Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal that’s also incredibly easy to make, this Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for you. Juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked to tender perfection in a rich, creamy sauce, and the addition of shortcut dumplings makes this dish both simple and delicious. Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings:
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds flavor and depth to the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup: Provides a creamy base with a hint of celery flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup: Enhances the chicken flavor and adds creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Infuses the dish with traditional flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: For seasoning.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein in the dish, slow-cooked until tender.
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture and deepens the flavor of the sauce.
- 2 cups frozen vegetables (peas and carrots), defrosted: Adds a mix of color and texture to the dish.
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuits (Buttermilk, Country, or Homestyle): Shortcut dumplings that cook up soft and fluffy in the slow cooker.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by dicing the onion and placing it in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the onions.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, fresh parsley, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Once well-mixed, spread this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Add the Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the soup mixture, ensuring that the chicken breasts are well-covered. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 hours.
4. Prepare the Dumplings
After the chicken has been cooking for about 4 hours, it’s time to prepare the dumplings. Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and roll each biscuit out thin and flat. Then, cut each biscuit into 4 strips.
5. Add the Vegetables and Dumplings
Remove the lid from the slow cooker and add the defrosted vegetables. Stir them gently into the chicken and sauce mixture. Next, place the biscuit strips on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Quickly replace the lid and let the dish continue cooking for another 60-90 minutes.
6. Finish the Dish
Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and slightly shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together. The stirring will break up the dumplings a bit, which is perfectly fine. Let the dish cook for an additional 10 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
To Serve
Ladle the Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips for Success
- Use Thawed Vegetables: Make sure your frozen vegetables are fully defrosted before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Roll the Biscuits Thin: Rolling the biscuits thinly ensures they cook through and don’t remain doughy in the center.
- Check for Doneness: If your biscuits seem undercooked after the 60-90 minute mark, continue cooking for a bit longer, checking every 10 minutes until they are fully cooked.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs instead of boneless?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just be aware that it may take a bit longer to cook, and you’ll need to remove the bones before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply transfer it to the slow cooker and continue with the recipe.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Chicken and dumplings can be frozen, but the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze this dish, consider freezing the chicken and sauce mixture separately from the dumplings.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: You can add other vegetables like green beans, corn, or even diced potatoes. Just make sure they are cut into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food made simple. With just a few minutes of prep and a slow cooker, you can enjoy a warm, hearty meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!