Chicken and Dumplings are probably the ultimate comfort food.
Tender juicy shredded chicken and soft dumplings in a rich creamy brothy gravy.
Ingredients
1 Onion (diced)
6 Boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 can Cream of chicken soup
1 can Cream of celery soup
2 tbsp. Fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp. Poultry seasoning
2 c. Chicken broth
1 can Buttermilk refrigerated biscuits
2 c. Frozen mixed vegetables (defrosted)
Black pepper to taste
How To Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Layer the chopped onion on the bottom of your crockpot.
Place the chicken thighs on top of the chopped onion in a single layer.
In a mixing bowl, place 1 can of cream of chicken soup.
Pour a can of cream of celery soup into the mixing bowl.
Add 1 tsp of poultry seasoning to the mixing bowl.
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Add black pepper to taste.
Stir all of the ingredients in the mixing bowl, and pour over top of the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
Pour 2 cups of chicken broth over top of the chicken.
Set the crockpot to high for 5 hours and close the lid.
Do not open the lid until you have just 1 hour of cook time left on the crockpot’s display.
With 1 hour left, open the lid and pour in 2 cups of mixed vegetables that have been defrosted.
Mix them into the crockpot well, shredding the chicken thighs as you stir.
Open a can of refrigerated biscuits, and flatten each one. Cut each biscuits into 4 long slices.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that you can adjust in various ways to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
Below are some variations and tips to help you perfect this hearty meal:
Variations:
Classic Chicken and Dumplings:
Use traditional ingredients like chicken breasts or thighs, carrots, celery, and onions.
The dumplings can be made from scratch with flour, baking powder, salt, and milk or using refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience.
Herbed Chicken and Dumplings:
Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the broth and dumplings to give the dish a fragrant and earthy flavor.
You can also stir in chopped parsley at the end for extra freshness.
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings:
For a richer version, add heavy cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking.
This gives the broth a velvety, creamy texture and makes the dish even more indulgent.
Vegetable-Loaded Chicken and Dumplings:
Add more vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the recipe for a heartier, more nutritious meal. You can also use mushrooms for an umami boost.
Cheesy Chicken and Dumplings:
Stir shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the broth or dumpling mixture for a cheesy twist. This variation adds extra depth and richness to the dish.
Spicy Chicken and Dumplings:
Add a bit of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños for a touch of heat. You can also mix in a splash of hot sauce to the broth for an extra kick.
Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings:
Substitute the dumpling flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent for the broth if needed.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Biscuits:
Instead of dumplings, serve the chicken stew with fluffy, buttery biscuits baked separately.
This is a great alternative if you want a crispier texture to accompany the stew.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings:
Use Boneless Chicken Thighs:
While chicken breasts are common, boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay tender after slow cooking.
You can shred them easily once cooked.
Sauté Vegetables First:
If you have time, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a pan before adding them to the crockpot.
This step adds more depth of flavor to the dish by caramelizing the vegetables.
Add Dumplings Later:
To avoid soggy dumplings, add them in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
This ensures they cook through but don’t become overly soft.
Make sure there’s enough liquid in the crockpot to allow the dumplings to steam properly.
Don’t Over-Stir:
Once the dumplings are added, avoid stirring too much, as it can break them apart. Let them cook undisturbed for a soft, fluffy texture.
Use a Thickening Agent:
If the broth is too thin, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and add it to the crockpot to thicken the broth.
Alternatively, you can use flour mixed with water or cream.
Boost Flavor with Broth:
Use chicken broth or stock as the base for your liquid instead of water to enhance the flavor.
For an extra depth of taste, try using a mix of chicken and vegetable broth.
Make Ahead and Freeze:
You can prepare the chicken stew base ahead of time and freeze it without the dumplings.
When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add freshly made dumplings.
Customize the Dumplings:
For a fluffier dumpling, use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
You can also experiment with adding cheese or herbs to the dumpling dough for extra flavor.
By following these variations and tips, you can tailor your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings to your liking, whether you prefer a classic version or a creative twist!
Storing Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings properly ensures that you can enjoy the leftovers later without compromising the flavor or texture.
Here’s how to store it for both short-term and long-term use:
Refrigeration:
Duration: You can store chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Method:
Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store the chicken stew and dumplings together, but be aware that the dumplings may soften further over time.
When reheating, add a bit of chicken broth or water if the stew has thickened too much in the fridge.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Freezing:
Duration: You can freeze Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings for up to 3 months, but there are some considerations when freezing dumplings.
Method:
Chicken Stew: If possible, freeze the chicken stew without the dumplings, as the dumplings can become soggy when frozen and reheated.
Instead, add fresh dumplings when reheating.
Complete Dish: If you must freeze the entire dish with dumplings, place the cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Leave space at the top for expansion.
Label the containers with the date and contents before freezing.
Thawing and Reheating:
Thaw the frozen chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. If you didn’t freeze the dumplings, make a fresh batch and add them to the reheated stew.
If the broth has thickened or become too concentrated, add a bit of water or broth while reheating.
Additional Tips:
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, do it gently to avoid overcooking the dumplings, which can cause them to fall apart.
Freeze Dumplings Separately: If possible, freeze the uncooked dumpling dough separately.
Thaw it when needed and add it to the reheated stew during the final stages of cooking.
By following these storage methods, you can keep your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings fresh and delicious for future meals!
The nutritional content of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings will vary based on the ingredients used (e.g., whether you use heavy cream, biscuit dough, or homemade dumplings).
Here’s an approximate breakdown for a typical serving size (1 cup):
Nutritional Information (per 1-cup serving):
Calories: 300 – 400 kcal
Protein: 20 – 25 g
Fat: 12 – 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 – 6 g
Carbohydrates: 25 – 35 g
Sugars: 2 – 4 g
Fiber: 2 – 3 g
Sodium: 800 – 1000 mg
Cholesterol: 60 – 90 mg
Calcium: 8 – 10% of daily value
Iron: 10 – 15% of daily value
Factors Influencing Nutritional Content:
Chicken: Using skinless chicken breasts or thighs provides lean protein, but thighs add a bit more fat. The portion size of the chicken will impact protein and fat content.
Dumplings: If you make dumplings from scratch, the calorie count will vary depending on the ingredients (flour, butter, milk).
Using refrigerated biscuit dough can increase calories and fat, as it often contains more butter or shortening.
Broth and Cream: Using a low-sodium chicken broth can reduce the sodium content, while adding heavy cream or cream cheese increases the fat and calorie count.
To make the dish lighter, you can substitute with low-fat milk or omit the cream altogether.
Vegetables: Adding more vegetables (carrots, celery, peas) increases fiber and vitamin content without significantly adding calories.
This general guide provides an idea of the nutritional profile of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, making it a protein-rich, hearty meal with moderate fat and carbohydrates.
Adjusting ingredient choices can make it either lighter or more indulgent depending on your preferences.