Ultimate Comfort Food: Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Let’s talk comfort food, shall we? When the weather outside is trying to be dramatic, or you just need a hug in a bowl, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it’s always crockpot chicken and dumplings. It’s like a warm blanket made of savory chicken stew topped with fluffy, glorious dumplings. Forget your troubles, forget your to-do list, and let’s dive into this ridiculously easy recipe that practically cooks itself. Are you ready for some serious cozy vibes?
Ever had those sad, flat, suspiciously uniform dumplings floating in a watery chicken broth? Yeah, me too. That’s not what we’re doing here. We’re talking about a rich, flavorful chicken base, thickened to perfection, and studded with tender, slightly chewy dumplings that soak up all that deliciousness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and maybe take a little nap afterwards. Don’t judge.
Why This Recipe is Awesome (It’s Basically Magic in a Pot)
First off, it’s a crockpot recipe. Need I say more? The sheer convenience of throwing everything in a pot and walking away is a major win for anyone with a life (aka, everyone). Let your slow cooker do the hard work while you, you know, binge-watch that show everyone’s talking about.
Secondly, the flavor is out of this world. Slow cooking the chicken with vegetables and herbs creates a deep, savory broth that’s just begging to be slurped up. And those dumplings? They soak up all that goodness and turn into little pillows of deliciousness. What’s not to love?
Finally, it’s pure, unadulterated comfort food. This crockpot chicken and dumplings is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, sick days, or anytime you just need a little bit of soul-soothing goodness. Plus, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. Even picky eaters can’t resist this classic.
Ingredients: Your Shopping List for Cozy Town
Keep it simple, keep it comforting.
The Chicken & Broth Dream Team:
- Chicken: 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs will be more tender and forgiving in the slow cooker, IMO).
- Vegetables: 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped. Feel free to toss in other favorites like peas or corn later on.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (you can also use chicken stock).
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to remove it later!).
- Optional Flavor Boosters: 1 clove garlic, minced; a sprig of fresh parsley.
The Dumpling Delight:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, cold and cut into small pieces.
- Milk: 1/2 cup (whole milk or 2% works best for tender dumplings).
Substitution Notes: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and more carrots and celery. Use vegetable broth. For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumplings (results may vary).
Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used
You won’t need a whole arsenal for this comforting classic.
- Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot): The MVP of this recipe. Any size will work, just adjust the amount of chicken and broth accordingly.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping those veggies.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measuring.
- Large Bowl: For mixing the dumpling dough.
- Pastry Blender or Fork: For cutting the cold butter into the flour for the dumplings.
- Spoon or Ladle: For serving up this deliciousness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get This Comfort Train Rolling
Prepare for minimal effort and maximum reward.
Step 1: Load Up the Crockpot
Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Tuck in the bay leaf (remember it’s there!). If you’re using garlic or fresh parsley, add them now.
Step 2: Pour in the Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low will result in the most tender chicken. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Pour the cooking liquid (broth and veggie goodness) into a separate bowl and set aside. Clean out your slow cooker. (This step helps prevent the dumplings from getting weirdly discolored).
Step 5: Thicken the Broth (Optional but Recommended)
Return the cooking liquid to the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the broth simmer and thicken slightly while you make the dumplings.
Step 6: Whip Up Those Glorious Dumplings
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the milk until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing leads to tough dumplings, and nobody wants that.
Step 7: Drop and Cook the Dumplings
Drop the dumpling dough by rounded tablespoons directly into the simmering broth in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time, as it releases steam and can prolong the cooking of the dumplings.
Step 8: Return the Chicken and Serve
Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the broth and dumplings. Heat through for a few more minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
Calories & Nutritional Info
Let’s be honest, this is comfort food, not exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Estimates are per serving (around 6-8 servings).
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 kcal
- Protein: Around 25-35g
- Fat: Around 15-20g (depending on the chicken and amount of butter in the dumplings)
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40g
- Note: This dish provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. You can make it slightly healthier by using chicken breasts and going a little lighter on the butter in the dumplings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Steer Clear of Dumpling Disaster!)
Let’s make sure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly cozy.
- Tough Dumplings Terror: The biggest dumpling mistake is overmixing the dough. Mix just until combined. Lumps are okay! Also, don’t peek while the dumplings are cooking; the steam is essential for making them fluffy.
- Watery Broth Woes: If your broth is too thin, don’t panic! You can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (as mentioned in the instructions) or even a roux made with butter and flour in a separate saucepan.
- Dry Chicken Disappointment: While slow cookers are generally forgiving, cooking chicken breasts on high for too long can dry them out. Opt for low and slow if possible, or use chicken thighs which stay moister.
- Dumplings That Disappear: If your dumplings seem to dissolve into the broth, you might have added too much liquid or your broth wasn’t simmering gently enough. The broth should be gently bubbling when you add the dumplings.
Variations & Customizations
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Go for it!
Herbaceous Delight
Add a variety of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives to both the chicken mixture and the dumpling dough for a brighter, more aromatic dish.
Cheesy Garlic Dumplings
Mix 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into the dry ingredients for the dumplings before adding the butter and milk. Cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Spicy Kickin’ Chicken and Dumplings
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning and a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth for a little heat. You could even add some chopped jalapeños to the slow cooker.
FAQ: Your Chicken and Dumpling Dilemmas, Dissolved
Let’s tackle those common questions.
1. Can I use Bisquick for the dumplings? Yes, absolutely! This is a classic shortcut. Follow the instructions on the Bisquick box for drop dumplings. They usually cook in about 15-20 minutes in the simmering broth.
2. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings? It’s best to freeze the chicken stew and dumplings separately. The dumplings can get a bit mushy when frozen and thawed. Freeze the stew in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw the stew and make fresh dumplings according to the recipe.
3. What kind of chicken is best for slow cooker chicken and dumplings? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often preferred because they stay very moist and tender during long slow cooking. However, chicken breasts also work well, especially if you cook them on low.
4. How do I make the dumplings more flavorful? Try adding herbs, cheese, or garlic powder to the dumpling dough. You can also brush the cooked dumplings with melted butter and herbs.
5. My dumplings are dense and heavy. What did I do wrong? You likely overmixed the dumpling dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker? Definitely! Potatoes, peas, corn, green beans, and mushrooms all work well. Add heartier vegetables at the beginning with the onions and carrots. Add more delicate vegetables like peas and green beans in the last hour of cooking.
7. How long do the dumplings need to cook? Typically, drop dumplings need about 15-20 minutes of covered simmering to cook through. They should be puffed up and no longer doughy in the center.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, friend! Your guide to creating the ultimate crockpot chicken and dumplings. It’s easy, it’s comforting, and it’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. So go ahead, dust off that slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a bowl of pure, unadulterated cozy goodness. You might even find yourself making a second batch before the first one is finished. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.