The aroma of dinner simmering away in the kitchen can be a comforting soundtrack, and nothing embodies that cozy feeling quite like Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This one-pot miracle melds tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth, creating a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With an easy prep that lets the slow cooker do the magic, you can enjoy a gluten-free comfort dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture coming home to a bowl of this delightful goodness, where every bite transports you back to simpler times shared over family dinners. Curious about the best part? Not only does it come together effortlessly, but it also offers delicious variations for everyone at your table. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Why Choose Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Comforting Warmth: This dish is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something heartwarming and delicious.
Gluten-Free Option: Everyone can indulge in this classic without worrying about dietary restrictions, as it easily adapts to gluten-free needs.
Effortless Cooking: Just toss all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy homemade goodness.
Endless Variations: Whether you’re in the mood for extra veggies or a turkey twist, this recipe allows you to personalize it to your liking. Check out my tips for creating a Vegan Version or adding more nutritious ingredients!
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table—from kids to adults alike!
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients
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For the Chicken Base
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Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Main protein providing a tender texture; if frozen, extend the cooking time by an hour.
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Chicken Broth – Core flavor base; opt for gluten-free if needed.
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Diced Onion – Adds sweetness; shallots can be substituted for a milder flavor.
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Sliced Carrots – Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color; corn or green beans can be swapped for variety.
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Sliced Celery – Adds crunch and aroma; can be omitted if desired.
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Minced Garlic – Essential for depth of flavor; fresh garlic preferred, garlic powder is a useful alternative.
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For Seasoning
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Dried Thyme – Pairs well with chicken; fresh thyme enhances flavor.
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Dried Parsley – For visual appeal and a hint of flavor; optional if unavailable.
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Salt & Black Pepper – Basic seasonings to taste.
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For Creaminess and Texture
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Frozen Peas – Introduce color and texture; can substitute with green beans.
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Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds richness; cream of mushroom soup or a homemade version works as an alternative.
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Milk – For creaminess; plant-based milk serves as a dairy-free option.
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For the Dumplings
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Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – Creates fluffy dumplings; ensure gluten-free if necessary.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Begin by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are lying flat and not overlapping. This positioning allows for even cooking. At this stage, make sure your crockpot is clean and ready to create this delightful Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings dish!
Step 2: Add Broth and Vegetables
Next, pour the chicken broth over the chicken, allowing it to cover the meat adequately. Follow this by adding the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery, along with the minced garlic. This medley of flavors will meld beautifully, enriching the broth as it cooks, creating a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture. Gently stir everything together using a wooden spoon to ensure that the flavors are well distributed. This seasoning step is crucial for building the delicious flavor profile that characterizes your comforting Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Now, cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Keep an eye on your dish, enjoying the delightful aroma that wafts through your home during the cooking time.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, revealing its tender texture. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, ensuring it mixes well with the aromatic broth and vegetables.
Step 6: Stir in Creamy Ingredients
Mix in frozen peas, cream of chicken soup, and milk into the broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step adds a lovely creaminess to the broth, deepening the comfort factor of your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.
Step 7: Prepare the Dumplings
Take your refrigerated biscuit dough and cut it into quarters. Place these dough pieces evenly on top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot, ensuring they have some space between them for rising. This will help create fluffy dumplings that soak up the savory flavors of the broth.
Step 8: Cook the Dumplings
Cover the crockpot again and set it to cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes. When the dumplings are fluffy and golden in appearance, they’re done. You can check them by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your delightful Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is ready to serve!
Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and measure ingredients the night before for a stress-free cooking experience with your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.
- Space Tips: When placing dumplings on top, ensure they aren’t overcrowded to allow them to rise evenly and achieve that fluffy texture.
- Cooking Time Check: Check the dumplings a few minutes before the end of cooking to avoid densification; they should be fluffy and clean when tested with a toothpick.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to add extra herbs or spices to the chicken mixture—personalize it with garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite dried herbs for more depth.
- Storage Quality: For optimal freshness, store leftover dumplings separately from the broth to maintain their texture when reheating.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Create a cozy meal experience that complements the heartwarming flavors of your dish with delicious side options.
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Garlic Green Beans: Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic add a vibrant crunch, balancing the creamy texture of your dumplings.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots lightly glazed with honey provide a sweet contrast to the savory broth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing and creamy coleslaw brings in a crisp texture that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
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Cornbread Muffins: These sweet, fluffy muffins are excellent for soaking up any leftover broth, adding a delightful sweetness to each bite.
