Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings

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Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

As I breathed in the savory aroma of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings wafting from my kitchen, I was instantly transported back to a chilly winter afternoon spent cozied up by the fireplace with my loved ones.

I vividly remember the first time I made this recipe – it was a Sunday morning, and I had just returned from a farmer’s market with a batch of fresh vegetables and herbs, including a bunch of fragrant thyme that added an incredible depth to the dish.

It was during that moment, as we all sat around the table sharing stories and laughter, that I realized the true magic of this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings – it has a way of bringing people together, and that’s when it quickly became a cherished family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • The tender, fall-apart chicken and fluffy, pillowy dumplings create a delightful texture combination.
  • The rich, satisfying broth is infused with the deep flavors of onion, garlic, and thyme, making each spoonful a comforting experience.
  • This recipe cooks to perfection in exactly 6 hours, making it an ideal dish for a busy day.
  • The foolproof technique of cooking the dumplings directly in the crockpot eliminates any guesswork, ensuring they turn out light and fluffy every time.
  • It’s the perfect comfort food for a family gathering or a cozy night in with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm water

The star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that become tender and juicy after hours of slow cooking. The dumplings, made with a simple mixture of flour, eggs, and herbs, are the perfect complement to the rich, meaty broth.

Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

  • To ensure the dumplings cook evenly, it’s crucial to drop them by spoonfuls into the crockpot in a single layer, allowing them to steam cook properly – this prevents them from becoming dense or sticky.
  • A common mistake is overmixing the dumpling batter, which can lead to tough, dense dumplings; to fix this, simply mix the ingredients until they just come together, then stop mixing.
  • For a pro upgrade, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or carrots to the pot for added depth of flavor and nutrients.
  • The dish is done when the chicken is tender and the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy; you can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the chicken and a toothpick into the dumplings.
  • To make ahead, simply prepare the ingredient mixture and store it in the fridge overnight, then cook it in the crockpot the next day.

Variations and Substitutions

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a protein swap, you can use boneless turkey breast or pork shoulder. For a bold flavor twist, try adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the pot.

How to Store and Reheat

This dish will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container; to reheat, simply microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in the crockpot on low. For freezing, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook this recipe on high?

While it’s possible to cook this recipe on high, I recommend cooking it on low for the full 6 hours to ensure the chicken is tender and the dumplings are cooked through. Cooking on high can result in tough, overcooked chicken and dense dumplings.

How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?

To prevent the dumplings from sticking together, make sure to drop them by spoonfuls into the crockpot in a single layer, allowing them to steam cook properly. You can also try dusting the dumplings with a small amount of flour or cornstarch before cooking to help them cook more evenly.

Can I serve this dish at a party?

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is perfect for a party or gathering; it’s easy to serve and can be kept warm in the crockpot for several hours. You can also consider serving it with some crusty bread or crackers for a hearty, comforting snack.

I invite you to give this cherished family recipe a try and experience the warmth and comfort it brings to your own home. As you take your first bite, I hope you’ll feel the same love and connection that I do when I share this dish with my loved ones.

✦ Recipe Card ✦

Crockpot Chicken Dumplings

⏱️
PREP
10 mins
🔥
COOK
6 hours
⏰
TOTAL
6 hours 10 mins
👤
SERVES
4-6 servings
🔥 Calories 420 kcal💪 Protein 42g🌾 Carbs 30g🫙 Fat 20g
 

🧂 Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
4 cups chicken broth
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup warm water
 

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1Place chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot. Pour in chicken broth.
  2. 2Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  3. 3In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter and warm water; stir until dough forms.
  4. 4Drop spoonfuls of dough into the crockpot with the chicken mixture.
  5. 5Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low or 15 minutes on high.
  6. 6Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
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