Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting classic that’s sure to warm your soul. With tender chicken simmered in a savory broth and fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner. Having made this dish countless times, I’m excited to share my insights that will help you create the perfect batch!
Why Make This Recipe
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Irresistible Flavor: The combination of seasoned chicken, vegetables, and rich broth creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll love how every bite is soothing and satisfying.
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Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and veggies, this hearty meal can be part of a balanced diet, ensuring you get essential nutrients while enjoying every spoonful.
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Convenient Cooking: With just a few minutes of prep and the rest of the work done by your crockpot, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.
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Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, Chicken and Dumplings is always a crowd-pleaser, making it a great dish for both everyday meals and festive occasions.
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Personally, I love this recipe because it reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would gather around the dinner table, sharing laughs and warm bowls of goodness.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Slow cooker
This recipe involves slow cooking savory chicken and vegetables, then adding soft dumplings for the last half-hour to create a complete meal bubbling with flavor.
My Experience Making This Recipe
Testing this recipe in my kitchen was a revelation. The first time, I made the mistake of adding the dumplings too early, resulting in a mushy texture. After that, I learned the importance of timing with slow-cooker recipes, which made all the difference in achieving perfectly fluffy dumplings and tender chicken.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Start by seasoning and placing the chicken in your crockpot, followed by chopped vegetables and broth. As it simmers, the chicken becomes fall-apart tender, while the flavors meld together beautifully. The final step involves making the dumpling mixture and adding it on top for the last 30 minutes of cooking — this step is crucial for achieving that pillowy texture!
Expert Tips for Success
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Use Bone-In Chicken: For maximum flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, as they add richness to the broth.
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Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) about 30 minutes before serving.
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Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or thyme right before serving enhances the dish’s flavor and provides a beautiful pop of color.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure not to overfill the crockpot, as this can impact cooking time and results. A three- to four-quart crockpot is ideal for this recipe.
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Homemade Dumplings: Using a homemade dumpling mix instead of pre-packaged can take your dish to the next level, giving you control over the texture and seasoning.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Serve your Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an inviting presentation. Pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent the dumplings from drying out.
Recipe Variations
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for the dumplings.
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Dairy-Free: Replace cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option that still offers creaminess.
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Vegetable-Loaded: Add additional vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition and color.
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Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish is a great source of protein from the chicken, which supports muscle health. It also contains fiber from the vegetables, which is important for digestion. For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be modified to accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free needs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Dumplings Too Dense: If your dumplings turn out dense, try not to overmix the dough, as this can make them tougher.
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Undercooked Chicken: If the chicken isn’t cooked through after the designated time, continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
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Too Much Liquid: If your dish appears too soupy, use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth, allowing it to cook for an extra 15-20 minutes after adding the slurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs; just be sure to extend the cooking time by about an hour. -
How can I make this dish faster?
If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-7 hours. -
Can I skip the dumplings?
Absolutely! The chicken and broth are flavorful on their own, and you can serve the dish over rice or noodles for a different take. -
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use turkey or a plant-based protein option to keep it vegetarian, though cooking times may vary based on the protein you choose.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 390 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting classic with tender chicken in savory broth and fluffy dumplings, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onion)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken and place it in the crockpot.
- Add chopped vegetables and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the dumpling ingredients together.
- Add the dumpling mixture on top of the chicken and broth.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor. Adjust cooking times and quantities as necessary for your crockpot size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 375 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American