Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Indulge in the comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness with this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Perfect for busy days when you crave a hearty meal without the fuss, this dish brings together tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and pillowy dumplings in a creamy, soul-warming broth.
Set it and forget it in your crockpot for a hands-off cooking experience that yields delicious results. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe promises to become a go-to favorite for cozy family dinners or comforting weeknight meals.
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
4 skinless and boneless Chicken Breasts (boneless thighs will work also)
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can Cream of Celery Soup
1 Onion, yellow, sliced
1 tsp Poultry Seasoning
1 tbsp Parsley, freshly chopped
2 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium
2 cups Vegetables, frozen, mixed (thaw before adding)
1 tube Biscuit Dough
½ tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Step 1:
Add onion to a 6 quart Crock pot
Place the chicken on top of the onions
In a medium bowl combine the cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, parsley, pepper and poultry seasoning
Pour the mix over the top of the chicken.
Top with the Chicken Broth
Cook on high for 5 hours
Step 2:
After 4 hours of cooking time, open the tube of biscuit dough and roll each biscuit very thin and flat
Add the vegetables to the soup
Cut the biscuit into 4 strips and place on top of the broth
Replace cover as quickly as possible to keep the heat in
Step 3:
Cook for one hour longer
Remove and shred the chicken, if it is not shredded already
Stir back into the soup. This will also break apart the dumplings somewhat, which is fine and expected
Cook for an additional 10 minutes
Enjoy!
Notes:
Chicken Options:
Breast vs. Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in the recipe, but boneless thighs can be a flavorful alternative. Thighs add a bit more richness and tenderness.
Soup Base:
Cream of Soups: The combination of cream of chicken and cream of celery soups creates a creamy and flavorful base. You can substitute with other flavors of cream soups if desired.
Onions:
Slicing: Use a yellow onion, sliced thinly, to add a subtle sweetness to the dish. You can also use other types of onions if preferred.
Seasoning:
Poultry Seasoning: This seasoning blend enhances the flavor of the chicken. If you don’t have poultry seasoning, you can use a mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary.
Broth:
Low Sodium: Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content of the dish. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Vegetables:
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Thawing before adding helps prevent excess moisture. Feel free to use your favorite vegetable mix or fresh vegetables.
Biscuit Dough:
Rolling: Rolling the biscuits thinly allows them to cook evenly and resemble traditional dumplings. Make sure to cut them into strips to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Time:
High Setting: The recipe is designed for the high setting on your Crockpot. If using the low setting, adjust the cooking time accordingly (typically 7-8 hours).
Shredding Chicken:
Texture: Shred the chicken after cooking to integrate it well with the soup and break apart the dumplings slightly. This adds texture and makes the dish heartier.
Final Cooking:
Additional Time: Allowing an additional 10 minutes after shredding ensures that the dumplings are fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 128TOTAL FAT: 14gSATURATED FAT: 8gTRANS FAT: 6gCHOLESTEROL: 242mgSUGAR: 14gPROTEIN: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts.
They will add a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish but will work well in the crockpot.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used instead of frozen ones.
Simply chop your preferred vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot along with the other ingredients.
Can I make my own biscuit dough instead of using a tube of biscuit dough?
Yes, you can make homemade biscuit dough if you prefer.
However, using a tube of biscuit dough provides convenience and saves time.
If you choose to make your own dough, ensure it is rolled thin enough to cook through properly in the crockpot.
What if I don’t have poultry seasoning on hand?
If you don’t have poultry seasoning, you can substitute it with a combination of dried herbs such as thyme, sage, marjoram, and rosemary.
Use approximately half a teaspoon of each to replace the poultry seasoning.
Can I cook this recipe on low heat instead of high for a longer duration?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and dumplings on low heat for a longer duration if you prefer.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly, typically around 8-10 hours on low heat.
This method may result in more tender chicken and a richer flavor in the broth.
Can I substitute the cream of celery soup with something else?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can use an additional can of cream of chicken soup instead.
Alternatively, you can make your own creamy base using a roux and chicken broth.
Do I have to thaw the frozen vegetables before adding them to the crockpot?
It’s recommended to thaw the frozen vegetables before adding them to the crockpot to ensure even cooking and prevent temperature fluctuations.
However, if you’re short on time, you can add them frozen, but cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Can I make this recipe without using a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven cooking.
Simply follow the same steps but adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
For stovetop, use a large pot and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
For the oven, use a covered baking dish and bake at a low temperature until everything is cooked.
What can I serve with chicken and dumplings besides biscuits?
While biscuits are a classic accompaniment to chicken and dumplings, you can also serve it with crusty bread, rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Can I add other herbs or spices to enhance the flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences.
You can add additional herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary, or spices like garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
How long does it take to shred the chicken?
Shredding the chicken should only take a few minutes, especially if it’s cooked until tender in the crockpot.
You can use two forks to easily shred the chicken right in the crockpot.
Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What if I don’t have a 6-quart crockpot?
If you have a smaller or larger crockpot, you can adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Just make sure the crockpot isn’t filled to the brim to allow room for the ingredients to cook properly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of chicken and dumplings by substituting the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like mushrooms or beans.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian-friendly dish.