Introduction:

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, slow-cooked dish that combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy, savory broth. This easy, set-and-forget meal is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering a delicious and warming home-cooked experience with minimal effort.

The History of Chicken and Dumplings:

Chicken and Dumplings is a classic American comfort food with roots in Southern cuisine, dating back to the early 19th century. The dish likely originated from French Canadian and Southern United States settlers who used simple ingredients like flour, fat, and water to create dumplings, pairing them with slow-cooked chicken to make a hearty, filling meal. The Crock Pot version is a modern adaptation, using a slow cooker to enhance the dish’s flavors and simplify the cooking process.

Ingredients Breakdown:

Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Prepare the Base:
- Place the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Pour the condensed cream of chicken soup over the top, but do not stir it in.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Make the Dumplings:
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined to form a sticky dough.
Add Dumplings and Finish Cooking:
- Shred the chicken in the Crock Pot using two forks. Stir in the frozen peas.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the chicken mixture.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Serve:
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Dumplings:

Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: Bone-in chicken can add more depth of flavor to the broth. Remove bones before shredding.
Avoid Over-Stirring Dumpling Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense dumplings. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variations and Customizations:

Herbed Dumplings: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives to the dumpling dough for extra flavor.
Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, corn, or potatoes for a different twist.
Cheesy Dumplings: Mix shredded cheese into the dumpling dough for a cheesy flavor.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

Protein-Rich: Provides a good source of protein from chicken, essential for muscle health.
Caloric Content: Can be high in calories due to the creamy soup and dumplings; portion control is recommended.
Vegetable-Rich: Includes vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, which add fiber and essential nutrients.

FAQ:

Can I use canned biscuit dough for dumplings?
- Yes, canned biscuit dough can be a quick and easy alternative. Simply cut the dough into pieces and drop it into the Crock Pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings?
- Yes, freeze after cooking. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure the condensed soup is gluten-free.
How do I prevent soggy dumplings?
- Avoid lifting the lid during the final cooking time to ensure the dumplings cook through evenly.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a slow-cooked, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth. It's an easy, hearty meal perfect for a cozy dinner with minimal preparation.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5 10

Total Time 5 20

Servings 2

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

1 large onion diced
1 can cream of celery soup 10.5 oz
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
black pepper to taste
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
2 cups frozen vegetables or peas and carrots defrosted
16.3 oz refrigerated biscuits 1 can Buttermilk, Country, or Homestyle

Instructions

Add onion to 6 qt crock pot and top with chicken breasts.
In a small bowl, combine cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, parsley, poultry seasoning and pepper. Spread over chicken breasts. Top with chicken broth and cook on high 5 hours.
Approximately 1 hour (I allow 60 – 90 minutes) before serving (after 4 hours of cooking time), roll each biscuit thin and flat. Cut into 4 strips. Add vegetables to the slow cooker and stir. Add biscuit strips on top. Replace lid as quickly as possible.

To Serve

Remove chicken breasts and slightly shred. Add back into slow cooker and stir (this will break up the dumplings somewhat which is ok). Let cook an additional 10 minutes and serve.

Notes

Note: My biscuits were perfectly cooked after 60 minutes however some slow cookers have required extra time to cook the biscuits.

Nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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