When the chill of winter sets in and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings to bring comfort and joy. This dish, with its creamy, hearty flavors and fluffy dumplings, is the epitome of cozy home cooking. Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the table for a hearty meal after a long day of sledding or snowball fights. Chicken and dumplings was a staple at these gatherings, a meal that filled our bellies and hearts with warmth and satisfaction. The aroma of chicken slow-cooked to tender perfection, combined with the comforting bite of pillowy dumplings, is a memory I treasure and a recipe I am excited to share.
This Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is designed to make your life easier while delivering the same heartwarming results. By using a slow cooker, you can enjoy this classic dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Imagine coming home after a busy day to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of this comforting meal, ready to serve with just a few final touches. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve wrapped yourself in a warm, cozy blanket.
Ingredients
1 onion, diced
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 cups chicken broth
1 can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, defrosted
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
Prepare the Crock Pot:
Begin by preparing your crock pot. Place the diced onion evenly over the bottom of the crock pot. This will create a flavorful base for your chicken and help to build depth in the dish.
Layer the Chicken:
Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the onions in a single layer. The chicken will cook slowly, infusing the onions and broth with its rich flavor.
Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine one can of cream of chicken soup and one can of cream of celery soup. Add a teaspoon of poultry seasoning to the bowl, which will impart a classic herby flavor to the dish.
Sprinkle in the freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a fresh, vibrant flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of the final dish.
Season with black pepper to taste. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined. This creamy mixture will form the flavorful sauce that envelops the chicken.
Combine and Cook:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken thighs in the crock pot, ensuring it covers the chicken evenly.
Add 2 cups of chicken broth on top. The broth will help create a flavorful base for the dish and ensure that the chicken remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Set the crock pot to high and cook for 5 hours. It’s important not to open the lid during this time to maintain the heat and ensure even cooking.
Adding the Dumplings
Incorporate the Vegetables:
When there is just 1 hour of cook time left, open the lid of the crock pot. Add 2 cups of defrosted mixed vegetables to the pot. Stir them gently into the mixture.
As you stir, shred the chicken thighs using a fork or spoon. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the chicken more evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Prepare the Biscuits:
Open a can of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. Flatten each biscuit slightly and cut them into 4 long strips. These strips will serve as the dumplings in your dish.
Layer the biscuit strips on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the crock pot. The biscuits will cook on top of the mixture, absorbing the flavors and turning into fluffy dumplings.
Cook the Dumplings:
Allow the biscuits to cook for the remaining hour of the crock pot’s cooking time. The dumplings will become fluffy and will soak up some of the creamy sauce. Once the hour is up, stir the mixture well to incorporate the dumplings into the chicken and vegetables.
Final Touches:
Once everything is well mixed and the dumplings are cooked through, your Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is ready to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, for an extra burst of freshness and color.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetable Options: Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Adding ingredients like corn, peas, or green beans can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Healthier Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream soups and low-sodium chicken broth. You can also use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
Gluten-Free Version: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soups and a gluten-free biscuit mix. Make sure the chicken broth is also gluten-free.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with additional herbs and spices such as thyme or rosemary to give the dish a unique twist. Adding a touch of garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
This Best Ever Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings creates a dish that’s both satisfying and soothing. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a cozy gathering, this recipe is sure to please and leave everyone asking for seconds.
The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite is a reminder of home, comfort, and the simple pleasures of a hearty, well-loved meal. Enjoy making this classic dish, and savor the warmth and joy it brings to your table.
