Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings: A Comforting Slow Cooker Classic
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a hearty chicken and dumplings simmering away in the slow cooker. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy weekends at home. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a homemade meal that’s sure to warm your soul.
Ingredients:
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 diced onion
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of cream of celery soup
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tube of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- 2 cups of mixed frozen vegetables, thawed
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the diced onion in a single layer in the base of your slow cooker.
- Add Chicken: Place the skinless, boneless chicken thighs on top of the diced onion in the slow cooker.
- Season: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and poultry seasoning over the chicken thighs.
- Soup Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth until well combined. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces directly in the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the thawed mixed vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chicken and soup mixture.
- Dumplings: Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high heat for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Season to Taste: Taste the chicken and dumplings and season with black pepper as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the warm and comforting chicken and dumplings into bowls and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Homemade Dumplings: If you prefer, you can make homemade dumplings from scratch instead of using refrigerated biscuits. Simply drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken mixture during the last hour of cooking.
- Creamy Texture: For an even creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last hour of cooking.
- Additional Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to the chicken and dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs if you prefer. Just be aware that chicken breasts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken and soup mixture. Some popular options include carrots, celery, peas, and corn.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- Can I freeze chicken and dumplings? Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings for future meals. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
In conclusion, this Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish with minimal effort. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy meal at home, this slow cooker version of chicken and dumplings is sure to satisfy.
With this simple and delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors of a homemade comfort food favorite with minimal effort. Give it a try and savor the warmth and coziness of this classic dish!