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Crispy Side Salad: Fresh mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing bite, making each mouthful a balanced delight.
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Cheesy Biscuits: Soft, cheesy biscuits can be a great addition to enhance the comfort food experience, providing more buttery goodness to your meal.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp will end the meal perfectly, bringing a delightful sweetness that echoes the warmth of family gatherings.
Make Ahead Options
These Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the vegetables and measure out the spices up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be seasoned and stored ahead, allowing the flavors to infuse overnight. Additionally, you can prepare the creamy mixture (peas, cream of chicken soup, and milk) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. On the day of serving, simply combine everything in the crockpot, set it to cook, and allow the magic to happen. This way, you can enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort, just as delicious as if you had made it all from scratch that day!
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth for moisture.
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Freezer: Freeze in a safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain creamy consistency.
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Freshness Tips: For the best texture, store dumplings separately from the broth. This will help the dumplings stay fluffy and prevent them from becoming soggy.
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Reheating: When reheating, add a little broth or milk to renew the creamy broth and ensure everything warms through evenly, so every bite of your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is just as delightful as the first!
Variations & Substitutions for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine with these exciting twists on the classic Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings that everyone will adore!
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Extra Veggies: Add corn, green beans, or diced potatoes for a more nutritious and colorful dish. Veggies like these not only enhance texture but also enrich the flavor profile!
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Turkey Alternative: Replace chicken with shredded turkey for a holiday-inspired flavor. It’s a delightful way to use up leftover turkey, turning it into a cozy meal that’s equally satisfying.
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Vegan Version: Utilize vegetable broth and coconut milk in place of cream for a wholesome plant-based dish. This variation brings a unique creaminess that’s sure to please even the non-vegans at the table!
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Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for different flavor profiles. Each herb brings a unique warmth, allowing you to customize the taste to your preference.
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Cream Sauce Switch: Create a homemade creamy sauce from blended cashews and garlic for a rich, dairy-free alternative. This is a fantastic option that adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture to your dish.
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Cheesy Goodness: Incorporate shredded cheese into the mixture, like cheddar or mozzarella, for extra creaminess and a deliciously indulgent touch. Melting cheese takes comfort to a whole new level—perfect for cheese lovers!
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Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. A little spice can liven up the dish and add an exciting flavor dimension.
For more amazing ideas, consider trying out related recipes like my Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar or even a comforting Chicken Stuffing Casserole to change things up! Enjoy customizing your meal tonight!
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
For the best results, I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts as they become tender during the long, slow cooking process. If you’re starting with frozen chicken, be sure to increase the cooking time by one hour to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
How should I store leftovers of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist and delicious.
Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Absolutely! You can freeze this comforting dish in a safe container for up to 3 months. For the best quality, I suggest storing the dumplings separately from the broth. This will help maintain their fluffy texture. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before warming it up on the stove.
What can I do if my dumplings come out dense?
If your dumplings are dense, it might be due to overcrowding in the crockpot or not allowing them enough space to rise. Make sure to cut them into smaller pieces and place them evenly spaced on top of the mixture. When cooking, keep an eye on them towards the end—check for doneness a few minutes early to ensure they don’t overcook.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! This recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free biscuit dough and chicken broth. Additionally, you can make a vegan version by substituting chicken with hearty vegetables, using vegetable broth, and coconut milk instead of cream. Just be sure to check all product labels for allergens specific to your needs.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
For an extra flavor boost, you can add additional herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite dried herbs when seasoning the mixture. Don’t shy away from experimenting with flavor combinations to personalize your dish and create a cozy, satisfying meal!
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken Base by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are lying flat and not overlapping.
- Add Broth and Vegetables by pouring the chicken broth over the chicken, then adding the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic.
- Season the Mixture by sprinkling dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper evenly, then gently stir everything together.
- Cover and Cook by setting the crockpot to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken by carefully removing the chicken from the crockpot and shredding it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot.
- Stir in Creamy Ingredients by mixing in frozen peas, cream of chicken soup, and milk, then allowing it to heat for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Dumplings by cutting the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and placing them on top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot.
- Cook the Dumplings by covering the crockpot again and cooking on high for an additional 30-40 minutes.
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