Marianne Martinez
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food, and it can be made in a crock pot. This recipe is perfect for a busy household and can be made with a few shortcuts without skimping on flavour. The dish consists of chicken, a thick broth, and dumplings made from biscuit dough. The crock pot is a great way to cook this meal because it allows for a quick prep and is mostly hands-off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Comfort food, soup-like dish |
| Ingredients | Chicken, vegetables, dumplings/biscuit dough, chicken broth, butter, canned soup, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, spices |
| Recipe Tips | Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts; add vegetables and biscuits/dumplings later in the cooking process; flatten biscuits before cutting; use condensed soup instead of dairy; cook on high heat; stir regularly |
| Cook Time | 4-6 hours for chicken, 1-1.5 hours for dumplings, 2 hours for vegetables and biscuits |
| Equipment | 5-6 QT crock pot/slow cooker |
| Yield | Serves a family; leftovers can be stored for 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and dumplings ingredients
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting meal that can be made in a crock pot. The recipe is flexible, and you can add or remove ingredients to suit your taste. Here is a list of ingredients that you can use to make chicken and dumplings in a crock pot:
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most commonly used cut of chicken for this recipe. You can use fresh chicken breasts, but frozen chicken breasts are also an option and can save time on preparation.
Vegetables
Onions, carrots, and celery are the most commonly used vegetables in this dish, providing a classic chicken-soup flavor. You can also add peas, either frozen or thawed, and garlic. If you want to include more vegetables, broccoli, green beans, and potatoes are also good options.
Seasoning
Salt and pepper are the most basic seasonings used in this recipe. You can also add dried parsley, dried thyme, garlic salt, tarragon, rosemary, paprika, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, cumin, and all-purpose seasoning.
Broth
Chicken broth or chicken stock is used to cook the chicken and dumplings. You can use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the amount of salt you add to the dish accordingly.
Soup
Cream of chicken soup is commonly added to the crock pot to create a creamy sauce. You can use condensed soup, which holds up well in the slow cooker and adds flavor to the dish.
Dumplings
You can make dumplings from scratch using biscuit dough or use canned biscuits. If using biscuit dough, roll it out thinly and cut it into strips. You can also add flour to each dumpling to thicken it. To make the dough, you will need milk, baking powder, all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour, and canola oil.
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Crockpot preparation
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting meal that can be made in a crockpot. The crockpot preparation for this classic comfort food is quite simple and involves slow cooking the ingredients to tender perfection. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing chicken and dumplings in a crockpot:
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients: chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, diced onions, diced celery, frozen chicken breasts, garlic salt, black pepper, frozen vegetables of your choice (such as peas, carrots, or green beans), and biscuits.
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by placing the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, diced onions, and celery into a 5-6 quart crockpot or slow cooker. Stir the mixture well, and it's okay if it becomes a bit lumpy due to the cream of chicken soup.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Next, add the frozen chicken breasts to the crockpot. Season the chicken with garlic salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like rosemary, paprika, or poultry seasoning to enhance the flavor. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook the chicken on low for about 4-6 hours, or until it is fully cooked through and tender. The long cooking time in the crockpot helps to develop a rich flavor and ensures the chicken becomes juicy and tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and cut it into bite-size pieces or shred it using two forks. Put the shredded or cut-up chicken back into the crockpot.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Biscuits
At this point, add any frozen vegetables you wish to include. You can also add vegetables like peas and garlic towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking. Flatten the biscuits with your palm and cut them into strips, then add them to the crockpot.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Cover the crockpot again and cook the dumplings for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Check on the dumplings occasionally to ensure they are cooked through. If they need more time, continue cooking until done.
Step 7: Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked, give the crockpot contents a gentle stir. You can sprinkle some dried parsley on top for added flavor and color. Then serve your delicious chicken and dumplings!
Preparing chicken and dumplings in a crockpot is a convenient and hands-off approach that allows you to spend minimal time prepping and more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.
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Dumpling preparation
If you choose to make your own dough, you'll need flour, baking powder, salt, Italian seasoning, milk, and canola oil. Combine these ingredients to form a dough, adding just enough milk to create a dough-like texture. You can use any type of milk, including unsweetened plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. Once the dough is prepared, portion it into balls using 2 tablespoons of dough for each dumpling.
For a thicker dumpling, you can add flour to each one or make a slurry by whisking together cornstarch and water, which you can then stir into the crock pot. This will help to thicken the broth and give your dumplings a heartier texture.
When adding the dumplings to the crock pot, it's important to note that they will take around 1 to 1-1/2 hours to cook thoroughly. Be sure to stir them gently and occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If you're using a slow cooker, you may need to adjust the cooking time, as they can vary in temperature.
Additionally, if you prefer your dumplings with a crispy texture, you can consider pan-frying or baking them separately before adding them to the crock pot. This will give them a golden, crispy exterior while still allowing them to soak up the flavours of the crock pot dish.
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Chicken preparation
Start by selecting the right chicken for your dish. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for this recipe, as they are easy to cook and become tender and juicy in the slow cooker. You can also use frozen chicken breasts, which are convenient if you don't have fresh chicken on hand.
Once you have chosen your chicken, it's time to season it. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot or slow cooker. Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice, such as oregano, garlic, rosemary, or paprika. You can also add butter at this stage to enhance the creaminess and richness of the dish.
Next, you will create a flavourful base for your chicken. Add a diced onion to the pot, creating a bed for the chicken to rest on. You can also add other vegetables at this stage, such as carrots, celery, and peas. If you prefer your garlic with a milder flavour, add it later in the cooking process along with any other vegetables you wish to include.
Now, it's time to add the liquid. Pour chicken broth or stock into the crockpot, ensuring it covers the chicken and vegetables. You can use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the seasoning later, or opt for regular broth and reduce the amount of added salt.
Finally, prepare the chicken for cooking. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked through. You can also cook it on high for a shorter period, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, but ensure you keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and cut it into bite-sized pieces or shred it using two forks or a mixer.
By following these steps, you will have perfectly prepared chicken that is ready to be combined with dumplings and enjoyed as a comforting and tasty meal.
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Serving suggestions
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting meal that can be served in a few different ways. The dish is often served with vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans. You can also add frozen peas and carrots to the crock pot itself. If you're not a fan of vegetables, you can skip them, but it is recommended to keep the onions as they add a lot of flavour.
Some recipes suggest serving the chicken and dumplings with rice and roasted Brussels sprouts. You can also add more chicken broth to make a dumpling soup. The dumplings are best when fresh, so this dish is best the day of. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3- 7 days.
If you want to modify the recipe, you can add spices and seasonings such as paprika, garlic, cumin, poultry seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, and fresh cracked black pepper. You can also use your favourite biscuits to create your own dumplings.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need chicken, dumplings, vegetables, and a sauce. Chicken breasts are the most common cut of chicken used, and are often boneless and skinless. Dumplings can be made from scratch, but refrigerated biscuit dough is a common shortcut. Vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, and peas are often used, and sauces are typically cream-based.
The chicken will need to cook for around 4-6 hours, and the dumplings will take around 1-2 hours.
You can shred the chicken by pulling it apart with two forks, or by using a stand or hand mixer.
Onions, carrots, celery, and peas are all popular choices. You can also add potatoes, garlic, and spices such as parsley, thyme, and pepper.
