Crockpot Chicken Dumplings Youll find yourself making this dish again and again, especially on those chilly evenings when only comfort food will do. I remember the first time I tried making chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker; I was a little nervous about how the dumplings would turn out, but the result was pure magic. The aroma of tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings filling my kitchen was incredible. This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is so forgiving and easy, it has become my go-to. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Dumplings Youll
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll be making it on repeat:
- Incredible comfort food taste that’s both savory and satisfying.
- Minimal prep time means you can get dinner started quickly.
- It’s a hearty and wholesome meal, packed with protein and veggies.
- Super budget-friendly, using common ingredients you likely have on hand.
- A guaranteed family favorite that even picky eaters will devour.
- It’s an easy crockpot chicken and dumplings meal that practically cooks itself.
- You get all the classic flavors without all the fuss.
- This easy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Dumplings Youll
Here’s everything you need for this classic chicken and dumplings recipe for crockpot. I love that most of these are pantry staples!
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – I prefer thighs for extra moisture, but breasts work great too!
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion – about half a medium onion, for that savory base.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced – adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced – for that classic aromatic flavor.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – the liquid gold that makes everything tender.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – a little goes a long way for that herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – adds a fragrant, woodsy flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our fluffy dumplings.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – this helps the dumplings rise and become light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – for seasoning the dumplings themselves.
- 1/2 cup milk – binds the dumpling ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – adds richness and helps the dumplings cook up beautifully.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Dumplings Youll
- Step 1: While you don’t preheat an oven for this recipe, make sure your slow cooker is ready to go! Place the 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into your slow cooker. Add the 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 2 carrots, peeled and sliced, and 2 celery stalks, sliced around the chicken. It’s starting to smell amazing already!
- Step 2: Pour in the 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle the chicken and veggies with 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This is where the magic begins as everything melds together.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be wonderfully tender and cooked through. This slow cooking process really infuses all the flavors.
- Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. I like to use two forks to shred it right on a plate. Return the shredded chicken to the flavorful broth in the slow cooker. This is a key step on how to make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker.
- Step 5: Now, let’s make those fluffy dumplings! In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make sure the baking powder is fresh for the best lift.
- Step 6: In a separate small bowl, combine 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. Pour these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until they are just combined. It’s important not to overmix, or your dumplings can become tough. We want light and airy!
- Step 7: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter directly onto the simmering chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure to space them out a bit so they have room to expand. This is the final touch on how to make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker.
- Step 8: Cover the slow cooker again, ensuring the lid is sealed tightly. Cook on high for another 20-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Dumplings
Want to elevate your slow cooker chicken and dumplings game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference:
- For the most tender chicken, consider using thighs instead of breasts. They stay moist even with long cooking times.
- Don’t skip the step of letting the flour and liquid for the dumplings sit for a minute; this creates a better texture.
- Ensure your slow cooker lid is sealed tightly when the dumplings are cooking. This traps the steam, which is crucial for fluffy dumplings.
- If you prefer a thicker, creamier broth, you can whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water or a bit of heavy cream in the last 30 minutes.
What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Chicken Dumplings?
The key to perfect dumplings is not overmixing the batter and ensuring they steam properly in the slow cooker. A little bit of fat, like the melted butter, also helps them cook up tender and delicious, making it the best crockpot chicken and dumplings.
Can I make Crockpot Chicken Dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prep components ahead! Shred the cooked chicken and store the broth mixture separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make the dumpling batter just before cooking to ensure freshness and the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Chicken Dumplings?
The most common mistake is overmixing the dumpling batter, which leads to tough dumplings. Also, resist the urge to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as this can make them fall apart and prevent them from cooking through. This helps prevent why crockpot chicken dumplings might turn out mushy.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Chicken Dumplings
This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but I love serving it with a few simple sides to complete the experience. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy homemade chicken and dumplings crockpot style. For a truly comforting meal, pair a generous bowl with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. You could also serve it with some crusty bread for dipping into that delicious broth. It’s the perfect way to round out this classic comfort food.
Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Chicken Dumplings
This comforting dish is hearty and satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Fiber: Approximately 3g
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Crockpot Chicken Dumplings.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken Dumplings
I love that you can easily make this dish ahead of time, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Once your Crockpot Chicken Dumplings have cooled down slightly, portion them into airtight containers. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes make ahead crockpot chicken dumplings a fantastic option for meal prepping!
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options. The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, allow the dish to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken Dumplings
Can I use different types of chicken for Crockpot Chicken Dumplings?
Absolutely! While I usually go for thighs because they stay so tender, chicken breasts work perfectly too. You could even use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Just shred it and add it towards the end of the cooking process.
What’s the best way to get fluffy dumplings?
The trick to fluffy dumplings is not to overmix the batter – just stir until it’s combined. Also, make sure your slow cooker lid is on tight while they cook; they need that trapped steam to puff up nicely. This is key for achieving that tender texture everyone loves.
Can I make Crockpot Chicken Dumplings with biscuits instead of from scratch?
Yes, you can totally use refrigerated biscuit dough! Just cut the biscuits into bite-sized pieces and drop them onto the simmering stew during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, just like you would with the from-scratch dumpling batter. It’s a super convenient shortcut for crock pot chicken and dumplings with biscuits.
My dumplings are doughy, what went wrong?
Usually, doughy dumplings mean they didn’t cook long enough or the lid wasn’t sealed properly. Make sure to cook them on high for the full 20-30 minutes and resist peeking! Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as that helps them rise.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Dumplings You Can Try
While this classic recipe is amazing as is, I love experimenting with different twists! It’s fun to see how simple changes can create new flavor profiles for your Crockpot Chicken Dumplings. If you’re looking for something a bit different, try making a creamy crockpot chicken dumplings version by whisking in a little heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a lighter option, you could even try using gluten-free flour for the dumplings, though the texture might be a little different. Another idea is to add some frozen peas or corn in the last hour for extra color and sweetness. You can also experiment with different herbs like sage or parsley for a fresh take on this comforting dish.
This dish is a wonderful example of how slow cooking can transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal. For more slow cooker inspiration, check out these honey lime chicken crockpot recipes. If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind cooking, understanding how heat affects proteins can be fascinating. For a deeper dive into cooking techniques, exploring resources on culinary science can be very insightful.
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Crockpot Chicken Dumplings Youll Love 4 Sure
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes - 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of Crockpot Chicken Dumplings, a classic dish perfect for any occasion. This slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken, a savory broth, and fluffy dumplings for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery around the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
- In a separate small bowl, combine milk and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering chicken mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve your delicious Crockpot Chicken Dumplings hot.
Notes
- For a creamier broth, you can whisk in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and color.
- Ensure the lid is sealed tightly while the dumplings are cooking to allow them to steam properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12g
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Fiber: Approximately 3g
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 90mg
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