Making Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a simple process that requires little effort but delivers big results. Follow these easy steps:
- Prepare the base: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs), diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf into your crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the chicken broth over the top, ensuring everything is covered.
- Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds. If you need to speed up the process, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and stir to combine with the broth and vegetables.
- Add the cream of chicken soup: Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup (or cream of celery soup) until fully incorporated. This adds a creamy base to the dish and thickens the broth.
- Prepare the dumplings: Open the package of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. You can also make homemade dumplings if desired (see tip below for homemade dumplings).
- Add the dumplings: Place the biscuit pieces directly into the crockpot on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover and cook on low for an additional 1-2 hours, until the dumplings have cooked through and are fluffy.
- Final touches: Once the dumplings are cooked, give everything a gentle stir. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you want a creamier consistency, add a splash of heavy cream or milk.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and enjoy!
Serving and Storage
This Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a great dish for any time of year, but it’s especially perfect for the cooler months when you’re craving something warm and filling. Here are a few tips for serving and storing:
- Serve warm: This dish is best served immediately after cooking, with the dumplings hot and fluffy. Pair with a side salad or some crusty bread to make the meal even more satisfying.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish may thicken over time, but simply add a little extra broth or milk when reheating to bring back the desired consistency.
- Freezing: If you want to store this dish for a longer period, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings. It’s best to freeze the soup and chicken mixture separately from the dumplings, as the dumplings may become soggy upon thawing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove, adding more broth if necessary.
Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to make your crockpot chicken and dumplings even better:
- Make your own dumplings: If you want to avoid using store-bought biscuit dough, you can make your own dumplings by mixing 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¾ cup of milk. Drop spoonfuls of the batter directly onto the top of the soup in the crockpot and cook as instructed.
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor: While chicken breasts work well for a leaner version, using chicken thighs adds more flavor and moisture to the dish. They also become incredibly tender when cooked in the crockpot.
- Customize with vegetables: You can easily add other vegetables to this dish, such as peas, corn, or green beans, for added flavor and nutrition. Just add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t overcook.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and herbs. If you like a little spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will add a nice kick.
Conclusion
The Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a simple, yet incredibly comforting meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a weekend family meal, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors develop beautifully, making it one of those meals that’s even better the next day!
Give this recipe a try, and it will soon become one of your family’s favorites. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty chicken and dumplings, and let it warm you up from the inside out!
FAQ
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. However, make sure to extend the cooking time by an additional 1-2 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Can I make this dish without the cream of chicken soup?
- Yes! You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk with a non-dairy cream substitute.
- Can I make this dish in the Instant Pot?
- Yes, you can make chicken and dumplings in the Instant Pot! Use the “Pressure Cook” function for 10 minutes