If you are craving a comforting classic that warms the soul and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas, let me introduce you to this unforgettable CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a rich, creamy broth with tender vegetables, all crowned with fluffy, golden dumplings that soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. This dish is pure comfort food magic, perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Once you try this CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to recipe for cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. These humble but flavorful components come together to deliver a creamy, hearty meal with satisfying layers of taste and a touch of homey charm.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced to add a subtle sweetness and depth that forms the flavor base of the dish.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Provides a velvety, earthy component that enriches the broth.
- Cheddar cheese soup: Adds a delightful sharpness and creamy texture for extra richness.
- Dried thyme: Brings a fragrant, herbal note that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a gentle garlic essence without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Just a hint of heat and spice to balance the creamy elements.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chosen for tenderness and flavor, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that infuses the whole dish with comforting warmth.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful medley that adds nutrition, texture, and visual appeal.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The secret behind those pillowy dumplings that soak up the luscious sauce.
How to Make CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by combining your finely diced yellow onion, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper right in the CrockPot. Stir everything thoroughly to make sure the herbs and seasonings evenly marry with those creamy soups. This mixture forms the rich and savory foundation for your chicken and dumplings.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth
Next, toss in the chicken thighs and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently, ensuring each piece of chicken is nicely coated with the flavorful soup base. This step not only hydrates the chicken but infuses it with those beautiful herb and cheese notes that will develop during cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the CrockPot and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process is key—it breaks down the chicken to tender, juicy perfection while allowing all the flavors to blend harmoniously. You’ll come back to a gorgeously thickened, aromatic broth and melt-in-your-mouth chicken.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables for Color and Texture
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the thawed frozen mixed vegetables. Adding them late ensures they stay tender-crisp, offering a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish. It’s a simple step that elevates both the presentation and nutritional value.
Step 5: Top with Dumplings
Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and gently place them on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the dumplings puff up and become fluffy pillows of dough that soak in all that luscious sauce beneath, making every bite irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Once the dumplings are golden and cooked through, your CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is ready to enjoy! Serve it hot and watch as everyone digs into a bowlful of this comforting classic that tastes like a warm hug.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh touch to your hearty bowl, consider sprinkling some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top. This simple garnish brightens the rich colors and adds a subtle herbal freshness that complements the creamy flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
While this dish is filling all on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans adds a nice contrast in texture and lightness. A slice of crusty bread or buttery rolls on the side is also perfect for mopping up every last drop of those savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in individual ramekins or bread bowls for a charming presentation. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top and broil it for a minute to add a golden cheesy crust that surprises the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, cool any leftovers to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your chicken and dumplings will keep well for up to 3 days, making for a convenient lunch or dinner option the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Consider freezing the chicken and vegetables separately from the biscuit dough dumplings to maintain texture. Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months for a ready-made comfort meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if needed. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to preserve the creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the silky texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay more moist and flavorful during slow cooking, chicken breasts work fine if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cooking times to prevent them from drying out.
Can I make this recipe without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or even make your own creamy base with heavy cream and broth. The soups help thicken the sauce, so adjusting the mix might affect the texture slightly but will still be delicious.
Is refrigerated biscuit dough the only option for dumplings?
While refrigerated biscuit dough is super convenient and yields great results, you can also use homemade biscuit dough or drop biscuit dough recipes if you want to bake from scratch. Just remember to cut dough into smaller pieces for even cooking in the CrockPot.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop instead of a CrockPot?
Yes, this dish can be adapted for the stove by simmering the chicken and soup mixture gently for about an hour until chicken is tender. Then add veggies and finally cook the dumplings on top, but it requires more attention and stirring than the slow cooker method.
How do I know when dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings should be fluffy and no longer doughy when pierced with a fork. Cooking them for about 30 minutes on high after adding them to the CrockPot typically ensures they are perfect every time.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this wonderful CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe a try, especially if you love meals that embody warmth, comfort, and simplicity. It’s a dish that brings people together, makes any day feel cozier, and delivers irresistible flavors with minimal effort. Once it’s simmered away in your CrockPot, you’ll be counting down the minutes until that first tender, dumpling-topped bite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings recipe combines tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful creamy broth with mixed vegetables and fluffy biscuit dough dumplings, all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this dish offers rich flavors and hearty textures with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups chicken broth
Soup and Seasonings
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Dumplings
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough (for dumplings)
Instructions
- Combine Flavor Base: In the CrockPot, mix the diced onion, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper thoroughly to create a rich and savory base for the chicken.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken thigh pieces into the CrockPot and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly with the soup mixture and broth.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and infuses the broth with deep flavor.
- Incorporate Vegetables: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the thawed mixed vegetables to allow them to heat through and retain some texture.
- Add Dumplings: Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and arrange them on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture inside the CrockPot.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy, fully cooked, and nicely risen.
- Serve: Once the dumplings are done, serve the chicken and dumplings hot for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- For thicker broth, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Use freshly chopped thyme if available for a brighter flavor.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with carrots and peas if preferred.
- Ensure the biscuit dough is fully cooked by checking its firmness before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain texture.
