Amazing Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings in 3 Hours

Oh, honey, when the weather turns chilly or you just need a big ol’ hug in a bowl, there’s nothing quite like a warm plate of crockpot chicken and dumplings. This recipe is my secret weapon for those busy weeknights. It’s practically magic how it comes together in the slow cooker, making dinner feel like a special occasion without any fuss. It reminds me of my Grandma Hettie’s kitchen; she always said that good comfort food was like sunshine on a cloudy day, and this dish? It’s pure sunshine, for sure!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

It’s ridiculously easy – dump everything in and let your slow cooker do the work! Seriously, I’m talking minimal fuss for maximum flavor.

Pure comfort food perfection! This dish wraps you up like a warm blanket, making it ideal for cozy nights or when you just need good, hearty food.

Family-approved guaranteed. Even the pickiest eaters in my house clean their plates when this is on the menu. It’s a weeknight dinner hero!

Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No need to hunt down anything fancy.

The flavor is just incredible – rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel special.

Clean-up is a breeze. One pot means less scrubbing and more time enjoying your family. That’s a win-win in my book!

Ingredients for Easy Chicken and Dumplings

When I say easy, I mean it! This crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe uses just a handful of simple things you can grab at any grocery store. No need to hunt down anything fancy.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup – the full-fat kind, trust me!
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of celery soup – this adds just the right savory depth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth – low sodium is fine too, you can always add more salt
• 1 cup water – just for the right consistency
• 1 teaspoon salt – or to your taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best if you have it!
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – brings that lovely, earthy flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – a little goes a long way

And for those fluffy dumplings:

• 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough – the kind you pop open! Cut each biscuit into quarters.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Step-by-Step

Making crockpot chicken and dumplings is so darn easy, it almost feels like cheating! You just need a little bit of time, and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Here’s how you whip up this delicious bowl of happiness:

Preparing the Base for Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

First things first, let’s get this party started in the slow cooker! Just nestle those boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom. Then, grab a separate bowl and whisk together those two cans of creamy soup – the chicken and celery ones – along with the chicken broth and that cup of water. Pour this yummy mixture all over the chicken. Give it a good stir with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Just like that, you’re halfway there!

Cooking and Shredding the Chicken

Now, pop the lid on your slow cooker. You can cook this on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Either way works just fine! The chicken will get so tender, it’ll practically fall apart. Once it’s cooked through, carefully take the chicken out and shred it up using two forks. It’s way easier than you think! Then, just pop that perfectly shredded chicken right back into all that delicious broth in the slow cooker.

Adding the Dumplings to Your Crock Pot Chicken Recipe

This is where the magic really happens! Now that your chicken is back in the pot and all shredded, it’s time for the dumplings. Just tear up that tube of biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces and drop them right into the simmering liquid around the chicken. Cover it all back up and let it cook for another 30 minutes. Those biscuits will puff up and soak in all that amazing flavor, turning into the fluffiest dumplings you’ve ever had. Be careful not to overcook them though – you want light and fluffy, not dense!

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Now, over the years I’ve made this crockpot chicken and dumplings more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it absolutely sing. My Grandma Hettie used to say the little things make the biggest difference, and she was so right!

If you want your chicken to be extra flavorful and tender, don’t be afraid to swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have a bit more fat, which means more flavor and they stay super moist. You can find tons of great chicken thigh recipes if you need some inspiration!

And about those biscuits? The store-bought ones are a lifesaver, of course, but if you’re feeling adventurous, making your own homemade biscuits takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook through nicely. Oh, and a little pinch of dried parsley stirred into the broth right at the end adds a lovely pop of color and freshness!

Serving Suggestions for This Comfort Food Recipe

This hearty crockpot chicken and dumplings is practically a meal in itself, but sometimes you just want a little something extra, right? I love serving it with a simple side salad, like a crisp Caesar salad, to add a bit of freshness. A slice of warm, crusty bread for soaking up any extra savory broth is always a winner too. Honestly, though, it’s so satisfying, it’s perfect just as it is!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This crockpot chicken and dumplings is even better the next day, if you can believe it. Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep nicely for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, just gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You might need to add a splash more broth or water if it seems a little thick.

Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

I get asked about this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe quite a bit, and it’s true, there are always little things that can pop up! Let’s clear a few things up:

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

You bet! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut. Just shred the meat and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking, right before you add the biscuit pieces. It works wonderfully for an even faster meal!

What kind of biscuits work best for crockpot dumplings?

Honestly, the standard refrigerated biscuit dough you buy in a tube is perfect! The kind you have to pop open? Those work like a charm. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook through evenly. Using homemade biscuits is also an option if you’re feeling ambitious!

How do I make chicken and dumplings thicker?

If your crock pot chicken recipe looks a little too soupy for your liking, no worries! Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken right up in no time!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, keeping it real, the exact numbers can wiggle around depending on the brands you use and the size of your portions. But for a generous serving of this cozy crockpot chicken and dumplings, you’re generally looking at something like:

• Calories: Around 450
• Fat: About 20g
• Protein: Roughly 30g
• Carbohydrates: Around 40g

Remember, these are just estimates to give you a ballpark idea, especially since it’s such a satisfying comfort food!

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