Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any meal. This dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy dumplings creates a satisfying one-pot meal that will surely become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, making dinner a breeze.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of cream of chicken soup and seasonings creates a rich and delicious flavor profile.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions; it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.
• Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables or adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Medium mixing bowl
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender chicken without constant monitoring.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking, making cleanup easier after cooking.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp onion powder (or to taste)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
• 2 Tbsp melted butter
• 1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuits

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings.

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Spray a 6-qt slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, melted butter, and chicken broth.
2. Pour the soup mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook on Low

1. Place the lid on the crockpot.
2. Cook on LOW heat for 5 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board.
2. Shred the chicken using two forks.
3. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir to combine.

Step 5: Add Biscuits

1. Open a can of refrigerated biscuits.
2. Separate each biscuit and cut them into 8 bite-sized pieces.
3. Sprinkle biscuit dough evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Cook on High

1. Cover the slow cooker again.
2. Cook on HIGH heat for about 1 hour or until biscuits are cooked through.
3. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper and dried parsley before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a warm, hearty dish that brings comfort to any meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Artisan Bread – A slice of crusty artisan bread pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken mixture, perfect for dipping.
• Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and flavorful, these breadsticks add a nice crunch alongside the meal.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with tangy dressing complements the richness of the dumplings.
• Garden Salad – A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast.

Include Some Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
• Roasted Carrots – Sweet roasted carrots enhance the flavors while adding a nutritious boost.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Chicken – Starting with fresh or high-quality frozen chicken breasts will improve the overall taste.
• Season Generously – Don’t skimp on seasoning; adjusting onion and garlic powder enhances flavor depth.
• Stir Occasionally – If possible, give the mixture a stir halfway through cooking for even distribution of flavors.
• Adjust Consistency – If the mixture is too thick after cooking, add extra chicken broth for a creamier texture.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

To complement your Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings, consider these delightful side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly.

1. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm dumplings.
2. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes can soak up any extra sauce from the chicken.
3. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob is a seasonal favorite that pairs well with this dish.
4. Green Beans Almondine – Tender green beans tossed with almonds add a nutty flavor balance.
5. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides a sweet finish to your meal.
6. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf is an excellent base for soaking up delicious flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Skipping the seasoning – Failing to season the chicken and soup mixture can lead to bland flavors. Always add salt and pepper for extra taste.
• Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Follow the recommended cook times for best results.
• Not shredding the chicken properly – Leaving large chunks of chicken can affect texture. Use two forks to shred thoroughly before returning it to the pot.
• Ignoring biscuit preparation – Not cutting the biscuits into smaller pieces can lead to uneven cooking. Be sure to cut each biscuit into 8 pieces for even dumpling results.
• Using high heat too soon – Starting on high heat may not allow flavors to develop properly. Begin with low heat for better taste before switching to high for the dumplings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2-3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings.

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by an hour when using them in your crockpot.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

You can use low-fat cream of chicken soup or substitute half of the biscuits with whole wheat options for a healthier twist.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Adding carrots or peas during cooking can enhance nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in when you add the soup mixture.

What should I serve with Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings?

This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed veggies on the side.

How do I ensure my dumplings are fluffy?

Make sure not to overmix the biscuit dough when cutting it into pieces; this will help keep them fluffy during cooking.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful comfort food that’s easy to prepare. The creamy broth combined with fluffy dumplings makes it irresistible! Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!