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Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe | Comfort Food

Are you looking for a meal that will warm your heart and fill your belly? This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect. It’s a classic dish with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare. This lets the flavors blend together beautifully. You’ll end up with a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Key Takeaways

  • Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to prepare
  • Slow cooking the chicken creates tender, flavorful meat
  • Homemade dumplings add a delightful texture and taste to the dish
  • This recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home
  • The slow cooker makes the preparation hassle-free

Why This Classic Comfort Food Will Become Your Family's Favorite

Chicken and dumplings has been a staple at family gatherings for ages. This comfort food carries a deep history, symbolizing warmth and family bonds. It’s a dish that brings people together, reminding us of home and love.

The History Behind Chicken and Dumplings

The roots of chicken and dumplings lie in the American South. It grew from simple stews and porridges. Cooks turned basic ingredients into a filling meal, passing it down through generations. Each family added their own touch, making it a treasured family recipe.

Benefits of Slow Cooker Preparation

This recipe shines because of its use of a slow cooker. The slow cooking blends flavors, creating a rich taste. The chicken becomes so tender, it’s almost falling apart.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This chicken and dumplings recipe stands out with its special ingredients. A bit of cream and herbs add depth and luxury. It’s a comfort food that’s both cozy and elegant, perfect for any time.

“This chicken and dumplings recipe is a true family favorite that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds – and thirds!”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

Making the ultimate easy chicken recipes for a hearty chicken and dumplings dish needs the right ingredients. The chicken base and the dumplings are key. Each part is important for a comforting and tasty meal.

The chicken is at the heart of this classic dish. Choose high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They make the dish tender and juicy. A rich, savory broth with onions, carrots, and celery adds flavor.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Chicken broth or stock
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

The dumplings are also crucial. To get a light and fluffy texture, mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, and milk or cream. These simple ingredients make the dumplings that soak up the broth and match the chicken.

  1. All-purpose flour
  2. Baking powder
  3. Milk or cream

By choosing these essential ingredients and preparing them well, you’ll make a chicken and dumplings dish loved by all. It will be a true comfort food classic.

Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Preparing a tasty slow cooker meal like Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings requires the right tools. The main item is the slow cooker. But, you’ll also need other essential items for perfect slow cooker meals.

Slow Cooker Specifications

For this recipe, a 6-quart slow cooker is best. It has enough room for all the ingredients. Look for one with a removable insert for easy cleaning. Also, a keep-warm function is handy to keep the food warm.

Additional Utensils Required

  • Large mixing bowl for preparing the dumplings
  • Wooden spoon or ladle for stirring the stew
  • Sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the vegetables
  • Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients

Storage Container Recommendations

For leftovers, use airtight, food-grade containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic is best. Let the stew cool before storing it in the fridge or freezer.

slow cooker meals

With the right tools, you’ll make a cozy slow cooker meal your family will enjoy.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our irresistible Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe! This easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. It delivers a hearty and flavorful meal that will have your family coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 3/4 cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  2. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings!
Nutrition FactsAmount per Serving
Calories420
Total Fat12g
Saturated Fat5g
Cholesterol110mg
Sodium850mg
Total Carbohydrates40g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein37g

Get ready to savor the perfect balance of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Enjoy this easy-to-make comfort food dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is easy and delicious. Follow this guide to make this comforting dish at home.

Preparing the Chicken Base

Start by putting chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, diced onions, carrots, and celery for flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to make it even better.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred.

Making Perfect Dumplings

While the chicken cooks, make the dumplings. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and butter or shortening in a bowl. Add milk slowly until the dough is soft and sticky.

Drop the dough by spoonfuls into the slow cooker with the chicken and broth.

Combining Components

After adding the dumplings, cover the cooker and cook for 30-45 minutes more. This lets the dumplings cook and the flavors mix, making a great home cooking dish.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Follow this guide to make a delicious Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. Your family will love it.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Making the perfect comfort food dish like crockpot chicken and dumplings is all about getting the right consistency. This means both the chicken base and the dumplings need to be just right. With a few simple tips, your family will love every hearty dinner you make.

For the chicken base, slow simmering the broth is key. This lets the chicken get tender and the broth thicken naturally. Don’t rush it; let the flavors blend together slowly.

When it comes to the dumplings, the dough is the secret. Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. This keeps the dumplings light and fluffy. Also, cook them until they’re just done, so they still have a bit of bite.

