Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
As the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal to keep the cold at bay. Enter our Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe—a perfect blend of hearty ingredients and simple preparation that will make your taste buds sing. Forget about spending hours in the kitchen; this dish is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. And the best part? No need for any canned ‘cream of x’ soups, thanks to the convenience of refrigerated biscuit dough. So, whether you’re braving the Midwest’s icy winds or just looking for a cozy meal, this recipe is your ticket to a perfect winter evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. The result is a rich, savory dish that’s perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something warm and filling. Plus, the use of refrigerated biscuit dough means you get fluffy, delicious dumplings without any extra hassle. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Shredder or fork for shredding chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can chicken broth
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- Sliced carrots (to taste)
- Sliced celery (to taste)
- 1/2 can peas
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- Crumbled bacon
- Parsley
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1 can flaky biscuits
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
- Add the carrots, celery, and onion, adjusting the amount to your liking.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley flakes according to your taste preferences.
- Cook on high for 3 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using a fork or shredder. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add crumbled bacon and peas, and stir everything together.
- Break the flaky biscuits into 3 parts each and place them on top of the mixture in the crockpot.
- Continue cooking on high for about 1 more hour, or until the biscuits are cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste; feel free to add more herbs or spices as desired.
- Check the biscuits periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly.
Additional Tips or Variations
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms or green beans for added variety.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the crockpot before adding the biscuits.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
The nutritional content will vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands, but the dish is generally a good source of protein and vitamins from the vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can make this recipe on the stove by simmering the ingredients until the chicken is cooked through, but a crockpot will give you the best texture for the dumplings.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free biscuit dough or dumpling recipe.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet delicious Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your winter meal rotation. It’s hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make. So why not give it a try? We’d love to hear how yours turns out, so feel free to share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking!