Recipes

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe 2023

 

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 3 chicken breasts
  • 12 oz bag frozen peas and carrots
  • 1.5 cups frozen corn
  • 1 stalk of celery, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth/stock (homemade for extra richness, if possible)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crockpot:
    • Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Add Veggies:
    • Add the frozen peas and carrots, frozen corn, chopped celery, and diced onion on top of the chicken.
  3. Seasonings and Soup:
    • Sprinkle garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth/stock.
  4. Cook on Low or High:
    • Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together.
  5. Shred Chicken:
    • After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred the meat using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the crockpot.
  6. Prepare Dumplings:
    • Cut each biscuit into quarters. Gently stir the biscuit pieces into the crockpot mixture.
  7. Continue Cooking:
    • Continue cooking on high for an additional 1.5 hours. Stir a few times during this period to ensure the biscuits thicken the mixture as they cook.
  8. Check for Consistency:
    • If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it cook a bit longer. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
  9. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once the biscuits are cooked and the mixture has thickened to your liking, ladle the delicious chicken and dumplings into bowls.
  10. Homemade Chicken Broth Tip:
    • If you’ve boiled a chicken prior and have homemade chicken broth, it can enhance the flavor significantly. Use it for a richer and more satisfying taste.
  11. Extra Dumplings:
    • If you love dumplings, consider adding two cans of biscuits instead of one. Adjust according to your preference.
  12. Garnish (Optional):
    • Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional pepper before serving for a pop of color and added flavor.

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Enjoy the rich flavors and the convenience of the slow cooker!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings even more delightful:

1. Use Chicken Thighs:

  • Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more flavorful and tender result.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

  • Sautéing onions and celery before adding them to the crockpot can enhance their flavor. This step adds a deeper dimension to the overall taste of the dish.

3. Homemade Chicken Broth:

  • If possible, use homemade chicken broth for a richer and more nuanced flavor. It can make a significant difference in the final taste.

4. Fresh Herbs:

  • Add a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley during the last hour of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.

5. Add Peas at the End:

  • Stir in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This ensures they remain vibrant and don’t overcook.

6. Adjust Dumpling Thickness:

  • Adjust the thickness of the dumplings to your liking by adding a bit more or less biscuit dough. Thicker dumplings tend to absorb more of the flavorful broth.

7. Season to Taste:

  • Taste the broth before adding the biscuits and adjust the seasoning if needed. Adding a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs can enhance the overall flavor.

8. Dumpling Size Variation:

  • For a variety in texture, you can cut some biscuit pieces larger and some smaller. This adds a playful element to the dish.

9. Add a Splash of Cream:

  • For an extra touch of richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

10. Crisp Up Dumplings (Optional): – If you enjoy a slightly crispy texture on the dumplings, transfer the cooked dish to a preheated oven for a few minutes after the slow cooking process.

11. Customized Seasonings: – Customize the seasoning blend to your taste. Add a pinch of your favorite dried herbs or a dash of hot sauce for a personal touch.

12. Use Buttermilk Biscuits: – For a tangy flavor, use buttermilk biscuits. They can add a delightful contrast to the savory broth.

13. Garnish Creatively: – Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for a visually appealing presentation.

14. Slow Cooking Variations: – Experiment with longer slow cooking times on low heat for an even more tender and flavorful result.

15. Double the Recipe: – If you’re serving a larger crowd or want leftovers, feel free to double the recipe. It reheats well, and the flavors continue to meld.

Remember, these tips are adaptable, and you can customize the recipe based on your preferences. Enjoy your delightful Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings!

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

  • Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful and tender result. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. How can I make the dumplings thicker or thinner?

  • Adjust the thickness of the dumplings by adding more or less biscuit dough according to your preference.

3. Can I use homemade chicken broth?

  • Yes, using homemade chicken broth can enhance the flavor of the dish. It adds a richer and more nuanced taste.

4. Can I sauté the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot?

  • Yes, sautéing onions and celery before adding them can enhance their flavor, adding a deeper dimension to the dish.

5. Can I add peas at the beginning of the cooking process?

  • It’s recommended to add frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain vibrant and don’t overcook.

6. How do I adjust the seasoning of the broth?

  • Taste the broth before adding the biscuits and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your taste.

7. Can I use buttermilk biscuits for a tangy flavor?

  • Yes, using buttermilk biscuits can add a delightful tangy flavor to the dumplings.

8. How long can I cook the dish on low heat for even more tenderness?

  • Experiment with longer slow cooking times on low heat for an even more tender and flavorful result.

9. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

  • Absolutely! You can double the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd or want leftovers. It reheats well, and the flavors continue to meld.

10. How can I make the dumplings slightly crispy? – If you enjoy a slightly crispy texture on the dumplings, transfer the cooked dish to a preheated oven for a few minutes after the slow cooking process.

11. Can I add additional seasonings to customize the flavor? – Yes, feel free to customize the seasoning blend with your favorite dried herbs or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.

12. Can I use other types of biscuits? – Yes, you can experiment with different types of biscuits, including whole wheat or buttery varieties, for unique flavor profiles.

13. How do I store and reheat leftovers? – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of additional broth to maintain moisture.

14. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? – You can use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure all other ingredients, including the broth and seasonings, are gluten-free for a gluten-free version.

15. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker? – Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop or oven cooking. Simmer on the stovetop until the chicken is cooked through, and the dumplings are tender, or bake in the oven until bubbly and golden.

Feel free to adjust these answers based on your preferences and any variations you might make to the recipe!