CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS EASY

Nothing beats the feeling of walking into a kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of tender chicken simmering in a creamy broth, promising a hearty and soul-satisfying meal. This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams – simple to prepare, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort food, made easy with your trusty slow cooker!

The Magic of Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love chicken and dumplings? It’s a classic for a reason! It reminds us of home, of family gatherings, and of simpler times. But sometimes, we just don’t have the time to stand over the stove, stirring and fussing. That’s where the magic of the crockpot comes in. This recipe lets you enjoy all the comforting goodness of chicken and dumplings with minimal effort. This is one of the best Crockpot Recipes Dumplings you will ever try! The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor and creating a rich, creamy broth. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to prepare Rock Pot Meals Easy, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day. And for those cooking for a smaller household, this recipe can easily be adjusted for Crock Pot For Two Recipes!

Ingredients: Your Shopping List

Here’s everything you need to whip up this amazing Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these items in your pantry already!

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen

Okay, now for the fun part – putting it all together! Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is super simple, even if you’re not a seasoned cook. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings in no time.

Getting Started:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your crockpot.
3. Add the minced garlic on top of the vegetables.
4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
5. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
6. Add the can of cream of chicken soup.

Slow Cooking to Perfection:

7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

Whipping Up the Dumplings:

10. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
11. Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix! A few lumps are okay.
12. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering broth, spacing them evenly around the crockpot.
13. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy.
14. If you want a richer, creamier broth, stir in the milk or heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serving and Enjoying:

15. Carefully remove a portion of Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings and serve hot.
16. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
17. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and stringy. Check the chicken for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. It should easily shred with a fork.
• Adjust the Broth Consistency: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Batter: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings. Mix the batter until just combined.
• Cook the Dumplings Thoroughly: Make sure the dumplings are cooked through before serving. They should be light and fluffy, not doughy. If they’re still doughy after 45 minutes, cook them for a little longer.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crockpot, such as frozen peas, green beans, or corn. Add them during the last hour of cooking.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. Just shred the chicken and add it to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Want to put your own spin on this classic dish? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot for a little kick.
• Herbaceous Chicken and Dumplings: Use different herbs, such as dill, oregano, or basil, to flavor the chicken and broth.
• Cheesy Chicken and Dumplings: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the dumpling batter for cheesy dumplings.
• Creamy Chicken and Dumplings: Use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk for an even creamier broth. You could even try a dollop of cream cheese!

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)

This Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings recipe isn’t just easy; it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a potluck dinner, or a busy weeknight meal. I also adore how it caters to the Comfort Food In Crockpot needs. There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm and comforting meal that’s been simmering away all day. It’s also a fantastic alternative to other chicken dishes, like Chicken Chowder, Chicken Enchilada Heaven, or even Rotisserie Chicken Casserole. If you are in the mood for something lighter, you could even try Slow Cooker Pot Pie, Marry Me Chicken or Chicken Stew. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. I love that I can throw everything into the crockpot in the morning and come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal. And the best part? The leftovers are even better the next day! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot and give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort food that’s easy to make and tastes amazing. Happy cooking!