Comfort food doesn't get much better than creamy chicken and dumplings, and this recipe makes it incredibly easy with the help of your trusty crockpot and a box of Bisquick! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Let's dive into the details of making this classic dish in your slow cooker.
What Makes This Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and convenience. Using Bisquick simplifies the dumpling-making process, eliminating the need for complicated dough recipes. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal ready when you are, with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Bisquick baking mix
- 1/2 cup milk (for dumplings)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, 1 cup milk, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
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Slow Cook the Chicken: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
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Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
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Make the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Bisquick and 1/2 cup milk until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
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Add the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the Bisquick mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and broth mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir.
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Continue Cooking: Cover and cook on low for 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you'll need to add about an hour to the total cooking time.
What if I don't have Bisquick?
You can make your own dumplings from scratch using a simple flour, baking powder, and milk recipe. However, Bisquick makes this recipe incredibly convenient.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, and potatoes would be delicious additions to this recipe. Add them along with the chicken and broth at the beginning of the cooking process.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and broth mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, cook it in the slow cooker on the day you plan to serve it. Add the dumplings during the final cooking stage.
What are some variations I can try?
You can easily customize this recipe! Add different herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, or paprika. Consider adding some cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness. Experiment with different vegetables like corn, peas, or green beans.
This recipe for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with Bisquick is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and delicious results make it a perfect weeknight meal or a comforting dish for a cozy weekend. Enjoy!
