Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Craving easy crockpot meals? This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is total comfort food! Shredded chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings. Get the easy recipe now!
Craving Comfort? look into into Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings!
Ever get that hankering for something warm and comforting? crockpot meals are the answer, especially this crockpot chicken pot pie , or more like a deconstructed pot pies recipes version.
It's pure joy in a bowl.
This ain't your average dish, my friends. think southern charm meets simple weeknight dinner. you get tender chicken and fluffy dumplings all swimming in a creamy sauce.
Trust me; this crockpot chicken pot pie will become a family favourite.
A Taste of Home: What is Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
This classic dish has roots deep in southern cooking, where it's all about simple ingredients and big flavour. it's a hug in a bowl! my grandma used to make something similar.
This recipe is super easy. it takes about 15 minutes to prep. after that, the crockpot does all the work.
It serves about 6-8 people.
Why You'll Love This Easy Crockpot Dinners
This isn't just about comfort food; it's about convenience. it's also relatively healthy if you watch the sodium. this is absolutely perfect for a chilly evening.
What really makes this recipe special is its simplicity. you can make it without any fuss. now, let's get to the ingredients.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this beaut of a crockpot situation! Honestly, making crockpot meals doesn't have to be a drama. I'll keep it simple, I promise.
Getting Your Gear & Grub Sorted
This ain't rocket science. Let's get everything you need sorted.
Main Ingredients: What You Really Need
- Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to. They stay juicy. You can use breasts, but thighs are where it's at. Trust me.
- Salt & Pepper: 1 tsp (5g) of salt and ½ tsp (2.5g) of black pepper. Seasoning is key, innit?
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) for searing. Makes a difference if you can be bothered.
- Veg: 1 medium yellow onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks. All chopped up, like you're prepping for a proper Sunday roast.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic makes everything better. Fact.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) , low sodium if you can. Control the salt, yeah?
- Herbs: 1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme and ½ tsp (2.5ml) dried rosemary.
- Cream: ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream. Makes it lush.
- Flour & Water: 2 tablespoons (30ml) all-purpose flour mixed with 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water. For thickening.
- Biscuit Dough: 1 (16 oz/450g) can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Pillsbury Grands! are spot on.
Quality Check : For the chicken, look for plump, pink thighs. If they're pale and sad-looking, walk away. You want the good stuff.
Seasoning: Flavour Town, Population: YOU!
Okay, herbs and spices. Thyme and rosemary are essential for that classic chicken pot pie flavor. But don't be shy .
- Consider a pinch of smoked paprika. It adds depth.
- A bay leaf in the crockpot while it simmers? Genius.
- Don't have rosemary? Sage works in a pinch.
Honestly, the spice combo is where you can put your stamp on it. Experiment a bit!
Equipment: Just The Basics, Love
You really don't need a fancy kitchen for easy crockpot dinners .
- Crockpot (slow cooker) : A 6-quart one is ideal.
- Skillet: For searing. Optional, but recommended.
- Chopping Board & Knife: Obvious, but still.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Get it precise, yeah?
- Whisk: For the flour mixture. Don't have a skillet? Just skip the searing step. It'll still taste amazing, just not quite as rich. Making crockpot chicken pot pie is about ease, yeah?
Right, with the kit and kaboodle sorted, we're ready to get cooking, lets make the best chicken pot pie crock pot recipe ever.
Get ready for the dinner recipes crockpot ever! we are going to make a chicken crockpot recipes that will last for generations
Right then, let's dive into this crockpot chicken and dumplings business! honestly, this is one of those easy crockpot dinners that even i can't mess up, and that's saying something! forget standing over a hot stove, this is all about chucking stuff in a slow cooker and letting it do its magic.
We are talking about a seriously great iteration of chicken pot pie crock pot meals. ready? let's get going!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, My Friend!
Okay, first things first. let's get our ducks in a row. essential mise en place , darling! chopping all that veg can be a right pain, so do it all in one go.
Onion, carrots, celery – get them diced. mince that garlic. get your spices measured out. honestly, doing this beforehand saves you so much time.
It really is essential for easy crockpot dinners . safety first, though! keep those fingers away from the sharp bits.
Step-by-Step: Dumpling Delight
Right, here's how we turn this into Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie , but way easier!
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle your 2 lbs of chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. You can sear them in a pan with 1 tbsp olive oil for extra flavour. But honestly, if you're in a rush, skip it!
- Veggie Base: Chuck your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
- Chicken & Broth: Plonk the chicken on top of the veg. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Sprinkle in 1 tsp dried thyme and ½ tsp dried rosemary.
- Slow Cook: Cover it and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours . You'll know it's done when the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred Time: Take the chicken out and shred it. Put it back in the slow cooker.
