This slow cooker meal provides a rich and comforting dinner with minimal active preparation time. By using canned biscuits, you can achieve a thick, creamy gravy without needing to make a traditional roux.
List of ingredients
- 1 to 2 lbs boneless chicken – use breast or thigh meat for best results.
- 5 medium carrots – washed, peeled, and sliced into coins.
- 1/2 cup sliced celery – cut into small pieces.
- 1 medium onion – peeled and diced, approximately 1 cup.
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic – minced finely.
- 5 to 6 medium dried bay leaves – adds a subtle herbal depth.
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) – for earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley – provides color and mild taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt – adjust based on the sodium level of your broth.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper – for a mild spicy kick.
- 6 cups of chicken broth – add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- 1-2 cans canned biscuits – such as Grands Southern Style, avoid layered types.
step-by-step instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: Place the boneless chicken, sliced carrots, sliced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and bay leaves into an 8-quart crock pot. Ensure the chicken is evenly distributed.
- Initial Slow Cook: Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and place them in a separate bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back into the crock pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and broth.
- Prepare Dumplings: Cut the canned biscuits into small cubes or strips. Drop the canned biscuit pieces into the crock pot and stir them gently into the mixture.
- Final Cook: Place the lid back on and cook for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. The dumplings are finished when they are cooked through the center and no longer doughy.
- Thicken Gravy: As the biscuits cook, they will release starches that naturally thicken the chicken broth into a rich and creamy dumpling gravy.
Optimizing Your Vegetable Base
Selecting the Best Carrots
Use whole medium carrots rather than baby carrots for a more robust flavor. Slice them into uniform coins about a quarter-inch thick to ensure they soften at the same rate as the celery.
Preparing the Celery
Slice the celery into small, half-moon shapes. This size prevents the celery from disappearing into the stew while ensuring it is tender enough to eat comfortably.
Dicing the Onion for Texture
Dice the onion into small, consistent pieces. A fine dice allows the onion to melt into the broth, contributing to the thickness of the gravy without leaving large, chunky pieces.
Using Fresh Garlic
Freshly minced garlic provides a sharper, more aromatic flavor than powdered garlic. Be sure to mince it finely so the flavor distributes evenly throughout the slow cooker.
Mastering the Biscuit Dumplings
Choosing the Correct Biscuit Type
Select standard buttermilk or southern-style canned biscuits. These provide the necessary density to hold their shape while thickening the surrounding liquid.
Avoiding Layered Biscuits
Do not use flaky or layered biscuits for this recipe. The layers tend to separate during the slow cooking process, resulting in thin dumplings that do not thicken the gravy effectively.
Precision Cutting Technique
Cut every biscuit into fourths or smaller nine-piece cubes before adding them to the pot. This ensures that all pieces are the same size and cook through at the same time.
Stirring and Placement
Stir the biscuit pieces thoroughly into the broth. This prevents the dough from clumping together in one large mass and ensures each piece is surrounded by hot liquid.
Chicken Selection and Handling
Working with Boneless Meat
Boneless chicken breasts are the fastest way to prepare this dish. They shred easily and allow you to skip the straining process required for bone-in meats.
Processing Bone-In Chicken
If using bone-in chicken, you must remove the meat from the bones after the initial cook. Pass the broth through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any small bone fragments before adding the dumplings.
Shredding for Maximum Texture
Use two forks to pull the meat apart while it is still warm. Shredding the chicken increases the surface area, allowing the meat to absorb more of the creamy gravy.
Managing Slow Cooker Settings
High Heat vs. Low Heat
The high setting is ideal for shorter windows of 3-4 hours. If you prefer a slower cook to develop deeper flavors, use the low setting for 5-6 hours.
Timing the Dumplings
The dumplings typically take 30 to 60 minutes to cook through. The exact time depends on the volume of biscuits used and the temperature of the broth.
The Importance of the Lid
Keep the lid closed as much as possible during the dumpling phase. Opening the lid releases steam and heat, which can significantly increase the cooking time for the dough.
Broth and Gravy Consistency
Managing Liquid Levels
Start with 6 cups of broth, but keep extra on hand. If the gravy becomes too thick after adding the biscuits, stir in small amounts of additional broth until the desired consistency is reached.
Creating a Creamier Base
The creaminess comes from the starches in the canned biscuits. For a richer result, ensure you stir the dumplings well so they interact with the entire volume of the broth.
Handling Excess Liquid
If the mixture is too thin after the dumplings have cooked, you can leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 15 minutes to allow some moisture to evaporate.
Serving and Presentation
Fresh Herb Garnishes
Top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy gravy.
Pairing with Side Dishes
Serve this dish with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. The acidity of a salad helps balance the heartiness of the chicken and dumplings.
Bowl Selection for Heat Retention
Use wide, shallow bowls to serve. This allows the stew to cool slightly for easier eating while keeping the center of the dish hot.
Storage and Preservation
Cooling and Refrigerating
Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
Freezing Instructions
While the chicken and vegetables freeze well, the dumplings can become mushy upon thawing. It is recommended to freeze the chicken base and add fresh dumplings when reheating.
Thawing Process
Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. This prevents the meat from cooking unevenly during the reheating process.
Reheating for Best Results
Stovetop Reheating
Place leftovers in a pot over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the gravy, as the dumplings will continue to absorb liquid during storage.
Microwave Method
Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals. Stir between each interval to ensure the heat is distributed evenly and the dumplings do not dry out.
Oven Heating
Transfer to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, adding a small amount of broth to maintain moisture.
Common Troubleshooting
Fixing Doughy Dumplings
If the center of the dumplings is still doughy, cook for an additional 15 minutes. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to trap the necessary heat.
Adjusting Overly Thick Gravy
If the gravy is too thick to pour, stir in 1/4 cup of warm chicken broth. Continue adding broth one tablespoon at a time until the consistency is smooth.
Correcting Bland Flavors
If the dish lacks flavor, add a pinch more salt or a dash of black pepper. A small squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors of the broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein?
You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result. Turkey breast is also a suitable alternative using the same quantities.
How do I store leftovers safely?
Store them in BPA-free plastic or glass containers in the fridge. Always ensure the food is cooled before sealing the lid to prevent condensation.
Can I add dairy for richness?
While the biscuits provide thickness, adding a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the end can increase the richness of the gravy.
What is the best alternative for canned biscuits?
You can use a simple homemade flour-and-butter dough. However, the texture will be denser and the gravy will not be as creamy as it is with canned biscuits.
Print
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a delicious rich and creamy comfort food perfect served on a cold or rainy day. The easy dumplings are made out of canned biscuits that make a thick and creamy gravy that tastes amazing. This easy crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe is made without canned soup.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 lbs boneless chicken
- 5 medium carrots (washed, peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1 medium onion (peeled and diced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic (minced)
- 5 to 6 medium dried bay leaves
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 cans canned biscuits
Instructions
- Step: Put the boneless chicken, sliced carrots, sliced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and bay leaves into an 8-quart crock pot.
- Step: Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or 5-6 on low, until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
- Step: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot, place them in a bowl, and use two forks to shred the meat.
- Step: Return shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir.
- Step: Cut the canned biscuits into cubes or strips, drop them into the crock pot, and stir.
- Step: Place the lid back on and cook for about 30-60 minutes or until the biscuits are cooked through the center.
Notes
If using bone-in chicken, strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer after cooking to remove bone fragments. Avoid using layered or butter-flavored biscuits for the best dumpling texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1578 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg