Description

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. This delightful dish has humble origins rooted in American Southern cuisine, where home cooks have perfected the comforting harmony of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and luscious dumplings simmered to perfection. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of delicious, slow-cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, filling your kitchen with warm nostalgic vibes. Each mouthful is a warm embrace, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table.

One of the best features of this recipe is its accessibility. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing you to enjoy the process without the fuss of intensive cooking. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, even novice cooks can create a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. The combination of creamy soups and the rich broth melds beautifully with the flavors of thyme and garlic, creating an irresistible base for the tender chicken and soft dumplings that float above. So, whether you’re cooking for your family after a long day or setting up a cozy dinner with friends, this CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings is sure to delight.

Ready to discover the heartwarming goodness of this dish? Let’s gather the ingredients and delve into the preparation process that will transform your kitchen into a temple of comfort.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken and Broth:
• Three pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• One medium yellow onion, finely diced
• Three cups chicken broth
• For the Soup Mixture:
• One 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
• One 10-ounce can cheddar cheese soup
• Two teaspoons dried thyme
• Half a teaspoon garlic powder
• A quarter teaspoon black pepper
• For the Dumplings:
• One tube of 10-ounce refrigerated flaky biscuit rounds
• One 16-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• Suggested Variations and Substitutions:
• If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to dietary preferences, you're in luck. Feel free to use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. For those opting for a vegetarian version, consider replacing the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a flavorful punch. You can even experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to give the dish your unique flair. If you're a mushroom lover, incorporating a cup of sliced fresh mushrooms can enhance the depth of flavor in the broth.

Preparation Method

To start, take your 6-quart slow cooker and spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray. This is a simple yet critical step that ensures easy cleanup later on. Begin by finely dicing the medium yellow onion and scattering it at the bottom of the slow cooker. The onions will sauté gently in the slow cooking process, releasing their sweetness and providing an aromatic base for the dish.

Next, create an even layer with the boneless, skinless chicken thighs that you’ve cut into 1-inch pieces over the diced onions. The chicken will soak up all the flavors and become incredibly tender as it cooks.

Now, let’s prepare the soup mixture that will become the rich, creamy foundation of our dish. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup and the can of cheddar cheese soup. The cream of mushroom soup will provide a hearty texture while the cheddar cheese soup adds a delightful tanginess and creaminess to the overall blend. Stir in the two teaspoons of dried thyme, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. This spice blend is fundamental—the thyme adds a hint of earthiness, the garlic powder a touch of warmth, and the black pepper rounds out the flavors beautifully. Mix everything until fully combined.

Carefully pour this soup mixture over the chicken layer in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is coated splendidly. Then, add the three cups of chicken broth, which acts as the luscious liquid base, enhancing the flavor of each ingredient while preventing the dish from being too thick.

Now, it’s time to set your slow cooker on high and let it work its magic! Cooking for four hours will allow the chicken to become tender and infuse all the flavors into the broth. After that time has passed, carefully stir in the thawed frozen mixed vegetables. You want these vibrant veggies to brighten up your dish, contributing both nutrition and color.

While the slow cooker is doing its job, prepare the delicious dumplings that will top your comforting meal. On a lightly floured surface, take each refrigerated flaky biscuit round and gently roll them out into oval shapes about one-quarter inch thick. This step allows the dumplings to expand and cook evenly. Next, cut each oval into six even pieces. These will serve as delightful pillows of dough that will rise and absorb the rich broth as they cook.

Once you finish preparing the dumplings, it’s time to create the finishing touch for your dish. Carefully arrange the biscuit pieces over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. The key here is to cover as much of the surface as possible, as each dumpling will expand while cooking, soaking up all the flavors below.

Cover the slow cooker and continue to cook for an additional 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know the dumplings are done when they have doubled in size and are fluffy and cooked through. At this point, remove the chicken from the cooker using a slotted spoon and place it on a serving platter. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces and return it to the pot. Gently stir the mixture to combine, allowing some of the dumplings to break up into the broth. This will create an even richer flavor and a heartwarming texture throughout the dish.

Your slow-cooked chicken and dumplings are now ready to be served! Consider garnishing with a touch of freshly chopped parsley to add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness. Ladle generous portions into bowls and relish the comforting, creamy goodness of this dish.

Tips and Conclusion

If you wish to make the dish lighter or want to store some for future meals, consider separating the dumplings from the chicken and broth before storing leftovers. This way, the dumplings won’t absorb all the liquid and become too soggy when reheated. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to serve them again, gently reheat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it appears too thick.

As an alternative side, fresh green salad or crusty bread would pair beautifully, balancing the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
Preparing this comforting bowl of CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings isn't just about making a meal; it's about creating an experience filled with warmth and nostalgia that brings family and friends together. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is sure to draw everyone at home into the dining area, sparking joy and connection around the table.

As you taste this creamy, hearty dish, bask in the knowledge that you’ve put together a simple yet profound recipe that can easily become a new favorite. Don’t hesitate to explore other variations and variations of this dish, as every cook can leave their mark on such a classic recipe.

If you enjoyed this recipe, we suggest you check out related recipes on our site. Perhaps a savory pot roast or a vibrant vegetable stew might catch your interest! And don't forget to share this incredible recipe with friends and family—everyone deserves a bowl of comfort! Keep browsing our collection for more culinary inspiration that can turn everyday cooking into something extraordinary. Happy cooking!