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

First, prepare your slow cooker by generously coating the inside with nonstick spray. This will ensure that your delicious meal doesn’t stick to the sides and makes for easy cleanup later. Begin by tossing the coarsely chopped onion into the bottom of the cooker, creating a flavorful base that will infuse the entire dish with its sweetness as it cooks.

Next, evenly spread the diced chicken thighs over the onions. The chicken is the star of the show here, and using thighs instead of breasts adds a richness and moisture that can't be beat. You can also opt for chicken breasts if you prefer, but be mindful that they may dry out a bit more than thighs.

Taking a medium bowl, combine the creamy mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. These components create the flavorful sauce that envelops the chicken, lending that beloved creamy texture. When mixing the soups, the flavor from the mushroom and the sharpness of the cheddar will uplift the dish and enrich every bite.

Pour this delicious soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Finally, add the chicken broth to the slow cooker. The liquid will keep the chicken moist and help the flavors meld together beautifully. For best results, use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness in the dish.

At this point, secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to HIGH heat. Allow the ingredients to cook for about four hours. As the dish simmers, the comforting aromas will fill your kitchen, whetting your appetite for the delightful meal to come. If you have the time, you could also cook it on LOW heat for eight hours, allowing the flavors to deepen even further.

After a few hours of cooking, it’s time to add the vegetables. Gently fold in the thawed mixed veggies to the chicken mixture. This not only enhances the dish’s nutritional value but also adds color and texture that make the presentation inviting. The medley of carrots, peas, corn, and green beans will bring a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and soft dumplings.

Now, for the dumplings! On a clean, lightly floured space, take the tube of refrigerated biscuit dough. For a fun twist, you can use homemade biscuit dough as well, but store-bought is quick and fuss-free. Shape each biscuit into an oval, about a quarter-inch thick. The thinner you make them, the more they will cook through during the final stage.

After shaping your biscuits, cut each one into six equal pieces. This will allow the dumplings to cook evenly and ensure everyone gets to enjoy them. When you sprinkle these crumbled dumplings evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker, you'll be creating little clouds of heaven that will rise to the occasion as they cook.

Continue to cook with the lid on for another 45 to 60 minutes. You'll know the dumplings are done when they are fluffy and cooked through. They should have absorbed some of the broth, and their tops will have taken on a slight golden hue.

When everything is finished cooking, take a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken, letting it fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and gently stir everything together, ensuring that the dumplings break apart slightly and infuse the broth with their goodness.

To serve, ladle generous portions into bowls while the dish is piping hot. If desired, a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley can add a pop of color and flavor, elevating the visual appeal.

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!