Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth.
This slow-cooked meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling and flavorful with minimal effort.
Simply throw the ingredients into your crockpot and let the slow cooker work its magic, turning simple ingredients into a warm, delicious family favorite.
The dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for plenty of room to experiment with different variations and additions.
Whether you’re craving a classic recipe or looking to switch things up, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
1 1/4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp. dried oregano
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 (10.5-oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
2 c. low-sodium chicken broth
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 c. frozen peas, thawed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (16.3-oz.) can refrigerated biscuits
Instructions
Begin by placing the chopped onion, chicken breasts, and dried oregano into your crockpot. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This will be the base for your flavorful stew.
Next, add the two cans of cream of chicken soup and the low-sodium chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf to the mixture for added depth of flavor. These herbs will infuse the dish with a lovely aroma as it slow cooks.
Toss in the chopped celery, carrots, and garlic, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the broth.
The vegetables will become tender and absorb the delicious flavors from the soup and chicken.
Cover and cook the mixture on low for about 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook it on high for about 2-3 hours.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks.
This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavorful broth, making it even more tender and juicy.
Finally, cut the refrigerated biscuits into quarters and drop them gently into the crockpot.
Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the biscuits have puffed up and cooked through, forming delicious dumplings.
How to Make
Start by preparing your crockpot with the chicken, onion, and dried oregano. Season it with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This will give the dish a solid foundation of flavor.
Once your seasoning is in, pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Give everything a quick stir to combine, then add the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
These herbs will help enhance the overall aroma of the dish while it cooks slowly.
Add in the chopped celery, carrots, and garlic, making sure the vegetables are well distributed throughout the soup mixture.
The vegetables will soak up the savory broth and become tender during cooking.
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. You can also cook it on high for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time.
Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred it right in the crockpot. This ensures the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the broth and becomes incredibly tender.
Next, cut the refrigerated biscuits into quarters and gently drop them into the crockpot. Stir them in slightly, making sure they are submerged in the broth.
Cover the crockpot again and let it cook on high for 30 more minutes. The biscuits will turn into fluffy dumplings, soaking up the creamy broth and becoming an irresistible addition to the dish.
Variations
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or even a combination of the two. This will add a new depth to the creaminess of the dish.
If you prefer a lighter version, consider using a low-fat or fat-free version of the cream of chicken soup. This will still give you that comforting, creamy texture without as many calories.
Feel free to swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you want a more flavorful cut of meat. Chicken thighs are slightly fattier, adding richness to the broth.
For a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the broth. This will give the dish a subtle heat without overpowering the flavors.
To make the dish even heartier, try adding additional vegetables like corn, potatoes, or green beans.
These additions will give the dish more texture and make it even more filling.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, replace the refrigerated biscuits with gluten-free biscuit dough.
which can be found in most stores. Just make sure to check the label for any hidden gluten.
For a lighter version of the dumplings.
you can make them from scratch using almond flour or coconut flour to create a gluten-free, low-carb alternative.
Tips
Be sure to use a slow cooker with a timer function, so you can set it and forget it without worrying about overcooking. This helps to keep the chicken tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked.
To save time in the morning, you can prep all your ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just dump everything into the crockpot and start cooking.
If you want even more flavor, try browning the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This will create a richer base for the dish.
For a more intense herbal flavor, you can use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme. The fresh version will have a bolder flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall dish.
If you’re not a fan of peas, you can replace them with other vegetables such as green beans, spinach, or even kale. They will add color and nutrition to the dish.
If the broth is too thick for your liking, simply add more chicken broth or a bit of water to thin it out. It’s all about finding the consistency that works best for you.
If you prefer a crispier texture for the dumplings, you can broil the top of the crockpot for a few minutes at the end of cooking. This will give the biscuits a golden, crunchy finish.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy, savory dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your slow-cooker repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and simplicity of this dish all year round.