There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of crockpot chicken and dumplings on a chilly day, isn’t there? It’s like a big, cozy hug in food form! I love how this recipe combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings, all simmered together in a rich broth. The best part? You hardly have to lift a finger! Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. Trust me, there’s nothing better than coming home to the aroma of a hearty meal waiting for you. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings the family together around the table, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast. You won’t want to miss out on this delightful comfort food experience!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups of chicken broth – This serves as the flavorful base for your dish.
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded – I usually grab a rotisserie chicken for ease, but any cooked chicken works!
- 1 cup of carrots, chopped – Fresh carrots add a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 cup of celery, chopped – Celery brings a wonderful depth with its earthy flavor.
- 1 onion, diced – A classic aromatic that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – For a hint of garlic goodness without the fuss of fresh cloves.
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme – This herb adds a lovely, warm flavor that complements the chicken.
- 1 can of biscuit dough – These are the stars of the show, turning into fluffy dumplings!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season! Adjust according to your preference.
How to Prepare Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Making this delicious crockpot chicken and dumplings is super straightforward, and I promise it’ll be worth the wait! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy without much fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab your trusty crockpot and pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. This will be the flavorful base that brings everything together.
- Next, add in the 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just shred it right in!
- Then, toss in the 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1 diced onion. These veggies add color, crunch, and tons of flavor!
- Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to mix it up!
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just let it simmer – this is where the magic happens!
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cut the biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces and gently add them to the crockpot. Cover it back up and let those dumplings cook until they’re fluffy and delicious.
- Once done, ladle into bowls and enjoy the heartwarming goodness of your homemade crockpot chicken and dumplings!
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip on the seasoning—taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want to up the flavor even more, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an extra umami kick!
Also, don’t be afraid to throw in some of your favorite veggies. Peas, corn, or even green beans can add some wonderful texture and flavor. And if you prefer a thicker broth, simply reduce the chicken broth by a cup or two. Lastly, remember to keep the lid on while it’s cooking—every time you peek, you let the heat escape!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For a typical serving of my delicious crockpot chicken and dumplings, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
These values can be adjusted based on your choice of ingredients, so feel free to experiment to make this dish your own while keeping an eye on the nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Hearty and satisfying: This dish is packed with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings that will warm you from the inside out.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—it’s even better the next day!
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting meal, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to add a little extra cooking time. I recommend cooking on low for about 8-10 hours if using frozen chicken to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for biscuit dough?
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use homemade dumplings or even a different type of dough, like canned crescent roll dough. Just cut them into pieces and follow the same instructions for cooking!
Can I add other vegetables to the crockpot chicken and dumplings?
Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or even some diced potatoes. Just keep in mind that some veggies may require different cooking times, so add them accordingly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook the dumplings!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own dumplings with gluten-free flour. Check your chicken broth and any other ingredients for gluten-free labels to ensure it meets your needs.
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s dive into some ingredient notes and substitutions that can help you customize your crockpot chicken and dumplings to your liking!
- Chicken Broth: If you want to enhance the flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. You can also swap it out for vegetable broth for a lighter version or even use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Cooked Chicken: While shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience, any leftover cooked chicken works great. You can also use turkey if you have some on hand. For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu instead!
- Veggies: The carrots, celery, and onion are classic choices, but don’t hesitate to get creative! You can add bell peppers, peas, or even mushrooms. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Garlic Powder: If you’re a garlic lover, fresh minced garlic will work just as well! About 2-3 cloves should do the trick. Just toss it in with the other ingredients.
- Dried Thyme: If you don’t have thyme, dried rosemary or Italian seasoning can be great substitutes. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so you might want to adjust the amount slightly.
- Biscuit Dough: While I love the convenience of canned biscuit dough, you can also make your own dumplings from scratch! Just mix flour, baking powder, milk, and butter until combined. Alternatively, gluten-free biscuit or dumpling mixes are a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.
Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and find what works best for your taste buds. Cooking is all about making it your own, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your delicious crockpot chicken and dumplings is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it should keep well for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can also freeze it—just make sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. If using the stove, do so over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Just be careful not to overcook those dumplings—they’re best when fluffy!
Z nadrukami
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: 7 Steps to Heartwarming Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Comfort Food
Opis
A hearty dish made with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings cooked in a slow cooker.
Składniki
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup of carrots, chopped
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 can of biscuit dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Combine chicken broth, shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cut the biscuit dough into pieces and add to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Uwagi
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- You can adjust the broth for desired thickness.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 6-8 hours
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Slow Cooking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bowl
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Słowa kluczowe: crockpot chicken and dumplings, chicken and dumplings, slow cooker recipe
