Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (8 count)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the boneless chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the chicken breasts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on high for approximately 3 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks.
- Meanwhile, take the refrigerated biscuits and flatten them with your hands. Cut each biscuit into 4 squares.
- Coat the biscuit squares with a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
- One by one, drop the biscuit squares into the crockpot mixture.
- Cook on high for an additional hour or until the biscuits are cooked through and fluffy.
- Stir the mixture gently to incorporate the biscuits with the chicken and sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy the warm comfort of chicken and dumplings on a cold and rainy day.
Note: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and you can also add in vegetables like carrots or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Here are some tips to enhance your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings even further:
- Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the crockpot during cooking for added depth of flavor.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots before adding them to the crockpot for a richer flavor profile.
- Homemade Dumplings: Instead of using canned biscuits, consider making homemade dumplings from scratch using a simple recipe of flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. This can add a homemade touch and elevate the dish.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For even more flavor and tenderness, consider using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs tend to be more forgiving in slow cooking and offer a richer taste.
- Low-Sodium Broth: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium chicken broth or make your own broth from scratch to control the salt content.
- Creamy Texture: To make the dish creamier, stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last hour of cooking.
- Finish with Butter: Before serving, stir in a knob of butter to add richness and shine to the dish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top of the finished dish for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a Side: Accompany your chicken and dumplings with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You may need to add a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs to balance the flavors to your liking.
By incorporating these tips, you can take your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings to the next level and make it even more delightful for your taste buds.
Achieving the perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings requires attention to detail and a few secrets to elevate the dish. Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfection:
- Brown the Chicken First: For extra flavor, consider browning the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This step helps develop a richer flavor profile and adds depth to the dish.
- Layer Flavors: Layering flavors is essential in slow cooking. Start with aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery at the bottom of the crockpot before adding the chicken and other ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully as they cook.
- Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If possible, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. Homemade broth adds a depth of flavor that can’t be matched by the canned variety. You can make chicken broth by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs in water for several hours.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Season the chicken and broth mixture generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Remember that slow cooking can sometimes dull flavors, so it’s better to season a little extra.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Enhance the flavor of the dish by adding flavor boosters like a splash of white wine, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Don’t Overcook the Dumplings: Be mindful not to overcook the dumplings, as they can become mushy if left in the crockpot for too long. Cook them just until they are tender and cooked through.
- Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid and check on the dish too often. Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and moisture, which can prolong the cooking time and affect the texture of the dumplings.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come together and ensures that the dumplings are evenly cooked throughout.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers related to Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings:
- Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot for chicken and dumplings? It’s generally not recommended to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker for safety reasons. It’s best to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent foodborne illness.
- How long should I cook chicken and dumplings in the crockpot? Cooking times can vary depending on your specific crockpot and the size of the chicken pieces. However, on average, chicken and dumplings typically cook on high for about 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and the dumplings are cooked through.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for chicken and dumplings? Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, making them a great option for slow cooking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may require slightly longer to cook compared to breasts.
- Can I make chicken and dumplings in the crockpot without cream of chicken soup? Yes, you can make chicken and dumplings without cream of chicken soup. Instead, you can create a homemade creamy sauce using a roux (butter and flour) along with chicken broth and cream or milk. This allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your preference.
- How do I prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy in the crockpot? To prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy, make sure the crockpot is on the high setting during the last hour of cooking to allow the dumplings to cook through quickly without becoming mushy. Also, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as this can release heat and moisture, affecting the texture of the dumplings.
- Can I add vegetables to chicken and dumplings in the crockpot? Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and peas to chicken and dumplings for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to chop the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot along with the other ingredients at the beginning of cooking.
- How do I thicken the sauce in chicken and dumplings if it’s too thin? If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a slurry of cornstarch and water and stirring it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove some of the liquid from the crockpot, simmer it on the stovetop until it reduces and thickens, then return it to the crockpot.
- Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings? Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken and dumplings for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions related to Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, along with their answers to help you successfully prepare this delicious comfort food dish.