Let’s talk comfort food. What is a crockpot chicken and dumpling recipe? What is this chicken and dumpling recipe? It’s the kind that makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug from the inside out. I remember my grandma making chicken and dumplings on chilly fall evenings, and the smell alone was amazing. I’m in a bad mood and need to get some sleep. Is it comforting? This version brings all that flavor and nostalgia with a fraction of the effort. What is a lazy day soup? Is this **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings** recipe so easy? I’m telling you, you’ll never go back to hovering over the stove again!
What is crockpot chicken and dumplings?
What is a chicken and dumpling stew? With fluffy, pillowy dumplings. What’s essentially a creamy, flavorful chicken base, slow-cooked to perfection, then topped with fresh sage and pepper? What are the best dumplings to cook in broth? No separate pots, no boiling, and no complicated techniques. What is comfort food? What’s a good way to use up leftover chicken? Is this a one-pot wonder? What can I do without spending hours in the kitchen?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This recipe is pure magic. First, the flavorIs it just incredible? Slow cooking allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, savory broth. Is that absolutely divine? What are some of the best ways to make chicken fall apart tender, and the vegetables soak up all that amazing flavor?simplicityWhat a game changer! Seriously, you dump everything into the crockpot, turn it on, and walk away. No need to babysit the stove or worry about burning anything. What I love about this **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings** is how easy it is to make.cost-efficientCan you use inexpensive cuts of chicken, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that you can use? Is there anything I should have on hand? How do I feed my family on a budget?versatility! You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, use different herbs, or even throw in a can of cream of mushroom soup for soup. Is there a creamier texture to this cream Is it so adaptable? If you’re looking for something similar but quicker, you could try a stovetop chicken stew, but without the ingredients. What is the best crockpot recipe? My family begs me to make this at least once a month, and I’m always happy to oblige!
How do I make a Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make chicken and dumplings in the crockpot? What’s the best way to cook chicken in a crockpot? If you like a dumpling, you stir it in and let it cook until golden brown. Is it that simple? What is the beauty of slow cooking? What are some of the best ways to make a dish that’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying? Don’t be intimidated by what you do. I promise you can. Even my husband, who barely boils water, can whip this up!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can use breasts, but they stay more moist)
1 large onion, chopped.
2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
2 celery stalks, chopped.
4 cloves garlic, minced.
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
1 tsp dried thyme.
1/2 tsp dried rosemary. 1 cup dry
How much black pepper should I use?
1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
Do not forget to remove the bay leaves before serving!
2 tbsp butter
For the Dumplings: What
What is all-purpose flour? 2 cups.
1 tbsp baking powder is enough for
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk, and it works great!)
What is the best cold butter to use? Cut into small pieces.
What are the step-
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
First, cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. How do you cook a chicken? How do you chop onion, carrot, and celery into roughly the same size pieces. Mince your garlic. What is the best way to prepare for college?
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
How do you melt butter in a skillet over medium heat? Add the onion, carrots, celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial because it helps to build flavor and deepen the complexity of the dish.
Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a crockpot. Add the chicken, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Cover and serve. How do you stir everything together to make sure the chicken is submerged in the broth? I always do this to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. What happens when a chicken is fall-apart tender? The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. With a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the mixture in the cold butter until it resembles coarse. Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Step 6: Drop the Dumplings
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the bay leaves from the crockpot. Increase the heat to high. How do I make dumpling dough in a crockpot? Don’t overcrowd your
Step 7: Cook the Dumplings
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Should dumplings be light and fluffy? This part requires a little patience, but it’s worth it!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
What is the best way to serve chicken and dumplings in a crockpot? This is best served immediately! I always make sure to have a big spoon ready to scoop up all that delicious broth.
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is a chicken and dumplings recipe? What are some good ideas to round things out?
For a light lunch: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad helps to balance the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
For a Hearty Dinner: Green beans or roasted vegetables. They add some extra nutrients and a pop of color to the plate.
For a Cozy Evening: Crusty bread for dipping in the broth. Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of a good crusty bread with this dish!
My Family Favorite: Cornbread! The sweetness of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and dumplings. It’s a match made in heaven!
Growing up, my grandma always served her chicken and dumplings with a side of coleslaw. It might sound strange, but the creamy coleslaw was the perfect complement to the warm, comforting dish. It’s a tradition I’ve continued to this day!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are my top tips for making the *best* **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings** ever:
Chicken Thighs are Key: I know chicken breasts are leaner, but trust me on this one. Chicken thighs stay so much more moist and tender in the crockpot. They also have a richer flavor that adds depth to the dish.
Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the crockpot is a game-changer. It helps to release their natural sweetness and adds a layer of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise.
Cold Butter is Crucial: When making the dumplings, make sure your butter is cold. This will help to create light and fluffy dumplings that aren’t dense or doughy. I sometimes even stick my butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using it.
Don’t Overmix the Dumplings: Overmixing the dumpling dough will result in tough dumplings. Mix the ingredients until just combined, and then stop. A few lumps are okay!
Resist the Urge to Peek: Once you add the dumplings to the crockpot, resist the urge to lift the lid and peek. This will release the steam and can cause the dumplings to be undercooked. Trust the process!
Add a Splash of Cream: For an extra creamy **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings**, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This is totally optional, but it adds a touch of decadence that I love.
I once made the mistake of adding the dumplings too early, and they ended up dissolving into the broth. It was still delicious, but definitely not the texture I was going for! Now, I always wait until the chicken is fully cooked before adding the dumplings.
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made a big batch of **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings**, and now you have leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly!
Refrigerator Storage: Store the **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor actually gets better overnight!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Reheat the **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings** in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the dumplings might get a little bit soggy.
If you’re planning to freeze the **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings**, I recommend making the dumplings fresh when you’re ready to serve it. The frozen and reheated dumplings can be a bit mushy, but the chicken and broth freeze beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings** recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I promise, this is one recipe that will become a family favorite. It’s easy, comforting, and incredibly delicious. What more could you ask for? If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other crockpot recipes. I have a ton of them! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your **Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings** turns out. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy cooking!
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tsp Baking powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth over chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, milk, and baking powder until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
