Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food! This dish is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. The simplicity of using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it a great choice for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a hearty meal cooking while you focus on other tasks.
Family Favorite: This dish is sure to please everyone at the table, making it perfect for family dinners.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the flavors by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax after a long day.
Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of creamy soup and soft dumplings creates a comforting experience that warms the soul.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help you streamline your cooking process and ensure everything turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart)
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for low-and-slow cooking that results in tender chicken and perfectly cooked dumplings.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently before adding them to the slow cooker.
Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly, ensuring even distribution of flavor in the dish.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings.

Chicken

3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Soup Base

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

Dumplings

1 (16.3-oz) can refrigerated biscuits

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

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

Step 2: Mix the Soup Base

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

Step 3: Cook on Low Heat

Place the lid on the crockpot.
Cook on LOW heat for 5 hours.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot once it’s cooked through.
Transfer it onto a cutting board and shred using two forks.
Return shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir to combine.

Step 5: Prepare the Biscuits

Open a can of refrigerated biscuits.
Separate each biscuit and cut into 8 bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Add Biscuits to Cook

Sprinkle biscuit dough over the top of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker.
Cover again and cook on HIGH heat for about 1 hour until biscuits are cooked through.
Garnish with fresh cracked pepper and dried parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a delicious and comforting dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
Thyme Sprigs: Garnish with thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch that complements the chicken.

As a Standalone Dish

In a Bowl: Serve it hot directly in bowls for a cozy, hearty meal.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a light salad to balance the richness of the dumplings.

For Family Gatherings

Large Serving Platter: Transfer the chicken and dumplings to a large platter for family-style serving.
Individual Portions: Serve in individual bowls to make it easy for guests to enjoy.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

To ensure your Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Quality Chicken: Choose fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts for optimal flavor and texture.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the broth mixture before cooking and adjust onion powder and garlic powder as desired.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time; avoid overcooking the biscuits by checking them at the 45-minute mark.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate frozen peas or carrots for added nutrition and color.
Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving for extra creaminess.
Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread bites are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides essential nutrients and brightens up the plate.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the dumplings well, making it extra filling.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob offers a delightful crunch alongside this comfort food.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors of chicken and dumplings.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunchiness that balances out the creamy texture of your main dish.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can soak up any remaining sauce, making it a satisfying side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings can be easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking.
Overcooking the dumplings: Cooking biscuits for too long can result in dry, hard dumplings. Stick to the recommended cooking time on HIGH heat for perfect texture.
Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth may affect the overall taste of your dish. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness and flavor.
Forgetting to shred the chicken: Failing to shred the chicken after cooking means missing out on evenly distributed flavors throughout the dish. Always shred it before adding the dumplings.
Not mixing well: Skipping the step of combining ingredients when returning shredded chicken might leave clumps. Ensure everything is mixed together before adding biscuit dough.

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

Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an hour when using a slow cooker.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can make a homemade version using flour, butter, chicken broth, and seasonings or use any other cream soup you prefer.

How do I make my dumplings fluffier?

To achieve fluffier dumplings, avoid over-mixing your biscuit dough. Gentle handling is key!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

How long does it take to cook on HIGH?

Cooking on HIGH typically takes about 1 hour after adding the biscuits.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is not just comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your preference. We encourage you to try this dish; it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in!