Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. When prepared in the crockpot, this dish becomes even easier to make, allowing you to enjoy a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings that cook together to create a comforting, soul-satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking to feed the family on a busy weeknight or preparing for a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Cooking with a slow cooker allows the chicken to cook to perfection, making it tender and juicy, while the dumplings cook up light and fluffy. The creamy broth is rich and flavorful, enhanced by the spices and vegetables. This meal is ideal for those who want a hearty, one-pot dish that requires little preparation. Set it and forget it, and in a few hours, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. It’s simple, convenient, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

Using the crockpot simplifies the process, making it an easy, hands-off recipe. Just add the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.

2. Comforting and Hearty

The rich, creamy broth and tender chicken combined with fluffy dumplings make this dish the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any time of year.

3. Minimal Prep Time

With just a few simple steps and ingredients, this recipe is ready to go. There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen.

4. One-Pot Meal

Everything cooks in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. No need for multiple pans or dishes to wash afterward!

5. Perfect for Busy Days

Once the ingredients are in the crockpot, you can set it and forget it. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle.

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Ingredients

Chicken:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Variations

• Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor of the chicken and broth, giving it an aromatic boost.
• Dumpling Texture: For a heartier texture, you can add shredded cheese to the dumplings for an extra cheesy twist.
• Spices: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat and depth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth

Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, and minced garlic into the crockpot. Add the salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the broth.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Batter

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the milk or buttermilk and melted butter, stirring until the dough comes together.

Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Crockpot

Spoon the dumpling batter into the crockpot over the chicken and broth. Make sure they are evenly distributed but do not stir them in.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Do not lift the lid during cooking to ensure the dumplings cook properly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are ready, serve the dish hot and enjoy the comforting combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft dumplings.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Do Not Overmix the Dumpling Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in dense, tough dumplings. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Add Cornstarch for Thicker Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, mix 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of cold water, and stir it into the soup before adding the dumplings.
• Adjust the Cooking Time: If your crockpot runs hot, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on the dumplings to make sure they don’t overcook.
• Don’t Open the Lid Too Often: Opening the crockpot lid releases heat and can affect cooking times. Try to resist the urge to peek until the dumplings are done.

How to Serve

Serve this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings as a main course for dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a well-rounded meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Freezing:

This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating:

To reheat, add a little broth or milk to the dish to prevent it from drying out. Heat on low on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

2. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the dumplings fresh before adding them to the crockpot for the best texture, but you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it until ready to cook.

3. Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy option?

Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk as a substitute for dairy milk in this recipe.

4. Can I add vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Adding carrots, peas, or celery will enhance the flavor and provide extra nutrition.

5. How do I make the broth thicker?

If you want a thicker broth, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or use a thickening agent like flour.

6. Can I make this recipe in the instant pot?

Yes, you can! Use the sauté function for the chicken and broth, then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Add the dumplings and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients.

8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They will add a richer flavor to the dish.

9. How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

10. Why aren’t my dumplings cooking all the way through?

Make sure you are cooking the dumplings on high for the full 30 minutes without lifting the lid. They need to steam in the crockpot for the proper texture.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any time you want a cozy, flavorful meal. With its rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for dinner on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a weekend gathering, this dish is the perfect combination of ease and deliciousness.

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