  1. Simmer the chicken broth slowly to allow the flavors to develop and the broth to thicken naturally.
  2. Mix the dumpling dough gently, being careful not to overmix, for a light and fluffy texture.
  3. Cook the dumplings just until they are cooked through, but still retain a slight bite.
TipExplanation
Slow SimmeringAllowing the chicken broth to simmer slowly helps the flavors meld together and the broth to thicken naturally, without the need for excessive cornstarch or other thickeners.
Light Dumpling DoughGently mixing the dumpling dough, without overmixing, results in a light and fluffy texture rather than tough, dense dumplings.
Careful Cooking TimeCooking the dumplings just until they are cooked through, but still retain a slight bite, prevents them from falling apart in the broth.

By following these tips, you’ll make a comfort food dish that your family will love. The right consistency in both the chicken base and the dumplings will make this hearty dinner a joy to eat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

After enjoying your homemade Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll want to keep leftovers for later. It’s important to store and reheat them right to keep the flavors and texture great. Follow these tips to keep your winter dishes fresh and tasty.

Proper Storage Methods

Put leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container and refrigerate. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep the dumplings and chicken separate to prevent the dumplings from getting soggy.

Reheating Guidelines

There are a few ways to reheat your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. For the best taste, gently heat the chicken and dumplings together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s hot. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring often, until it’s hot. But don’t let it sit in the microwave too long, as it can make the dumplings tough.

Freezing Instructions

If you have leftovers that you can’t eat in time, you can freeze them. Let the dish cool down first. Then, put the chicken and dumplings in separate airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat as you would.

By following these easy storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings again and again. Enjoy these family recipes for winter dishes to the fullest!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

The classic comfort food dish, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, offers endless possibilities. You can adjust it to fit dietary needs, personal tastes, or just to try something new. This versatile recipe can be tailored to your liking.

Vegetable Additions

  • Add diced carrots, celery, or peas to the slow cooker for more veggies.
  • For a heartier meal, toss in cubed potatoes or sweet potatoes.
  • Try fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to boost the flavors.

Alternative Protein Options

  1. Use turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick twist instead of chicken.
  2. For a meatless option, try firm tofu or plant-based proteins like chickpeas or lentils.
  3. Change up the texture and flavor by using different chicken cuts, like drumsticks or thighs.

Gluten-Free Dumplings

Want to make this easy chicken recipes dish gluten-free? Easy! Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for the dumplings. You can also swap traditional dumplings for cauliflower or almond flour-based gnocchi. This gives a new twist to this comfort food favorite.

IngredientSubstitution
All-purpose flourGluten-free flour, almond flour
ChickenTurkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, chickpeas, lentils
DumplingsCauliflower gnocchi, almond flour-based gnocchi

This easy chicken recipes dish is incredibly adaptable. By trying different veggies, proteins, and dumplings, you can make a personalized version. Your family will love it.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Crockpot chicken and dumplings is a hearty dinner perfect for family meals. To make it even better, try pairing it with some tasty sides and drinks. These can enhance the dish’s rich flavors.

Start by placing the chicken and dumplings in a big bowl or on a plate. This lets the broth mix with the chicken and dumplings. Add a fresh green salad or steamed veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for balance.

For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or warm buttermilk biscuits. These help soak up the broth. A side of honey-glazed carrots or a fruit salad adds a sweet touch.

For drinks, iced tea or hot tea are classic choices. If you want something richer, try homemade hot chocolate or a full-bodied red wine. These can make the meal even more special.

Crockpot chicken and dumplings is great for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a family event, it can be served in many ways. This makes for a memorable and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

The Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a true comfort food delight. It’s sure to become a family favorite. The dish has a rich, flavorful chicken base and fluffy, homemade dumplings.

This recipe is easy to make thanks to a slow cooker. It’s perfect for a delicious, home-cooked meal with little effort. The step-by-step instructions and tips help even novice cooks make restaurant-quality dishes at home.

Looking for a cozy meal for a chilly day or a dish to share with loved ones? This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect. Try it out and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic comfort food.

FAQ

What are the main ingredients in this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe?

The recipe includes chicken, chicken broth, and veggies like onions and carrots. It also has biscuit dough for the dumplings. These ingredients come together to make a hearty, comforting dish.

Why is using a slow cooker beneficial for this recipe?

A slow cooker helps the chicken and veggies blend their flavors over time. This makes the dish tender and full of taste. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare.

How do I ensure the dumplings turn out perfectly?

Use fresh biscuit dough and don’t overmix it. Drop the dough by spoonfuls into the slow cooker in the last hour. This way, you’ll get light and fluffy dumplings.

Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze it. Cool it down first, then put it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It keeps for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently.

What are some tasty side dish ideas to serve with this recipe?

Serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread. It also goes well with mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli. These options make for a cozy, complete meal.