In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can compete with the warm embrace of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. Imagine tender chicken simmering in a fragrant broth, surrounded by fluffy dumplings that soak up all that savory goodness. Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe Crockpot Butternut Squash Recipe It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply need some culinary TLC. Savory Chicken Linguine. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy mushroom chicken alfredo recipe.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for friends on a rainy Sunday. The aroma wafted through the house, drawing them in like moths to a flame. Cheesy Stuffed Flank Steak Spoiler alert: their eyes lit up with joy as they took their first bite, and I felt like a culinary superhero for the rest of the day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can set it and forget it while it slowly transforms into something magical
- The flavor profile is rich and comforting, reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen
- It’s visually appealing with its hearty ingredients and inviting aroma wafting through your home
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings, it’s perfect for any occasion
I still chuckle thinking about how my friend thought I slaved over the stove all day when really, I just let my trusty crockpot do the heavy lifting.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts create a tender base; adjust based on your crowd size.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness; slice them thick to keep some crunch.
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Celery: Use crisp stalks for that classic soup flavor; chop into bite-sized pieces.
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Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent before adding to the pot.
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Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but low-sodium store-bought works wonders too.
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Dumpling Mix: You can use pre-made mixes or whip together flour, baking powder, milk, and butter for homemade dumplings.
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Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley elevate flavors; feel free to experiment!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and slicing carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution throughout your dish.
Layer It Up!: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Add in the chopped veggies—carrots, celery, and onion—then sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
Add Your Liquid Gold: Pour in your chicken broth until everything is submerged. The broth should cover about two-thirds of your ingredients; this encourages tender chicken while keeping everything moist.
Set It and Forget It!: Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Resist the urge to peek—those aromas are worth waiting for!
Dumpling Time!: About 30 minutes before serving, mix up your dumpling batter according to package instructions or whisk together flour, baking powder, milk, and melted butter if you’re going homemade.
Drop Those Dumplings!: Spoon dollops of dumpling batter over the bubbling stew in your crockpot. Cover again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
Now you’re ready! Serve this delightful dish hot from the pot into bowls that are sure to receive rave reviews from everyone gathered around your dinner table.
In wrapping up our delicious adventure with Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, remember that cooking is about joy as much as it is about feeding yourself or others. Each spoonful carries warmth not just from flavors but also from shared moments—just like that rainy Sunday when laughter filled my kitchen alongside those tantalizing smells from my beloved crockpot. Enjoy every bite! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- Cooking with a Crockpot allows flavors to develop beautifully over time
- The aroma of chicken and dumplings fills your home, making it feel warm and cozy
- This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to enhance its flavor, then add vegetables and broth before cooking on low for six to eight hours. This method locks in moisture and ensures that every bite is tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on preferences or seasonal availability. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for unique flavor profiles that excite your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect chicken and dumplings, always use bone-in chicken for richer flavor
- Avoid lifting the lid too often while cooking; let the steam work its magic
- Dumplings are best added in the last hour of cooking for optimal texture
When I first made Crockpot chicken and dumplings, my family devoured it so quickly I barely got a taste! Their smiles were worth every second spent preparing this comforting meal.
FAQ
Can I freeze Crockpot chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months; just reheat thoroughly before serving.
How do I make my dumplings fluffier?
Add baking powder to your dumpling mix for extra lift and lightness during cooking.
What can I substitute for chicken?
Feel free to use turkey or even tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative!
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken simmering in a rich broth and fluffy dumplings that soak up all its savory goodness. This effortless recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, providing warmth and joy with every bite. Simply set it and forget it while your trusty crockpot does the work. Gather your loved ones around the table for a hearty meal that will leave everyone raving.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)
- 2 large carrots, sliced thick
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups dumpling mix (or homemade: 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 cup milk, 4 tbsp melted butter)
- Salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by dicing the onion and slicing the carrots and celery.
- Layer chicken breasts in the bottom of a crockpot; add chopped vegetables.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
- Pour chicken broth over ingredients until they are mostly submerged.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours without peeking.
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare dumplings according to package or homemade instructions.
- Spoon dumpling batter over stew; cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
