Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Easy Recipe for a Comforting Meal

Crockpot chicken and dumplings: the ultimate comfort food, reimagined for your busy life! Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of tender chicken simmering in a creamy, herb-infused broth, all topped with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. Sounds heavenly, right? This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, and the best part? It practically cooks itself!

Chicken and dumplings boasts a rich history, tracing its roots back to simple, resourceful cooking methods. Variations of this dish appear in cultures around the world, each adapted to local ingredients and tastes. In the American South, it evolved into a beloved staple, a testament to resourcefulness and the power of a hearty, home-cooked meal. It’s a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the table.

What makes crockpot chicken and dumplings so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The creamy, savory broth coats your palate, while the tender chicken provides a satisfying protein boost. And those dumplings? They’re the star of the show – soft, pillowy clouds that soak up all the deliciousness. Plus, the convenience of using a slow cooker means you can enjoy this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a win-win!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• For the Dumplings:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup shortening (or butter, cold and cubed)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, season your chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. This is crucial for building flavor right from the start!
2. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are lightly browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point; just get a nice sear on the outside. This step adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get if you skip it.
3. Now, transfer the seared chicken breasts to your crockpot. Arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!
5. Add the chopped onion, chopped celery, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the soup mixture. Stir well to combine. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with a wonderful savory flavor.
6. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.
7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable when it’s done.
8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the soup mixture.

Making the Dumplings:

1. While the chicken is cooking (or about 30 minutes before you want to add the dumplings), prepare the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Cut in the shortening (or cold butter) using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the pieces of shortening, the more tender your dumplings will be.
3. Gradually add the buttermilk (or milk mixed with lemon juice/vinegar), stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will result in tough dumplings. The dough should be slightly sticky.
4. Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat it into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle.
5. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1-inch squares or rectangles. These will be your dumplings! You can also use a biscuit cutter for round dumplings if you prefer.

Cooking the Dumplings:

1. Increase the heat in the crockpot to high. Make sure the soup mixture is simmering gently.
2. Carefully drop the dumplings, one at a time, into the simmering soup mixture. Don’t overcrowd the crockpot; you may need to cook the dumplings in batches.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy. The dumplings should be puffed up and slightly golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into a dumpling; it should come out clean.
4. If the dumplings are browning too quickly, you can place a clean kitchen towel under the lid of the crockpot to absorb some of the moisture.
5. Once the dumplings are cooked, turn off the crockpot and let the chicken and dumplings sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving:

1. Ladle the crockpot chicken and dumplings into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to develop even further.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. I genuinely believe it’s a must-try because it delivers that classic comfort food flavor with minimal effort. Think about it: tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth, studded with soft, pillowy dumplings – all achieved with the magic of your slow cooker. What’s not to love?

But the real beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Carrots, celery, and peas are the usual suspects, but don’t be afraid to add some green beans, corn, or even chopped potatoes for a heartier meal. For a spicier kick, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.

And let’s talk about serving suggestions! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the chicken and dumplings. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a side of buttery cornbread would be absolutely divine.

Now, for the dumpling variations! While I’ve provided a simple biscuit dough dumpling recipe, you can certainly get creative. For a lighter option, try using store-bought gnocchi instead of dumplings. They cook quickly in the crockpot and add a delightful chewy texture. Alternatively, you could make your own from-scratch dumplings using a basic flour, baking powder, and milk recipe. The possibilities are endless!

If you’re looking to lighten up the recipe, consider using skim milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream. You can also trim any excess fat from the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. Another great way to add flavor without adding extra calories is to use a variety of herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, and sage are all excellent choices that pair well with chicken.

I’ve made this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and creates lasting memories. It’s also incredibly forgiving, so don’t worry if you don’t have all the exact ingredients on hand. Feel free to substitute and adjust to your liking. That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments with me – I’m always eager to see your culinary creations. So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings adventures!