As the warm, comforting aroma fills your kitchen, your heart swells with nostalgia and anticipation. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. easy crockpot chicken recipe Imagine tender chicken gently simmering in a creamy broth, accompanied by fluffy dumplings that float like little clouds. creamy chicken alfredo tortellini It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary day into a cozy celebration.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. It was one of those chilly evenings when everyone needed something hearty to lift their spirits. The moment I served it up, my kids’ eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning, and I knew I had struck culinary gold. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want to indulge without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it ideal for busy days
- The flavor profile bursts with savory goodness, combining herbs and spices that dance on your palate
- Its visual appeal will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to dig in
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or spices!
There’s nothing quite like hearing your loved ones rave about dinner while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the delightful chaos of family life.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for maximum tenderness; adjust based on your crowd size.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
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Celery Stalks: Essential for that aromatic base; choose crisp celery for extra crunch.
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Onions: Sweet onions work best here; they’ll caramelize beautifully during cooking.
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor depth.
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Heavy Cream: For that rich creaminess; be generous to elevate the dish’s overall texture.
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Dumpling Mix: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, light and fluffy dumplings are crucial!
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor enhancement; choose fresh garlic if you’re feeling fancy!
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Dried Thyme: This herb adds warmth and aroma; don’t skimp on this flavorful addition.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; adjust according to your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop carrots, celery, and onions into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. You want everything looking pretty as it goes into the pot!
Add the Good Stuff to the Crockpot: Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of your crockpot. Follow with chopped onions, carrots, celery, and sprinkle garlic powder over everything. Pour in chicken broth until everything is just covered.
Season it Up!: Add dried thyme along with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy! Stir everything together gently so each ingredient mingles beautifully before we get down to business.
Let it Simmer Away!: Set your crockpot on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The house will smell incredible as flavors meld together—try not to sneak too many spoonfuls!
Dumpling Time!: About 30 minutes before serving, mix up those dumpling ingredients according to package instructions or your favorite recipe. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the bubbling soup—it’ll puff up like magic!
Savor the Moment!: Once dumplings are cooked through (they’ll be fluffy!), ladle out generous portions into bowls. Enjoy this heartwarming meal while basking in compliments from family and friends!
With every bite of this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll experience a wave of comfort that only good food can provide. chicken bacon ranch casserole It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation back home—no matter where you may roam! delicious chicken enchilada casserole.
You Must Know
- This delightful Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the perfect cozy meal
- With tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, it’s like a warm hug on a plate
- Remember, slow cooking allows flavors to deepen, making every bite simply irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by searing your chicken to lock in flavor, then add vegetables before pouring in broth. This ensures a rich base for your dumplings.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add frozen veggies for extra nutrition. Experiment with spices like thyme or rosemary for a personal twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly fluffy dumplings, avoid over-mixing the dough; it should be lumpy yet cohesive
- Use fresh herbs for an aromatic punch that elevates flavor significantly
- Always taste the broth before serving to adjust seasoning according to preference
Experiencing my first batch of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings was magical; family gathered around, smiles all around, and compliments flowed like gravy! For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it cooks thoroughly before serving for safety.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
What can I substitute for biscuits in dumplings?
You can use homemade dumpling dough or even store-bought gnocchi as alternatives.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This hearty dish features tender chicken simmered in a creamy broth, with fluffy dumplings that soak up all the savory goodness. Simply set your crockpot and let it do the work, delivering rich flavors and warm nostalgia with every bite. Gather your loved ones around the table to enjoy this delightful meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups chopped fresh carrots
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped sweet onions
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package dumpling mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Dice chicken and chop vegetables into uniform pieces.
- Add to crockpot: Layer chicken at the bottom, followed by onions, carrots, celery, and garlic powder. Pour in chicken broth until covered.
- Season: Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture; stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Set crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Prepare dumplings: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare dumplings according to package instructions and drop spoonfuls into the bubbling soup.
- Serve: Once dumplings are fluffy, ladle into bowls and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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