There’s something so comforting about a warm pot of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings—like a cozy hug on a chilly day! When I think of this dish, it instantly transports me back to my childhood, where my mom would make it on those long, lazy Sundays. The smell wafting through the house was enough to get even the pickiest of eaters excited for dinner. My love for this recipe goes beyond just taste; it’s all about the memories shared around the table with family. Plus, it’s a perfect solution for busy days when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What I love most about this recipe is how effortless it is to throw together. Seriously, you just plop everything into the crockpot, forget about it for a few hours, and then come back to a warm, hearty meal that feels like it took all day to make!
What’s in Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this wonderful dish:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! They cook up super tender in the crockpot and take on all those lovely flavors.
Cream of chicken soup: This creamy base adds richness and flavor. I usually stick with the name-brand options like Campbell’s because they really deliver on taste.
Cream of celery soup: This adds a unique depth of flavor to the mix—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Chicken broth: For an extra boost of savory goodness. You can go for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Frozen peas and carrots mix: These veggies are not only colorful but also make it a complete meal. They are already prepped, so it’s super convenient!
Onion: A diced medium onion gives a sweet, aromatic base to the dish.
Garlic: I mean, who doesn’t love garlic? It adds a lovely punch of flavor—use 2 to 3 cloves, depending on your love for it!
Dried thyme: This herbal addition gives the dish that earthy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
Salt & Black Pepper: These are basic staples that enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Parsley: A little bit for flavor and a lot for color! Fresh or dried both work wonders.
Refrigerated biscuit dough: This is what makes the meal comforting and satisfying. I always go for Pillsbury, as their biscuits puff up beautifully.
Is Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Good for You?
Now, let’s chat a little about the health considerations. This dish is quite rich, which can be a con if you’re watching calories or fat intake. However, it brings a lot to the table in terms of comfort and satisfaction.
Chicken breasts: A lean protein source that’s great for muscle health and weight maintenance.
Frozen peas and carrots: Packed with vitamins and fiber, these veggies add nutritional value to your meal.
Cream soups: While they are delicious, they can be a bit heavy on sodium and calories. Opt for low-sodium versions if you want to keep it light.
Overall, I’d say this recipe is perfect for an occasional treat, especially after a long day!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 6, making it perfect for the family (or leftovers you can enjoy for days). Here’s what you need:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried)
– 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury)
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
Ready to whip up this family favorite? Let’s get cooking!
1. In the bottom of a crockpot, place the chicken breasts and season them all over with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
2. Pour the cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup over the chicken. Then add the chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, and the frozen peas and carrots. It’ll look like a delicious mountain of flavor!
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks (it should fall apart effortlessly). Stir everything to combine.
5. Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and drop the pieces on top of the chicken mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are fluffy and cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if you feel fancy!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Okay, if you want to elevate the meal even further, consider serving it up with a light side salad or some buttery corn on the side. And if any biscuits happen to be left (which is rare!), they’re divine with a smear of butter or jam!
This recipe is not just a great meal; it’s a lovely way to gather around the table with your loved ones. So, give it a try! I promise you’ll be savoring every bite and perhaps creating some of your own delicious memories. When you make it, share your experience—I’d love hearing how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
