Amazing Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: 1 Recipe

Oh, you guys! If there’s one thing that just screams “cozy night in” and “effortless deliciousness,” it’s a big, steaming bowl of crockpot chicken and dumplings. Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug from the inside out, and it’s become my absolute go-to when I need something hearty but just don’t have the energy for a kitchen marathon. I mean, who does all the time, right?!

I remember one particularly crazy week – work was wild, the kids had a million things going on, and I was just DRAINED. I tossed everything for this crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe into the slow cooker that morning, and by dinner time, the house smelled incredible. Walking in after a long day to that aroma? Pure magic. No fuss, no hovering over the stove, just pure, comforting goodness waiting for us. That’s the beauty of a good slow cooker meal, and this one? It’s a superstar.

This isn’t one of those overly complicated recipes that makes you feel like you need a culinary degree. Nope! We’re talking basic ingredients, minimal prep, and your trusty slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want a truly satisfying meal without all the fuss. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this easy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Okay, so why *this* crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe? Because it’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience! We’re talking about a dish that practically cooks itself, leaving you free to, well, do anything but slave over a hot stove. It’s got that rich, creamy broth, tender chicken that just falls apart, and those fluffy, dreamy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavor. Plus, it fills your home with the most amazing aroma all day long – seriously, it’s like free aromatherapy! It’s super budget-friendly too, which is always a win in my book. You’ll be amazed at how much comfort comes from so little effort!

The Comfort of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Oh, the comfort factor! This dish just wraps you up in a warm, culinary blanket. Think about it: a chilly evening, maybe some rain outside, and then you sit down to a bowl of this incredible crockpot chicken and dumplings. It’s pure nostalgia, reminding you of simpler times and good, honest food. It’s hearty without being heavy, and those tender dumplings just hit different when they’ve been simmering all day in that savory broth. It truly warms you from your head to your toes!

Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: what you’ll need to make this magic happen! Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you can grab easily at any grocery store. We’re keeping it simple and delicious, just the way I like it. You’ll want 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts – these are going to get so tender in the slow cooker! Then, two 10.5-ounce cans of condensed cream of chicken soup and one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup for that luscious, creamy base. Grab 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk to thin it out just right. For seasoning, we’ll use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. And for those irresistible dumplings, two 16.3-ounce cans of refrigerated biscuit dough, which we’ll cut into quarters. Lastly, if you’re feeling fancy or want some extra veggies, 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of frozen carrots are totally optional but highly recommended!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Now, a quick word about a couple of these heroes! The boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to because they cook down beautifully and shred easily, absorbing all those fantastic flavors without any fuss. No bones to deal with, which is a huge plus for me! And those refrigerated biscuit doughs? They are the secret to quick, fluffy dumplings. Just cut them into quarters – that size is perfect for getting cooked through and becoming wonderfully soft and pillowy in the rich sauce. Trust me on these choices; they make all the difference for an easy, perfect crockpot chicken and dumplings every time!

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and honestly, it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe every single week. We’re going to layer flavors and textures, all while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours on it!

Getting Started with Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

First things first, grab your trusty 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. You’ll want to lay your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right there on the bottom. No need to cut them up yet; they’ll get super tender and easy to shred later. Next, in a separate medium bowl, you’re going to whisk together those two cans of cream of chicken soup, the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, thyme, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s all smooth and creamy. Then, pour that beautiful mixture right over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover it up, and you’re ready for the long, slow cook!

Developing Flavor in Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Now, let your slow cooker do its thing! Set it on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, high for 3-4 hours. This is where all those incredible flavors really meld together, and the chicken becomes incredibly tender. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker (it should practically fall apart!). Using two forks, shred that chicken right up. It’ll be super easy! Pop the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. This is also the perfect time to stir in your frozen peas and carrots, if you’re using them. They’ll warm up beautifully in the hot broth.

Adding Dumplings to Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This is the fun part – dumpling time! Take your refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Don’t worry too much about perfection here; rustic is good! Gently add these quartered biscuit pieces to the slow cooker. Give it a light stir, just enough to make sure they’re mostly submerged in that glorious, creamy liquid. You want them to soak up all that flavor and cook through. Cover your slow cooker again, and switch it to high for another 30-45 minutes. The dumplings should get wonderfully fluffy and cooked all the way through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffy and no longer doughy in the middle. Serve it up hot and enjoy your amazing crockpot chicken and dumplings!

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but I have a few little tricks up my sleeve to make your crockpot chicken and dumplings go from great to absolutely *unforgettable*. Trust me, these small adjustments can make a big difference! First, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning before adding the dumplings. A little extra pepper or maybe a pinch of garlic powder can really elevate the whole dish. Also, try not to peek too much while it’s cooking; every time you lift the lid, you lose precious heat and steam, which can extend the cooking time. And when it comes to those biscuits, make sure they’re submerged! That’s key for fluffy, cooked-through dumplings.

Making Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Even Better

Want to really kick up the flavor in your crockpot chicken and dumplings? Here’s how! If you have it, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought; it adds such a rich, deep flavor that you just can’t beat. Also, feel free to play around with the veggies! Corn, green beans, or even some diced celery added with the peas and carrots would be delicious. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving also adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Don’t be shy about adjusting the thyme or adding a dash of onion powder if you like a stronger savory note!

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, so you’ve got questions, and I’ve got answers! It’s totally normal to wonder about little tweaks or what-ifs when you’re trying a new recipe, even one as easy as this crockpot chicken and dumplings. I get asked these all the time, so let’s clear up some common curiosities to make sure your plain chicken and dumplings turn out absolutely perfect every single time!

Can I use frozen chicken for crockpot chicken and dumplings?

You know, I get this question a lot! While it’s generally best to start with thawed chicken breasts for consistency and food safety, you *can* use frozen chicken in your crockpot chicken and dumplings. Just make sure to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time on low, or about an hour on high, to ensure the chicken cooks all the way through before you shred it. The key is making sure it reaches a safe internal temperature!

What kind of biscuits are best for crockpot chicken and dumplings?

For this crock pot chicken & dumplings recipe, I absolutely swear by the refrigerated biscuit dough you find in a can! The flaky or ‘fluffy layers’ kind works wonderfully. They puff up beautifully in the slow cooker and give you that classic, tender dumpling texture without any fuss. I’ve tried others, but these canned biscuits really are the easiest and most reliable for truly fluffy dumplings in your slow cooker chicken and dumplings!

How do I store leftover crockpot chicken and dumplings?

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is actually fantastic the next day. Just let it cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it’s gotten a little too thick. Or, a quick zap in the microwave works too! Just make sure it’s heated through.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Okay, for those of you who like to keep an eye on the numbers, I’ve got a rough estimate for you. Remember, these are just estimates, and they can totally swing depending on the exact brands you use, how much chicken broth you add, or if you go wild with extra veggies. But for a serving (about 1.5 cups) of this amazing crockpot chicken and dumplings, you’re looking at around 450 calories, 20g of fat (with about 8g saturated), 40g of carbs, 10g of sugar, 3g of fiber, and a solid 30g of protein. Sodium is a bit higher at 1200mg, and cholesterol is about 70mg. See? Delicious *and* you know what you’re getting!

Share Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Experience

So, you’ve made it! Your kitchen probably smells absolutely incredible right now. I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your crockpot chicken and dumplings turned out! Did you add any fun extra veggies? What was your favorite part of making it? Please, pretty please, leave a comment below and tell me all about your experience. And if you snap a pic, definitely share it on social media and tag me! I can’t wait to see your amazing creations!

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