Looking for a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug? Slow cooker chicken and dumplings can be your answer! This dish combines tender chicken and soft dumplings in a rich, savory broth. Using just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week. Let me guide you through this tasty comfort meal that your whole family will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup carrots, sliced
– 1 cup celery, sliced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 2 cups biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)
These ingredients create the base for a warm and hearty dish. The chicken adds protein, while the broth keeps everything moist. The veggies bring in flavor and color.
Optional Garnishes
– Fresh parsley
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It also gives a fresh taste to each bowl.
Suggestions for Homemade Biscuit Dough
Making your own biscuit dough is easy. You can mix flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. Here’s a quick recipe:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, cold
– 3/4 cup milk
Mix the dry ingredients first. Then, cut in the cold butter until it looks like crumbs. Finally, stir in the milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls onto the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. This dough will create fluffy, tender dumplings that soak up all the flavors. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by placing the four chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This helps to keep them moist. Next, pour in three cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This broth gives the dish great flavor. Then, add one cup of sliced carrots and one cup of sliced celery. These veggies add texture and nutrition. Dice one medium onion and add that too. The onion adds depth to the dish. Finally, sprinkle one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of dried parsley, and half a teaspoon of black pepper over the top. These spices make your meal taste amazing.
Cooking the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Next, add one can of cream of chicken soup. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients. This soup will make the broth rich and creamy. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours. You can also cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred when done. After cooking, carefully take the chicken out. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir everything well. This ensures every bite is full of flavor.
Making the Dumplings
Now it’s time to make the dumplings. Use store-bought or homemade biscuit dough, about two cups. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Space them out, so they have room to puff up. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. The dumplings will become fluffy and cooked through. This will complete your cozy meal. Serve it hot in deep bowls, and add fresh parsley for a touch of color. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Tender Chicken
To achieve tender chicken, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows them to soak in all the tasty juices. Use low-sodium chicken broth for flavor without too much salt. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking breaks down the meat fibers, making the chicken juicy and easy to shred.
Fluffy Dumplings Tips
For fluffy dumplings, use store-bought biscuit dough or make your own. Drop spoonfuls of the dough on top of the chicken mixture. Do not stir them in! Let them rest on top for the best rise. Cook them on high for 30 minutes. This steams the dumplings and makes them light and airy. If you want a golden top, you can briefly broil them after cooking.
Slow Cooker Best Practices
Always start with a clean slow cooker. Layer ingredients in the order mentioned. The chicken goes first, followed by the broth and vegetables. This helps everything cook evenly. Avoid opening the lid during cooking. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes, which can extend cooking time. Lastly, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps all the flavors blend nicely.
Variations
Adding Different Vegetables
You can change up the veggies in your slow cooker chicken and dumplings. Try adding peas for sweetness. Green beans can add a nice crunch. You can also toss in corn or potatoes for extra heartiness. Each vegetable brings its own flavor and texture. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the chicken.
Substituting Chicken with Other Proteins
If you want to switch proteins, turkey works great in this dish. You can also use pork or beef for a different taste. Just remember to adjust cooking times. Chicken cooks quickly, while larger cuts of meat may need more time. Always check that the meat is tender before serving. This keeps the meal just as comforting and tasty.
Gluten-Free Dumpling Options
For gluten-free dumplings, use a gluten-free biscuit mix. Many brands offer easy-to-use options. You can also make your own with gluten-free flour. Just follow a simple recipe that combines flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. These dumplings may have a different texture but will still be delicious. They will soak up all the tasty broth and flavors in your meal.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your chicken and dumplings fresh, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you can enjoy them later without worry.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between heating to ensure even warmth. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat on low until warmed through.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save your chicken and dumplings for later, freezing is a great option. Transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cook time. This will ensure they cook all the way through. Make sure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe eating. Using frozen chicken can save you time on prep. You will still get a tasty meal!
How can I thicken the broth?
To thicken the broth, mix a little cornstarch with cold water. Use about one tablespoon of cornstarch and two tablespoons of water. Stir this mix into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving. You can also mash some of the vegetables. This adds creaminess and thickness without extra steps.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
You can tell the chicken is done when it is tender and shreds easily. Use a meat thermometer for best results. It should read 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, just use two forks to shred it. If it falls apart easily, it’s done!
This blog post covers essential steps to make chicken and dumplings. You learned about the key ingredients and options for garnishes. I shared tips for cooking tender chicken and creating fluffy dumplings. We explored variations, storage, and answers to common questions.
Remember, cooking can be fun and simple. Feel free to customize recipes to fit your taste. Enjoy your meals and make cooking a joyful experience!
