If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that requires minimal effort, our Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect recipe. This dish combines tender chunks of chicken with flavorful vegetables and fluffy biscuit dumplings, all cooked together in a rich and creamy broth. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the ingredients with delicious flavors and creating a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can chicken broth
- 2 small cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound sliced carrots
- 4 ribs sliced celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 bag frozen peas
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can biscuit dough
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce: In the crockpot, combine the chicken broth, both cans of cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the Chicken and Vegetables: Add the cubed chicken, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion to the crockpot. Fold them into the sauce mixture, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Add Bacon and Peas: After 6 hours, stir in the crumbled bacon and frozen peas. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare and Add Biscuits: Cut the uncooked biscuit dough into quarters and place them on top of the mixture in the crockpot. Cook on high for an additional hour or until the biscuit dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve: Once the biscuit dumplings are done, serve the chicken and dumplings hot. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family and friends!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings hot. The warm, creamy broth and fluffy biscuit dumplings are best enjoyed fresh from the slow cooker.
- Accompaniments: Pair the dish with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A slice of crusty bread can also complement the meal and help soak up the delicious broth.
- Garnishes: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added freshness. A light sprinkle of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor for those who like a bit of spice.
- Portion Control: Use a ladle to serve the chicken and dumplings, ensuring that each serving gets a good balance of chicken, vegetables, and biscuit dumplings.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep for up to 3-4 days. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge to prevent condensation.
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Note that the biscuit dumplings may become softer after freezing and reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in the microwave in individual portions or in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even reheating.
- Avoid Sogginess: To maintain the texture of the biscuit dumplings, consider reheating the casserole without covering it fully to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken and vegetables separately from the biscuits and add fresh biscuit dough just before serving.
Variations :
- Creamy Herb Chicken and Dumplings
- Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the sauce mixture. Use a herb-flavored biscuit dough for added flavor.
- Details: Fresh herbs infuse the dish with aromatic flavors, making it a more sophisticated take on the classic recipe. Herb-flavored biscuit dough enhances the overall taste and complements the creamy broth.
- Spicy Chicken and Dumplings
- Ingredients: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce or add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. Top with sliced jalapeños before adding the biscuit dough.
- Details: Adding heat with hot sauce or cayenne pepper gives the dish a spicy kick. Sliced jalapeños provide additional spice and a touch of color, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Chicken and Dumplings with Mushrooms
- Ingredients: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or button) to the crockpot along with the other vegetables.
- Details: Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor and extra texture to the dish. They absorb the flavors of the broth and complement the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Southwestern Chicken and Dumplings
- Ingredients: Incorporate 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 teaspoon of cumin into the mixture. Use a Mexican-style cheese blend for the biscuit dough.
- Details: This variation introduces Southwestern flavors with the addition of black beans and corn. Cumin adds a warm, smoky flavor, and a Mexican cheese blend in the biscuit dough enhances the dish’s overall taste.
- Chicken and Dumplings with Bacon and Ranch
- Ingredients: Mix 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix into the sauce mixture. Add an extra 4 strips of crumbled bacon to the crockpot along with the peas.
- Details: The ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herby flavor to the broth, while additional bacon enhances the savory richness. This variation offers a flavorful twist with familiar ranch flavors.
- Vegetable Chicken and Dumplings
- Ingredients: Increase the amount of vegetables by adding 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1 cup of peas, and 1 cup of corn. Use a multigrain or whole wheat biscuit dough for a healthier option.
- Details: Adding more vegetables boosts the nutritional content and adds variety. Using whole wheat or multigrain biscuit dough makes the dish a bit healthier without compromising flavor.
- Chicken and Dumplings with Sweet Potatoes
- Ingredients: Replace the carrots with 1 cup of peeled and cubed sweet potatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the sauce mixture for a subtle sweetness.
- Details: Sweet potatoes add a sweet and creamy element to the dish, complementing the savory flavors. A hint of cinnamon enhances the sweetness and provides a unique twist.
- Chicken and Dumplings with Cream Cheese
- Ingredients: Stir in 8 ounces of softened cream cheese into the sauce mixture for extra creaminess. You may need to adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Details: Cream cheese adds a rich, velvety texture to the broth, making it even more indulgent. It also intensifies the overall flavor and creaminess of the dish.
- Asian-Inspired Chicken and Dumplings
- Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of ginger to the sauce mixture. Use biscuit dough flavored with scallions or sesame seeds.
- Details: The soy sauce and ginger introduce Asian flavors, creating a unique twist on the traditional recipe. Scallion or sesame seed biscuit dough complements these flavors and adds a delightful crunch.
- Chicken and Dumplings with Pesto
- Ingredients: Mix 1/4 cup of pesto into the sauce mixture. Use basil-flavored biscuit dough or add fresh basil as a garnish.
- Details: Pesto adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor to the dish. Using basil-flavored biscuit dough or garnishing with fresh basil enhances the pesto flavor and adds visual appeal.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with a different flavor?
- Absolutely! You can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup as a substitute. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
- Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
- Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough. Prepare your favorite biscuit recipe and cut the dough into quarters before adding it to the slow cooker.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- To make the recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free cream soups and substitute the milk with a plant-based milk alternative. You can also use dairy-free biscuit dough or make a homemade version without dairy.
- What can I use instead of bacon for a lighter option?
- You can omit the bacon or use turkey bacon for a lighter option. You could also use cooked chicken sausage for added flavor without the extra fat.
Our Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful recipe that offers a comforting blend of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The slow cooker takes care of the hard work, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a hearty, delicious dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal planning!