This cozy dish of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is like a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chicken simmers with veggies and fluffy dumplings, making it super comforting and filling.
I love that I can toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while I do other things. It’s perfect for busy days when I’m craving something hearty! 🍲
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are fantastic for this recipe as they become tender during cooking. If you like, boneless thighs can be a juicier alternative.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use a homemade version or substitute with cream of mushroom soup.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: I like using the classic mix of peas, carrots, and corn for color and taste. You can swap these for fresh veggies or any frozen mix you have on hand.
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe super easy. A homemade biscuit dough or even dumpling dough can really elevate your dish if you’re feeling adventurous!
Herbs and Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme perk up the flavor. Fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, can replace dried if you want a fresher taste.
How Do I Ensure My Dumplings Cook Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking the dumplings just right is key to this recipe! After cooking the chicken, it’s essential to add the biscuit pieces on top and then cover for the final cooking time. This traps heat and steam to cook the dumplings evenly.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters for bite-sized pieces.
- Carefully drop the pieces on top without stirring; this allows them to steam perfectly.
- Cook covered on high for about 30 minutes. Check if they are puffed and cooked through.
- Gently incorporate them into the mixture before serving, ensuring they absorb the flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 can (about 8 biscuits) refrigerated biscuit dough
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Plus, you’ll need an extra 30 minutes to cook the dumplings at the end. It’s a cozy comfort dish that’s perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base layer for your delicious meal.
2. Make the Sauce Mix:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well until it’s nicely blended.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well covered. This will help keep it moist and flavorful as it cooks!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot. This adds a nice texture to the dish.
6. Add the Dumplings:
Open the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Gently drop the biscuit pieces on top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll spread and puff up as they cook!
7. Cook the Dumplings:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through and fluffy.
8. Final Stir and Serve:
After the dumplings are done, stir gently to incorporate them into the chicken mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Then, serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your comforting dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour of cooking time for frozen chicken breasts. Keep in mind that you’ll want to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption. Consider cutting the chicken into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup as a substitute for a slightly different flavor. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version by mixing equal parts heavy cream and chicken broth with a tablespoon of flour to thicken it. Season it as needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just make sure to separate the dumplings, as they may become soggy when frozen with the chicken mixture. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I Add Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can customize the veggies based on your preferences. Consider adding green beans, diced potatoes, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to keep the total volume similar to what’s in the recipe to ensure proper cooking time.
