Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
- Layer the crockpot: Place the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the bottom of the CrockPot.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and poultry seasoning. Lay the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Add broth: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring the liquid covers the chicken. If you prefer a creamier base, add the can of cream of chicken soup and stir it gently.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Step 2: Make the Dumplings
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the CrockPot and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and if you like, stir in the frozen peas for added texture and color.
Step 4: Add the Dumplings
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the CrockPot. The dough will expand, so make each spoonful about the size of a heaping tablespoon.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings into bowls. Make sure to get plenty of the flavorful broth in each serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Optional Variations
- Herbed Dumplings: Add chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme to the dumpling dough for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in other vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms to make it more nutritious.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the soup and dumplings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. Slow cooking makes the chicken tender and the flavors meld beautifully together. The dumplings are light, fluffy, and soak up the creamy broth perfectly, creating a dish that’s hearty, warming, and satisfying for any occasion.
Enjoy this delicious, cozy meal with your loved ones, and let the CrockPot do all the work!