Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these provide the main protein for the dish.

Onion: Chopped onion adds a depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness.

Chicken broth: This liquid base helps to cook the chicken and adds a savory flavor.

Cream of chicken soup: A canned soup that adds creaminess and richness to the dish.

Cream of celery soup: Another canned soup that complements the cream of chicken soup and adds extra flavor.

Peas and carrots: Frozen vegetables that add color and nutrition.

Thyme: A dried herb that adds a subtle earthy flavor.

Biscuit dough: Refrigerated dough that will be cut into pieces and added to the slow cooker to create dumplings.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When shredding the chicken, use two forks to pull the meat apart gently. This ensures that the chicken is evenly shredded and will mix well with the other ingredients. Additionally, when adding the biscuit dough, make sure to cut it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help the dumplings cook through properly and absorb the flavors of the broth.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and remain tender during slow cooking.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the dish.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor and to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.

• cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup offers a similar creamy texture with a different but complementary flavor.

• cream of celery soup - Substitute with cream of potato soup: Cream of potato soup provides a similar creamy consistency and a mild flavor.

• frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables: Mixed vegetables add variety and additional nutrients to the dish.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary offers a robust, earthy flavor that pairs well with chicken.

• refrigerated biscuit dough - Substitute with homemade dumpling dough: Homemade dumpling dough can be customized for texture and flavor, and avoids preservatives.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can reduce the need for additional salt.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a milder heat and a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the slow cooker chicken and dumplings to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the chicken and dumplings to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that is appropriately sized to minimize air space.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• For freezing, portion the chicken and dumplings into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.

• Use freezer-safe bags or containers. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

• Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the dish has been stored and ensures you use it within a safe timeframe.

• Freeze for up to 3 months. While the chicken and vegetables will maintain their quality, the biscuits may become slightly softer after freezing and reheating.

• To reheat, thaw the chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.

• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the leftover chicken and dumplings to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.

• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place a portion of the leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer the stovetop, transfer the leftovers to a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

• For those with an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the leftovers in an air fryer-safe dish and heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even heating.

• If you have a slow cooker, you can reheat the leftovers on the low setting. Add a bit of chicken broth to keep it moist and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

• Slow cooker: This is the primary cooking device for this recipe, allowing the chicken and other ingredients to cook slowly and develop rich flavors.

• Cutting board: Use this to safely chop the onion and any other ingredients that need cutting.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion and cutting the biscuit dough into small pieces.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the chicken broth and frozen peas and carrots.

• Can opener: Required to open the cans of cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup.

• Mixing spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients together in the slow cooker.

• Forks: Needed to shred the chicken breasts after they have cooked.

• Kitchen timer: Helpful to keep track of the cooking times, both for the initial 6 hours and the additional 30 minutes for the biscuits.

Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by using pre-chopped onions from the store instead of chopping them yourself.

Opt for rotisserie chicken: Substitute rotisserie chicken for raw chicken breasts to cut down on cooking time.

Frozen vegetables: Use frozen peas and carrots to skip the washing and chopping.

Pre-made biscuit dough: Use pre-made biscuit dough to avoid making dumplings from scratch.

Cook on high: If in a hurry, cook on high setting for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6 hours.