Indulge in Comfort with Southern Chicken & Dumplings
Welcome, friends! Are you looking for a cozy and comforting meal to warm your soul on a chilly night? Look no further than this crock pot Southern chicken and dumplings recipe. This classic Southern dish is the epitome of comfort food, a bowl of tender chicken in a rich and creamy broth, studded with fluffy dumplings that will melt in your mouth like butter.
Picture yourself coming home after a long day, tired and hungry. You open the door and are greeted by the aroma of slow-cooked chicken, fragrant thyme, and onions mingling together in perfect harmony. You know that soon you’ll be savoring the tenderness of the chicken and the creamy richness of the soup that surrounds it.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. You just add the ingredients to your crock pot, set it on low, and let it simmer for hours while you go about your day. Then, about 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve it up, you add some dumplings made from biscuit dough and let them cook up into pillowy perfection.
So come along with me on this journey into soul-soothing Southern cuisine. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your heart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Y’all listen up now, ’cause I’m about to tell you why you’re gonna fall in love with this Crock Pot Southern Chicken & Dumplings recipe. Sure, there are plenty of recipes out there for chicken and dumplings, but none quite like this one. Trust me, I’ve tried ’em all.
First off, let’s talk about the chicken. We’re talking boneless, skinless chicken thighs here, folks. They’re not only cheaper than chicken breasts, but they’re also way juicier and more succulent. You want that tender meat falling apart in your mouth like it ain’t got no bones? Then go with the thighs.
Now let’s talk about those dumplings. None of that canned biscuit nonsense in this recipe. No sir! We’re making our own dumplings from scratch with a simple baking mix and milk dough. It’s easy as pie (or should I say biscuits?) and damn near foolproof.
And don’t forget about all those veggies — carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery — adding some serious depth of flavor to this southern-style classic. Plus, who doesn’t love a little green in their meals? A handful of frozen baby peas thrown in towards the end will do just the trick.
But the real reason why you’ll love this recipe? It’s all about that slow cooker magic, y’all. Just toss everything in and let it cook low and slow for 4 hours while you go on about your day. The pot does all the work for you while you get to sit back and relax (or, you know, do some other important stuff).
And finally, have you ever had a bowl of creamy and steamy chicken and dumplings on a chilly night? Good Lord that’s soul-warming stuff right there. This recipe is pure comfort food at its finest, perfect for those cold winter nights when you need something that feels like a warm hug from your grandma.
So go ahead, give this Crock Pot Southern Chicken & Dumplings recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you for it.
Ingredient List
As any good cook knows, the right ingredients are the key to successful dish. In this recipe, you will need a mixture of fresh and canned items that, when combined, create a delicious comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. Here is the list of ingredients needed to make these oh-so-good Crock Pot Southern Chicken & Dumplings:
The Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Veggies and Spices
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 cup of chopped potatoes
- 1 cup of frozen baby peas
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Dumplings
- 2 cups of baking mix
- 2/3 cups of milk
With these ingredients, you will create a hearty and flavorful slow-cooker meal that would satisfy any hunger pang.
The Recipe How-To
Once you have prepared all the ingredients and the slow cooker is ready, it’s time to start preparing this classic Southern-style chicken dumplings recipe.
Step 1: Add chicken broth and cream of chicken soup
To start with, add the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup into the slow cooker. Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Add vegetables and spices
Once the soup mix is ready, add carrots, onion, celery, potatoes, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together.
Step 3: Add boneless chicken thighs
Add boneless skinless chicken thighs into the mixture. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
Step 4: Add frozen baby peas and dumplings
After four hours on low heat or two hours on high heat, add frozen baby peas to the slow cooker. While stirring, add chicken dumplings one by one to ensure they don’t stick to each other.
Step 5: Cook for an additional hour
Cover and cook the mixture for an additional hour on high heat. Check if the dumplings are cooked through by sticking a toothpick into them. If they come out clean, then your dish is ready to serve!
This easy crock pot recipe is perfect for days when you want a classic Southern dish without too much effort in the kitchen. Enjoy this creamy chicken and dumpling soup for lunch or dinner with some homemade biscuits or flat dumplings.
Substitutions and Variations
Listen up, folks! I know some of you might be picky eaters or have dietary restrictions. But don’t fret, there are substitutions and variations for this recipe that will make it just as finger-lickin’ good.
If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, you can swap them for boneless skinless chicken breasts. The cook time should remain the same on low heat for four hours. The result will be just as tasty.
Looking for a creamier taste? Try substituting the chicken broth with canned cream of chicken soup. It’ll add that extra oomph to the dish.
For those who want to add more veggies to the mix, feel free to toss in some diced celery and onions along with the carrots and potatoes. This mixture will give this southern dish more depth and flavor.
Not a fan of making homemade dumplings? No problem at all. Canned biscuits are a great substitute for dumplings. Just take your canned biscuit dough, roll it out thin like flat dumplings and cut them into strips to add into the crock pot.
Last but not least, if you’re looking for something heartier or just want to switch up the type of dumplings used, try using old-fashioned chicken and rolled dumplings instead of chicken dumplings made from baking mix.
All in all, these variations and substitutions allow you to cater this recipe to your individual taste buds. So go ahead and get creative!
Serving and Pairing
Southern-style cuisine is all about comfort and simplicity, and this Crock Pot Southern Chicken & Dumplings Recipe is the epitome of that heartwarming and soul-nourishing goodness. Once your slow cooker has worked its magic and the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve up a big bowl of this classic southern dish.
