Here’s a more detailed, refined version of your Chicken and Dumplings recipe, perfect for a Crockpot. This version is designed to be both easy to follow and full of helpful tips to ensure a perfect result every time.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best in this recipe because they are easy to shred once cooked, and they absorb the delicious flavors of the broth. - 1/2 Onion (Diced)
Onion adds a savory base flavor to the broth, complementing the chicken and creating a rich aroma as it cooks. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can substitute with shallots or onion powder. - 1 Can of Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)
The cream of chicken soup gives the dish its signature creamy texture and rich flavor. It also thickens the broth, making it more like a stew. You can use reduced-fat or gluten-free versions if needed. - Water (About 1 Can of Water)
The water helps create the liquid base for your soup. Using the empty can from the cream of chicken soup to measure it is the easiest way to get the right amount. You can also use chicken broth for a more robust flavor, though water is fine for this simple recipe. - 1 Can of Biscuits (Usually 8 Biscuits)
The biscuits form the « dumplings » in this dish. They puff up as they cook, soaking up the flavors of the broth. You can use regular biscuit dough, but buttermilk biscuits add a nice tangy flavor. You can also use homemade biscuit dough if preferred. - Flour (for Rolling the Biscuits)
Lightly rolling the biscuit dough in flour helps prevent the dumplings from sticking to each other when cooking.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by greasing your Crockpot with a small amount of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This also helps with easy cleanup later. - Add the Chicken:
Place the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the Crockpot. They should sit at the bottom of the pot. No need to cut them or season them yet—they will cook down and shred easily during the process. - Add the Onion:
Dice 1/2 onion and sprinkle it over the chicken. If you want a more subtle onion flavor, you can use onion powder instead or skip it entirely. - Add the Cream of Chicken Soup:
Open the can of cream of chicken soup and spoon it over the chicken and onions. This will provide both creaminess and flavor to the broth. - Cover with Water:
Fill the empty can of cream of chicken soup with water and pour it over the ingredients in the Crockpot. The water should just about cover everything. If you want a richer broth, you can substitute with chicken broth instead. - Cook on Low:
Cover the Crockpot and cook on Low for about 3 1/2 hours. During this time, the chicken will cook through and become tender, and the flavors will meld together. - Prepare the Dumplings:
After 3 1/2 hours of cooking, shred the chicken in the Crockpot with two forks. It should fall apart easily into the broth.
- Open the can of biscuits and separate the biscuits.
- Roll each biscuit in flour to prevent them from sticking together.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters or smaller pieces, depending on how large you want your dumplings.
- Add the Dumplings:
Gently drop the flour-coated biscuit pieces into the hot broth, spreading them evenly across the top. Make sure the biscuits are fully submerged in the broth. - Cook the Dumplings:
Cover the Crockpot and cook for the final 30 minutes on Low. The dumplings will puff up and absorb the flavors of the broth as they cook. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure they cook properly. - Serve:
After 30 minutes, the dumplings should be fully cooked through. Stir everything gently to combine the chicken, dumplings, and broth. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness!
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can serve it with a light side like:
- A side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Crusty bread: Freshly baked or store-bought bread is perfect for dipping in the creamy broth.
- Garlic bread: Another great bread option to pair with this comforting meal.
Tips for Success:
- Shred the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily after 3 1/2 hours. If you find that it’s not shredding well, it may need a little longer in the Crockpot.
- Adjusting for Larger Families: This recipe easily doubles. Just double the ingredients and use a larger Crockpot (6-quart or larger). This will feed a larger family or give you plenty of leftovers for the next day.
- Frozen Biscuits: If you have frozen biscuit dough, you can use it instead of canned biscuits. Just thaw them slightly before cutting and rolling them in flour.
- Flavor Variations:
- Add Herbs: You can season the dish with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to add extra flavor.
- Creamy Option: For a creamier version, add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth after shredding the chicken.
- Make it Gluten-Free: You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuits and flour. There are many gluten-free biscuit mixes available that would work well.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simple and Delicious: The recipe relies on basic ingredients and minimal prep. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Comfort Food: This dish is the definition of comfort food—creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft dumplings all come together for a meal that’s warm and satisfying.
- Crockpot Convenience: Using a Crockpot allows the flavors to develop slowly and gives you more time to focus on other tasks while the meal cooks itself.
- Easy to Scale: Whether you’re feeding a small family or a large group, this recipe can be doubled or adjusted with ease to suit your needs.
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the epitome of comfort food—easy to make, delicious, and filling. With minimal prep time and the Crockpot doing most of the work, it’s a great option for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying meal ready when you are. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or scaling up for more, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.