There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. This classic dish is the epitome of cozy, home-cooked goodness, perfect for any night of the week. Imagine tender chicken and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection in a creamy broth, topped with fluffy, pillowy dumplings. This recipe is designed to bring that sense of calm and satisfaction right to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy mom or just love delicious, effortless meals, this Chicken and Dumplings recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients Overview:
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: Provides a rich, creamy base for the stew.
- 1 box container chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor to the dish.
- 2 chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these will shred beautifully after cooking.
- Frozen veggies: Convenient and nutritious, adding color and texture.
- 1/2 medium diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the savory flavor.
- Garlic & onion powder: Essential seasonings for depth of flavor.
- 2 tsp butter (not margarine): Adds richness and a silky texture.
- 1 roll original Grands biscuit dough: Rolled into quarter-size pieces to create the perfect dumplings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Chop Onion: Dice 1/2 of a medium onion finely.
- Chicken Preparation: Ensure chicken breasts are thawed and ready to cook.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- Add Liquids: Pour 1 can of cream of chicken soup and 1 box of chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Incorporate Chicken: Place the 2 chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add Veggies and Onion: Mix in the frozen vegetables and diced onion.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder to taste. Add salt and pepper if desired.
- Add Butter: Drop in 2 teaspoons of butter.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the chicken is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare Dumplings
- Roll Biscuit Dough: About an hour before serving, roll the Grands biscuit dough into quarter-sized balls.
- Add Dumplings: Gently place the dough balls on top of the stew in the slow cooker.
- Finish Cooking: Cover and cook for the remaining hour, allowing the dumplings to puff up and cook through.
Step 5: Serve
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken breasts before serving.
- Enjoy: Ladle the chicken, vegetables, broth, and dumplings into bowls and enjoy your hearty meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Helpful Tips for Enhancing the Recipe
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh thyme or parsley at the end can brighten the flavors.
- Add a Splash of Cream: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasonings before adding the dumplings to ensure the perfect balance.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, homemade chicken broth adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Try Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Include Fresh Vegetables: Add fresh carrots, celery, and peas for added texture and nutrition.
- Use Garlic Butter: Substitute regular butter with garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pre-Sauté Onions: Sauté the onions in butter before adding them to the slow cooker for a sweeter, caramelized flavor.
- Adjust Dumpling Size: Make smaller or larger dumplings based on your preference.
- Add a Bay Leaf: For added depth, include a bay leaf during cooking (remember to remove it before serving).
Popular Questions and Answers
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and add extra flavor and tenderness.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot? Yes, use the slow cooker function or pressure cook for about 20 minutes, then add the dumplings and cook on the sauté function until done.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
Can I make the dumplings from scratch? Absolutely! Homemade dumplings are delicious. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then stir in 1/2 cup of milk and drop spoonfuls into the stew.
How can I thicken the broth? Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew during the last hour of cooking.
Can I use fresh vegetables? Yes, fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and celery work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free? Use a dairy-free cream soup substitute and margarine or oil instead of butter.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What other seasonings can I add? Experiment with paprika, rosemary, or a dash of hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy? Ensure the dumplings sit on top of the stew and aren’t submerged in the liquid.
Secrets for Achieving Culinary Perfection
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables and herbs for the best flavor.
- Proper Seasoning: Season each layer of your dish as you cook to build a rich, balanced flavor.
- Even Dumplings: Roll the biscuit dough evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd Dumplings: Give the dumplings space to expand and cook through properly.
- Quality Chicken: Use high-quality chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Slow Cooker Size: Ensure your slow cooker isn’t overcrowded to allow even cooking.
- Taste Test: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Gentle Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently to maintain the dish’s creamy texture.
- Consistent Cuts: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Layering Flavors: Add ingredients in stages to develop a deeper flavor.
- Resting Time: Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Use Chicken with Skin: If possible, use skin-on chicken for added flavor, removing the skin before serving if desired.
- Creamy Broth: Stir occasionally during the last hour to ensure a consistent creamy texture.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the slow cooker towards the end to prevent overcooking.
- Fluffy Dumplings: Ensure dumplings are placed on top of the stew without mixing to keep them fluffy.
Enjoy this comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe, crafted to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dining table. Happy cooking!