- Thickening Time: Mix ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp flour, and ¼ cup cold water in a bowl. Whisk it smooth and pour it into the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Dumpling Prep: Cut each biscuit from a 16 oz can of biscuit dough into quarters.
- Dumpling Time: Drop the biscuit pieces into the slow cooker, spread evenly, then cover and cook on high for 30 minutes , or until they're golden and fluffy, but not doughy. This is important, overcooking ruins what could be great pot pies recipes .
Pro Tips: From Rookie to Rockstar!
Okay, a couple of tricks I've learned over the years with this chicken crockpot recipes …
- Don't overcook those dumplings! Seriously, check them after 25 minutes . Gummy dumplings are a sad sight.
- Get the broth right. If it's too runny, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
- This can be made ahead! Prep all the ingredients the night before and chuck 'em in the slow cooker in the morning. Sorted! This is great to prep the day before for amazing dinner recipes crockpot Honestly, give this a go. This crockpot recipes easy will be a game-changer! You'll have the most amazing crockpot recipes slow cooker to have. A little effort for a proper comforting dish. You know, like your nan used to make! (Well, kinda!).
Alright, let's talk notes! this crockpot chicken pot pie ... oh my gosh, it's almost too easy. but easy doesn't mean boring, you know? think of these little tips as ways to make it your own.
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Crockpot Meals
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Party Tricks
Honestly, sometimes presentation is everything. for this crockpot chicken pot pie , i like to ladle it into big, rustic bowls.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley? chef's kiss! if you're feeling fancy, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or greek yoghurt.
Complementary sides? a simple green salad cuts through the richness. and iced tea, always iced tea! some good pot pies recipes !
Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive
Refrigeration is key. leftovers should go into an airtight container. they'll be good for about 3 days. freezing? yeah, you can freeze it, but the dumplings might get a bit.
.. mushy. just being real. if you do freeze, let it thaw overnight. reheating is best done gently on the stovetop.
Makes great easy easy crockpot dinners .
Variations: Remixing the Classics
Want to shake things up? try using sweet potato instead of regular potato. it adds a lovely sweetness. or, if you're watching your carbs, skip the biscuit dough and top it with cauliflower mash instead.
Chicken pot pie recipes can be flexible. if you looking for crockpot recipes slow cooker , experiment! add some peas or corn! this recipe is a starting point.
I often add a dash of worcestershire sauce for some extra tang. this is one of the best chicken crockpot recipes !
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly health food. but it's comforting and filling! it has protein from the chicken, and some veggies snuck in there.
It’s great to have a tasty meal ready and waiting for you. dinner recipes crockpot can be life savers! this chicken crockpot recipes meal is about enjoying yourself.
This recipe is simple! These Crockpot Recipes Easy meals are great. So, grab your crockpot, and get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crockpot meals like Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients – chopping veggies and searing the chicken (if you're feeling fancy) – a day in advance and store them in the fridge. However, it's best to cook the chicken and dumplings fresh for the best texture of the dumplings. Cooking the whole dish and then reheating might make the dumplings a bit mushy, so cook it fresh just before serving.
How do I store leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings? Does it freeze well?
Store any leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible, but the dumplings might change texture and become a bit softer upon thawing. To minimize this, freeze individual portions for easier reheating. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth if it seems a little dry.
My dumplings turned out gummy! What did I do wrong?
Gummy dumplings are usually a sign of overcooking. Make sure to check the dumplings around the 30-minute mark and take them off the heat as soon as they're cooked through. It's better to undercook them slightly than to overcook them. Also, ensure the lid is on tightly during the dumpling cooking process to create the steam needed to cook them properly.
Can I use frozen chicken in this Crockpot meals recipe?
While technically you can use frozen chicken, it's not recommended. Frozen chicken releases a lot of water as it cooks, which can dilute the broth and affect the overall flavor and texture. Plus, it can take longer to reach a safe internal temperature. For best results, always use thawed chicken.
How can I make this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings healthier?
To lighten up this dish, use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content, and consider using skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. You could also sneak in extra veggies like chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients. For the dumplings, look for a whole-wheat biscuit dough option or make your own from scratch using whole wheat flour. Swap the heavy cream for milk to reduce the fat content.
I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough. Are there other options for the dumplings in these Crockpot meals?
Absolutely! If you're out of biscuit dough, you can use refrigerated pizza dough cut into squares for a chewier texture. Or, for a from-scratch option, try a simple drop dumpling recipe using flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. There are loads of easy recipes online - just search for "drop dumpling recipe". For a gluten free options you can find gluten-free dough mix online at most grocery stores!
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Card
