Easy Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings With Canned Biscuits For Family Dinners
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. This easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for busy families who want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using canned biscuits for the dumplings makes this dish incredibly simple and quick to prepare, while still delivering on flavor and satisfaction. Gather your family around the table and enjoy this classic dish that is sure to become a favorite!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 cans (16 ounces each) refrigerated biscuit dough
Instructions
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Gently fold the biscuit pieces into the chicken mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the biscuit dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Once the dumplings are ready, give the mixture a gentle stir. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
This easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is a game-changer for busy families. The slow cooker allows for hands-off cooking, which means you can set it and forget it while you tackle other tasks. The combination of cream of chicken soup and chicken broth creates a luscious, savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.
The use of canned biscuits simplifies the dumpling-making process significantly. Traditional dumplings can be time-consuming, but with this shortcut, you get the same comforting texture with minimal effort. This recipe is also versatile; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or seasonings to customize it to your family’s taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can elevate your family dinner by pairing it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken and dumplings.
For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables. Roasted carrots or green beans add color and nutrition to your dinner plate. This easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a comforting meal prep option for the week ahead.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so tasty), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and dumplings in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can customize this dish with other vegetables such as diced potatoes, green beans, or even spinach. Just be mindful of the cooking times for each vegetable.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own biscuit dough, it will work just as well. Just cut the dough into pieces and follow the same instructions for adding them to the slow cooker.
Is this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of canned biscuits and cream of chicken soup. However, you can find gluten-free alternatives for both ingredients at your local grocery store.
Conclusion
This easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings with canned biscuits is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to your family dinners. It’s a simple recipe that anyone can master, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re in need of a soul-soothing meal. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Try it for dinner tonight, and experience the joy of homemade comfort food!
