Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes with you: Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, especially when you let your slow cooker do most of the work. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of a warm, comforting meal on a chilly day. Let’s get cooking!
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
Why I’m Obsessed with This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Seriously, dump everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy schedules!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs. More veggies? Different dumplings? Go for it!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is always a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Broth:
-
- 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into chunks)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk, for a lighter version)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shortening or butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk, for tangier dumplings)
Let’s Get Started: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Base
In your crockpot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. This creates a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Seasonings
Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, pepper, salt, and bay leaf.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 5: Add Cream of Chicken Soup and Cream
Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup and heavy cream (or milk). This will make the broth nice and creamy.
Step 6: Prepare the Dumplings (While the Chicken Warms Up)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening or butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk (or buttermilk) until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Step 7: Drop the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering crockpot, spacing them evenly.
Step 8: Cook the Dumplings
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Comfort
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is a classic pairing with chicken and dumplings.
- Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add a pop of color and freshness.
Customization Tips: Make It Your Own!
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, peas, or corn.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like sage or oregano.
- Different Dumplings: Use store-bought biscuit dough cut into pieces for a quick and easy alternative.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered!
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the crockpot.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the dumplings just before serving.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, but the texture of the dumplings may change slightly. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- What if my dumplings are too doughy? Make sure your crockpot is on high when cooking the dumplings, and don’t peek too often, as this can release heat and affect the cooking time.
