Crock pot chicken and dumplings—the ultimate comfort food, effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. This classic recipe gets a modern twist, offering both ease and deliciousness. Forget fussy recipes and long cooking times; this method simplifies the process while retaining all the heartwarming flavors you crave. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this guide will walk you through creating a hearty and satisfying meal your family will adore.
What Makes Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings So Appealing?
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, requiring minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor. The fluffy dumplings, cooked right in the savory chicken broth, add a delightful textural contrast, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
You have options! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a whole chicken add incredible depth of flavor to the broth. Bone-in pieces will result in a richer, more flavorful final product. If using a whole chicken, allow for extra cooking time.
How to Make the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
This recipe focuses on simplicity and ease, highlighting the key steps for success.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or bone-in chicken thighs/whole chicken)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): For enhanced flavor, sear the chicken breasts in olive oil until lightly browned on all sides before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn't strictly necessary but adds depth.
- Slow Cooker Magic: In your slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Add the seared (or unseared) chicken, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook it Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard the skin and bones if using bone-in chicken.
- Make the Dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add the Dumplings: Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the top of the stew.
- Final Cook: Cover and cook on low for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will require extra cooking time. Add the frozen chicken to the slow cooker and increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding and adding the dumplings.
What are the Best Dumplings for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings?
While the recipe above provides a classic dumpling recipe, you can experiment with biscuit dough, drop biscuits, or even refrigerated pie crust cut into squares for a different texture.
Can I Make this Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both the chicken stew and the dumplings. Be sure to use a blend specifically designed for baking to ensure the dumplings rise properly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover crock pot chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors often deepen upon reheating.
Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Don't overmix the dumpling batter: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add other herbs and spices, such as bay leaf, sage, or paprika.
- Use a slow cooker liner: This makes cleanup a breeze.
- Thicken the broth (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless crock pot chicken and dumplings! Let us know in the comments how your version turned out!
