This warm and comforting dish features tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a rich broth that makes every bite feel like a hug. It’s super easy to make in a crockpot!
I love how I can set it and forget it while the magic happens in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy fluffy dumplings? They soak up all that flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tenderness, but if you prefer breasts, that’s great too. You can even use leftover roast chicken to save time!
Chicken Broth: Store-bought broth works well, but homemade adds more flavor. If you’re low on broth, water can be used, just add a bit more seasoning to compensate.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery add nice texture. Feel free to swap in peas or corn if they’re more to your liking. You can also add potatoes for extra heartiness!
Biscuit Dough: I enjoy using refrigerated biscuit dough for its convenience. If you want to keep it healthier, whole wheat biscuits are a good option. Homemade dumplings give a personal touch, too!
How Do I Make Perfect Dumplings?
The dumplings are the star of this dish, so getting them right is key! Whether you go for store-bought or homemade, follow these simple tips.
- For store-bought biscuits, tear them gently instead of cutting to create flakier dumplings.
- For homemade dumplings, don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until combined for fluffy results.
- Drop the dough onto the simmering broth, but avoid peeking while they cook; this helps them rise properly. Keep the lid on!
- Cook until they are risen and fluffy, about 30-40 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or 1 recipe homemade dumpling dough
For Homemade Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and then needs either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your crockpot. After that, you’ll spend an extra 30-40 minutes for the dumplings to cook. It’s a great way to have a comforting meal ready when you come home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs, diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic into the bottom of your crockpot. This will create a flavor-packed base for your delicious meal!
2. Add the Liquids:
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Then, sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir it gently to mix everything together.
3. Cook It Up:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. If you’re going for a low-and-slow approach, choose low for 6-7 hours. If you want it done quicker, set it to high and let it cook for 3-4 hours. Keep an eye out for when the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender!
4. Shred the Chicken:
When the time is up, carefully take the chicken out and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot to mix it with all that wonderful broth!
5. Add Peas and Dumplings:
If you’re using frozen peas, now is the time to add them to the mixture. Stir to combine. If you’re using the refrigerated biscuit dough, just tear each biscuit into 4-6 pieces and scatter them over the top of the stew. Cover it and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
6. For Homemade Dumplings:
If you prefer to make dumplings from scratch, in a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly stir in the milk and melted butter until everything is combined. Drop spoonfuls of the dough right onto the bubbling stew in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you like. Once everything is ready, serve it hot and enjoy your delicious, cozy crockpot chicken and dumplings!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just keep in mind that it will take a bit longer to cook. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F when you remove it from the crockpot.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before, store it in the fridge, and then turn it on in the morning. Just add an additional 30 minutes on the cooking time if you’ve chilled the ingredients.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.
What Can I Substitute for the Biscuit Dough?
If you’d like, you can use homemade dumpling dough as described in the recipe, or opt for other options like whole wheat biscuits or even cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb version. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