For the ultimate dining experience, serve your chicken and dumplings hot and steaming in a deep bowl. Feel free to garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper or thyme leaves for an extra pop of flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, including fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try serving your chicken dumplings alongside a colorful garden salad, crisp green beans or glazed carrots. The combination of tender chicken with creamy broth and soft dumplings is truly irresistible, making it the perfect meal any time of year.
For a traditional southern-style dessert that will complement this comforting dish perfectly, consider serving up some old-fashioned peach cobbler or sweet potato pie. Indulge in the rich flavors and warm memories of old-fashioned soul food with this easy crockpot chicken dumplings recipe.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re looking for a recipe that can be made ahead of time and reheated later, then look no further than this crockpot southern chicken and dumplings recipe. This slow-cooked dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also one of the best comfort food recipes around.
Making this recipe ahead of time is a great idea for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays where you want to relax and save time on dinner preparations. The good news is that this recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before reheating to ensure everything heats up evenly.
To reheat your chicken and dumplings, simply transfer it into a microwavable dish and heat it on high for 2 minutes, stirring once in between. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop by adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the mixture before heating through.
If you find that your chicken and dumplings have thickened up too much after storing, don’t worry! You can easily thin it out by adding additional broth or milk to achieve the desired consistency. Just be sure not to overheat as this can cause the milk to curdle and alter the flavor of your dish.
Overall, this dish is perfect for those who want a comforting meal that can be enjoyed anytime with minimal effort. Whether you make it ahead of time or store leftovers for later, you’ll always have a hearty meal at your fingertips.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let me give you some tips for perfect results with this crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe. Listen up, y’all.
First off, to really enhance the flavor of the dish, I recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The thighs are juicier and more flavorful than the breasts, in my opinion. Trust me on this one.
Secondly, if you want your dumplings to be more tender and fluffy, try using baking mix instead of flour in the recipe. The baking mix has a higher protein content than plain flour, which helps give it that light and fluffy texture we all love.
Next up, when it comes to thickening the soup base, be sure to add cornstarch slowly and make sure it is fully dissolved before adding more. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to add some extra seasoning to the dish. A little extra pepper and thyme can really bring out the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
If you’re short on time and need to speed up the cooking process, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of low for 4 hours. However, keep in mind that lower and slower is often better for allowing flavors to develop fully.
Lastly, when making your dumpling dough, don’t overwork it. You want to gently combine the ingredients until just mixed – overworking can lead to tough dumplings.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have a delicious soulful southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe that your family will beg for again and again.
FAQ
Before you start cooking this delicious slow cooker southern chicken & dumplings recipe, you might have some questions or doubts about the process. Don’t worry, I’m here to clarify all your concerns and help you master this soul food dish. Keep reading for some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is the difference between Southern and northern chicken and dumplings?
There are two types of dumplings: southern and northern. The difference lies in the ingredients used and the cooking method. Southern dumplings are prepared with shortening and cooked in the broth, while northern dumplings, also known as butter dumplings, are steamed on top of the pot and made with butter.
When should I put my dumplings in a slow cooker?
Making dumplings for your southern-style casserole couldn’t be easier! With only three ingredients, you can add them to your slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. Just pop them on top of your already simmering casserole and let them work their magic.
What is the best thickener for chicken and dumplings?
When making the classic Southern-style dish of chicken and dumplings, it’s important to achieve the perfect consistency. To make it a bit thicker and heartier, there’s a great trick that involves using cornstarch. First, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of cool water until it’s well combined. Then, allow the soup to come back to a rolling boil before carefully stirring in the cornstarch mixture. This will help thicken up the chicken and dumplings, giving them a rich and satisfying texture.
How do you thicken chicken and dumplings in a crock pot?
When working with chicken and dumplings, it’s important to thicken up the soup base before you add the dumplings. To do this, add 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch into some milk or the liquid from the crockpot and whisk until well combined. This will create the perfect thickness for your delicious southern-style dish.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks! If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s easy to make, then this Crock Pot Southern Chicken & Dumplings Recipe is the way to go. Whether you’re a fan of soul food or just looking for a new recipe to try out, this classic southern dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I can tell you that this recipe has all the flavors you could want in a comfort food dish. It’s packed with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory veggies that’ll warm you up from the inside out.
And best of all, this recipe can be customized to your liking. You can add more veggies or seasonings based on your taste preferences, and even substitute some of the ingredients for healthier options. With so much flexibility, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
So what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather up the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy an easy crock pot meal that’ll leave you feeling happy and satisfied. Trust me when I say that once you’ve tasted these Southern-style chicken and dumplings, you’ll never go back to anything else!
Crock Pot Southern Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 potato, peeled and chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 (9 ounce) package frozen baby peas
- 1 1/2 cups baking mix
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- In a 3-4 quart crock pot, mix potato and carrots.
- In medium bowl, combine chicken broth, flour and spices and blend well until smooth.
- Pour over vegetables in crock pot.
- Add chicken.
- Cover crock pot.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in center.
- Add peas and cover again.
- Cook on HIGH for 20 minutes until peas are hot.
- In small bowl, combine baking mix and milk and mix just until combined.
- Do not over mix.
- Drop by tablespoons onto hot chicken mixture in crock pot.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-25 minutes until dumplings are cooked through, are fluffy, and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.