Chicken and dumplings—the ultimate comfort food. This recipe takes that classic dish and simplifies it with the magic of your slow cooker. Get ready for tender, juicy chicken and fluffy dumplings in one easy, delicious pot! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a comforting weekend gathering.
What Makes This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Special?
This isn't your average chicken and dumplings recipe. We've focused on creating a method that maximizes flavor and minimizes effort. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, and the dumplings, cooked right in the pot, absorb all the delicious broth for maximum yumminess. No need for separate pans or complicated techniques – just one pot wonder!
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, lightly brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn't essential, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Place the browned (or un-browned) chicken breasts, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
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Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
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Make the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be slightly lumpy.
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Add Dumplings to the Crockpot: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir.
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Continue Cooking: Cover and cook on low for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
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Serve: Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken?
While you can use frozen chicken, it will significantly increase the cooking time. We recommend thawing the chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker for optimal results. Add an extra hour or two to the cooking time if using frozen chicken.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can certainly adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Brown the chicken, then simmer the chicken and vegetables in a large pot until tender. Then, drop in the dumplings and simmer until cooked through. However, the slow cooker provides the most tender chicken and effortless cooking experience.
What kind of dumplings can I use?
This recipe uses a simple drop biscuit-style dumpling. You can experiment with other types of dumplings, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
How do I know if the dumplings are cooked?
The dumplings are cooked when they are light and fluffy and no longer appear doughy. You can gently press one with a spoon to check.
Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings?
Yes, leftover chicken and dumplings freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings:
- Don't overmix the dumpling batter. A few lumps are okay.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the slow cooker while the chicken is cooking. Remove it before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, or green beans.
- If your dumplings are browning too quickly, you can tent the slow cooker with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy your delicious and easy crockpot chicken and dumplings! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out.
