You’ve probably tasted chicken and dumplings, but have you ever tried making it in a slow cooker? Imagine tender chicken and soft dumplings, all simmering together in a deliciously seasoned broth. It’s not just a comforting dish, but also a time-saver, especially for those hectic weekdays. With few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have it cooking while you’re out and about. But how does the dumpling become so fluffy and light in a slow cooker, you wonder? Well, that’s a little culinary secret you’ll love to discover.
History
Chicken and dumplings, the dish you’ve come to love, has a rich history that dates back to the early United States. Originating in the Southern region, it was a reliable staple during harsh economic times. You see, it’s a dish concocted from easily accessible, inexpensive ingredients, yet it delivers a satisfying, hearty meal that fills you up just right.
While the exact origin isn’t known, it’s largely believed that the recipe was brought over by the British, who have a similar dish. Yet, the Southern version you’re familiar with was improvised during the Great Depression, when folks had to make do with what they had. Flour was more available than meat, so dumplings bulked up the meal, making it stretch further.
In essence, this dish represents resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to conjure comfort from the simplest of ingredients. It’s no wonder you’ve come to love it! Even today, it remains a beloved dish across the States, and recipes, like the slow cooker version, have adapted to modern lifestyles. It’s a reflection of the dish’s enduring appeal and its rooted place in American culinary history.
Recipe Cooking Steps
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty and delicious meal. With only five simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for those busy days when you just don’t have the time to stand in the kitchen for hours. Just prepare the ingredients, put them in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. When you’re ready to eat, you’ll have a mouth-watering meal waiting for you.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and robust flavors. The chicken is wonderfully tender after slow cooking in the creamy soup, and the dumplings absorb all the delicious flavors, making every bite a delight. This dish is the perfect combination of satisfying textures and flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 packages of refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup of water
To start, place the chicken, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, and water into the slow cooker, mixing everything together. Set the slow cooker on low and let it cook for about 5-6 hours. When there’s about an hour left to cook, tear the biscuit dough into small pieces and add them to the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and let it cook for an additional hour, or until the dough is no longer raw in the center.
A few tips to remember when preparing this dish: make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they cook more evenly in the slow cooker. Don’t fret over making perfect dumplings with the biscuit dough, as they will expand and become fluffy as they cook. Finally, keep in mind that every slow cooker is different, so cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific model. Enjoy this comforting meal!
Step 1. Initial Slow Cooker Preparation
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and have them ready at hand. You’ll need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, two cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, one finely chopped onion, two packages of refrigerated biscuit dough, and a cup of water.
Now, onto your slow cooker. You might be tempted to throw everything in at once, but hold back on that biscuit dough for now; we’re focusing on the initial preparation. Take your chicken, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, and water and place them all into your slow cooker. Don’t be shy, give it a good mix until everything’s combined.
Once that’s done, you’re going to set your slow cooker on low. This dish needs a good long cook, so settle in for a 5-6 hour wait. This slow cooking process will make your chicken incredibly tender and let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 2. Adding Biscuit Dough to Mixture
Wondering what to do with that biscuit dough? Now that your slow cooker’s been simmering for a while, it’s time to introduce the dumplings. This key ingredient will transform your chicken dish into a comfort food classic.
Grab your refrigerated biscuit dough and start tearing it into small pieces. Don’t worry about getting them all the same size, a little variety will add to the homestyle appeal of your dish. Once you have your dough torn, gently place the pieces on top of your simmering chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure to distribute them evenly to allow for proper cooking.
Here’s a tip: don’t stir the dough pieces into the mixture. Let them sit on top, where they can absorb the flavors while slowly cooking. This technique will give your dumplings the perfect texture – not too doughy, not too dry.
Once you’ve added all your biscuit dough pieces, cover the slow cooker again. You’re now one step closer to a satisfying meal of slow cooker chicken and dumplings. Patience is key in this stage, as the dumplings need time to cook thoroughly. Enjoy this process, you’re doing great!
Step 3. Dough Expansion and Cooking
As the dough pieces begin to cook in your slow cooker, they’ll expand and soak up the rich flavors of the chicken mixture. This is a vital step, transforming simple biscuit dough into fluffy, flavorful dumplings. It’s a fascinating process, really. The heat from the slow cooker causes the dough to rise, while the moisture from the soup seeps into every nook and cranny.
Don’t be alarmed if it seems like your dumplings are taking over! That’s natural. As they expand, they’ll push against each other, creating that classic, crowded dumpling look we all love. Although they might jostle for space, there’s enough room for each one to cook thoroughly.
During this phase, resist the urge to stir. It’s tempting, but unnecessary. Any movement can cause the dumplings to break apart, leaving you with a starchy mess rather than distinct dumplings. So, let them be. Remember, patience is key in slow cooking.
Step 4. Dumpling’s Final Cooking Stage
Get ready for the final cooking stage of your dumplings. After your chicken mixture has been bubbling away for about 5-6 hours in your slow cooker, it’s time to add the biscuit dough. You’ve already torn this dough into small pieces, remember? Now, lay them gently on top of your chicken mixture. Try to spread them evenly so they can cook uniformly.
You’ll notice the dough pieces start to puff up a little. That’s exactly what you want! They’re absorbing the flavors of the chicken and the soup, transforming into fluffy dumplings with a savory punch. Don’t be tempted to stir them into the mixture, though. They need to steam on top.
Next, you’ll cover your slow cooker again, leaving your dumplings to cook for about an hour. They should be firm to the touch, but not hard. If they’re still a bit gooey or raw in the middle, give them another 15-20 minutes. Remember, patience is key in slow cooking. When your dumplings are finally done, they’ll be the perfect, fluffy complement to your tender chicken. Now, aren’t you glad you waited?
Step 5. Dough’s Final Cooking Hour
After you’ve added your biscuit dough pieces to the chicken mixture, you’re entering the final stretch of the cooking process. Now, it’s a waiting game. The heat and steam inside the slow cooker will do the hard work for you, transforming that dough into fluffy, mouthwatering dumplings.
As you wait, you might start to notice the tantalizing aroma wafting from your slow cooker. This is the moment where your patience is truly tested. But remember, good things come to those who wait. Here are some emotions you might experience:
- Anticipation: Your kitchen is filled with a comforting smell that’s hard to resist.
- Excitement: You’re nearing the end of the cooking process, and a delightful meal awaits.
- Satisfaction: Knowing you’re creating a homemade meal, full of flavor and love.
- Impatience: It’s tough to wait, but that’s part of the magic of slow cooking.
- Joy: The final reveal of your chicken and dumplings is worth every minute.
When the hour is up, and your dumplings are fully cooked, you’ll realize that the waiting was indeed worthwhile. Enjoy every bite of your delicious, home-cooked meal.
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Final Thoughts
Though you might initially think that Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a dish beyond your culinary capabilities, you’ll soon discover it’s wonderfully simple and forgiving. This is a meal that’s straightforward to prepare, yet delivers a satisfyingly rich flavor, making it a perfect dish for those busy days or when you just want to enjoy a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
The slow cooker does the majority of the work for you, tenderizing the chicken and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The dumplings, which might seem challenging, are just torn pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough. They’ll transform in the slow cooker into fluffy, delicious dumplings that perfectly complement the creamy chicken soup.
