Description

Chicken and dumplings—a comfort food staple that has its roots steeped in American southern cuisine. Imagine a warm, hearty bowl of tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy broth, combined with fluffy dumplings that soak up all those delightful flavors. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and nostalgia, often evoking memories of home-cooked family dinners, especially during chilly evenings or festive gatherings.

The beauty of chicken and dumplings is its versatility. You can whip it up in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Plus, it requires minimal prep, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish for special occasions. As the chicken cooks, it becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart with the slightest touch, while the dumplings provide that heavenly, pillowy texture that everyone loves.

Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a cozy date night, or a casual lunch, chicken and dumplings never disappoints. It is a dish that beckons for seconds and unites everyone around the table. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart!

Ingredients

• For Chicken and Dumplings:
• Three pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs, diced into one-inch chunks
• One medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
• One ten-ounce can of creamy mushroom soup
• One ten-ounce can of cheddar cheese soup
• Two tablespoons of dried thyme
• Half a teaspoon of garlic powder
• A quarter teaspoon of black pepper
• Three cups of chicken broth
• One 16-ounce package of frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• One ten-ounce tube of flaky refrigerated biscuit rounds

Preparation Method

1. Coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray.
2. Add coarsely chopped onion to the bottom of the cooker.
3. Spread diced chicken thighs over the onions.
4. In a bowl, mix creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
5. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken.
6. Add chicken broth to the slow cooker.
7. Secure the lid and set the cooker to HIGH heat for four hours or LOW heat for eight hours.
8. After a few hours, fold in thawed mixed vegetables.
9. On a floured surface, shape refrigerated biscuit dough into ovals about a quarter-inch thick.
10. Cut each biscuit into six pieces and sprinkle over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
11. Cook with the lid on for another 45 to 60 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and golden.
12. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken to a plate, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.
13. Gently stir everything together.
14. Serve hot in bowls and optionally sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Tips and Conclusion

A fantastic side dish to complement chicken and dumplings is a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity of the salad balance the richness of chicken and dumplings beautifully.

If you're in the mood for a little variation, consider jazzing up your dumplings! You can add fresh herbs such as chives or parsley directly into the biscuit dough for an herby twist. Or perhaps some shredded cheese for extra indulgence. Also, feel free to switch up the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have available. Broccoli, peas, or even fresh spinach would work wonderfully.

For leftovers, store any remaining chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is straightforward; simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick.
In the end, preparing chicken and dumplings is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a moment of warmth and joy that can be shared among family and friends. Each bite is a reminder of the comfort that a good home-cooked meal provides, and it’s a dish that tends to become a cherished favorite.

There’s a reason this dish has become a beloved classic over the years! It’s fresh, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. We invite you to explore other comforting recipes available on the site. Consider trying your hand at creamy casseroles, savory pot pies, or even homemade bread to accompany your chicken and dumplings. Share this dish with your loved ones and inspire them to dive into the world of cooking!

Your journey into the heart of culinary delight starts here. Bon appétit!