Every time I make this CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings, it reminds me of Sunday dinners with my family. The delightful aroma wafting through the house takes me back to those cherished moments spent around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter. There’s something so comforting about a hearty meal like this, simmering away, waiting to embrace you. If you have never tried it, I promise once you do, you’ll feel the same warmth and joy!
How to make CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: The onion adds a beautiful layer of sweetness and flavor.
- 1 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup: This is the magic ingredient that brings it all together, creating a creamy, dreamy base.
- 1 10-ounce can cheddar cheese soup: This adds a wonderful cheesy richness that your family will love.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: A little herbal touch that brightens up the entire dish!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic?
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick and depth of flavor.
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: Thighs keep the dish juicy and tender.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Essential for creating the flavorful sauce we want.
- 1 16-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed: A great way to add color, nutrition, and ease to the recipe.
I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary—it makes the chicken smell and taste amazing! If you prefer, feel free to swap any veggies in or out based on what your family enjoys. You can customize this according to your preferences!
Cooking Steps:
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Prepare Your Calendar: First, ensure you have enough time to let your CrockPot do its magic—set aside 6-7 hours on the low setting or 3-4 hours on high.
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Sauté the Onion (Optional): If you like a little extra depth of flavor, consider sautéing your diced onion in a pan just until it’s translucent before adding it to the CrockPot. This step is optional but adds a nice touch!
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Mix the Soups: Grab your CrockPot and add the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup. Stir them together until it’s all well-combined and creamy.
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Season It Up: Toss in the dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. These spices will infuse the dish with so much flavor!
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Add Chicken: Carefully add the chicken thighs to the mixture, making sure they’re coated well. I always like to mix things gently so everything stays together.
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Pour in the Broth: Bring in the chicken broth to give your dish the needed moisture. This is where the magic happens—let it all blend together!
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Set It and Forget It: Cover your CrockPot and set it to either low or high, depending on your time frame.
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Approximately 30 Minutes Before Serving: This is an exciting step! Stir in your mixed vegetables. They only need about half an hour to cook tenderly alongside those delicious chicken pieces.
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Final Touches: As you near the finish line, give everything a good stir before serving. If you like, you can garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese on top.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Chicken and Dumplings into bowls and watch as everyone digs in with satisfied smiles.
Why I Love Making This Dish:
This dish is special to me because it embodies comfort, warmth, and love all in one. I remember the first time I made it for my husband; it was a chilly October evening, and I needed something hearty to warm us up. As soon as he took a bite, his eyes lit up, and I knew I had scored big time! We’ve since made it a go-to recipe during colder months. The smiles on my family’s faces remind me of why I love cooking so much.
What You’ll Need:
To make this recipe successful, you’ll only need a few tools. A good-quality CrockPot is essential; it’s your best friend in this case! A mixing spoon, measuring cups, and bowls to prep your veggies will keep things orderly in your kitchen as you prepare this delightful meal. Trust me, the experience is effortless, and the cleanup is worth it!
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Use bone-in chicken thighs if you can find them; they offer a richer flavor than boneless.
- Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. Rosemary, thyme, or even a bit of parsley sprinkled on top before serving adds a lovely touch.
- Adjust the texture by adding more broth if you prefer a soupier meal or let it cook longer for thicker dumplings.
- I also like to throw in a Bay Leaf while cooking for that extra depth. Just remember to remove it before serving!
Serving Suggestions and Sides:
CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings is quite filling on its own, so I usually pair it with a light green salad or some homemade cornbread on the side to soak up any extra sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little slather of honey butter on your cornbread makes it irresistible!
Leftovers:
Let’s talk leftovers! I mean, it’s the hardest part of cooking—making sure you enjoy it over multiple days. After everyone has had their fill, simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can either microwave a bowl or heat it gently on the stove until warmed through. If it thickens up too much, just add a splash of chicken broth, and it’ll be just as delicious as the first serving!
FAQ Section:
Q: Can I use boneless chicken? A: You can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and bone-in is always juicier!
Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? A: Absolutely! Just make sure to add them into the mix a little earlier so they have time to soften.
Q: What can I substitute for the cheese soup? A: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can try using a cream of chicken soup or another creamy soup variety. They all work beautifully!
Q: How long will it last in the fridge? A: Leftovers will be fine in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to store them properly.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly? A: Yes! You can freeze the Chicken and Dumplings. Just let it cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and it should last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time! There’s nothing quite like filling your home with the warmth of home-cooked meals and joyful laughter. Happy cooking!