: Include some frozen peas or carrots for added nutrition and color.
  • Different Dumplings: Try using homemade dumpling recipes or bake the dough separately and serve it alongside.

Common Questions

  1. How long does it take to prepare?
    The prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 6 hours total for a truly comforting meal.

  2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to extend the cooking time.

  3. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
    You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade equivalent if preferred.

  4. Is there a vegetarian version?
    Absolutely! Use vegetables like mushrooms and potatoes along with vegetable broth and omit the chicken entirely for a meat-free option.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is one of those timeless recipes that combines simplicity with heartwarming flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this dish is bound to deliver comfort on a plate. Enjoy!

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Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings


Description

A warm and comforting dish combining tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp onion powder (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuits


Instructions

  1. Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, melted butter, and chicken broth.
  4. Pour the creamy mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW heat for about 5 hours.
  6. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot.
  7. Separate the biscuits and cut each into 8 pieces; sprinkle over the chicken mixture.
  8. Cover and cook on HIGH heat for an additional hour until the biscuits are cooked through.
  9. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper and dried parsley before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider searing the chicken before cooking and add fresh herbs for aroma.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 360 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American