Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with Canned Biscuits

Experience the ultimate comfort food without the hassle of stovetop monitoring using this reliable slow cooker method. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples and refrigerated biscuit dough into a rich, velvety chicken stew that provides a satisfying meal for the entire family. It is a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you desire a home-cooked dinner but have limited time for active kitchen prep.

List of ingredients

• 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces each)
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped (or 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 4 large chicken breasts (boneless skinless, about 3 pounds)
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can Pillsbury Buttermilk Grands Biscuits (16.3 ounces)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

step-by-step instructions

1. Step: Spray the crockpot liner with non-stick spray or use a disposable liner.
2. Step: Combine the cream of chicken soup, onion, granulated garlic, bay leaves, parsley, salt and pepper in the crockpot liner and stir well.
3. Step: Add the chicken, pushing the pieces into the soup mixture until covered. Add the butter. Pour the broth in and place the lid on the crockpot.
4. Step: Cook on High for 4 hours.
5. Step: Slice each biscuit into 4 equal pieces, roll into a ball shape, and coat in flour. Set aside.
6. Step: Remove cooked chicken and bay leaves from crockpot. Discard bay leaves. Slice or shred the chicken, return to the slow cooker, and stir.
7. Step: Drop the biscuit balls into the crockpot, pushing them into the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 hours, or until the biscuits are cooked through.

Refining Your Slow Cooker Results

Why Coating Dumplings in Flour Matters

Coating your biscuit pieces in flour is a essential step for achieving the right consistency. The flour acts as a thickening agent for the sauce while simultaneously preventing the individual dumpling balls from sticking to one another during the cooking process. This produces a smooth, consistent gravy rather than a thin or overly separated liquid.

The Role of Temperature and Timing

Cooking on High ensures the chicken breaks down correctly, but keeping the lid closed is vital for the dumplings. Every time the lid is removed, precious steam escapes, which can significantly increase the cooking time required for the dough to set. Aim to keep the lid on as much as possible until you are ready to add the dumplings and for the final cooking phase.

Selecting the Best Chicken Cuts

While boneless skinless chicken breasts are specified, you can effectively use chicken thighs for a slightly higher fat content and more forgiving texture. Thighs are generally more resistant to drying out over long cook times in a slow cooker. If you choose to use thighs, ensure they are trimmed of any excess visible fat before adding them to the pot.

Customization and Flavor Adjustments

Incorporating Fresh or Frozen Vegetables

If you want to boost the nutritional profile, adding vegetables is a great approach. Carrots, celery, or peas work exceptionally well in this recipe and can be added alongside the onions in the beginning. Be aware that some vegetables release water as they cook, so you might need to adjust your broth amount by reducing it slightly if you use a large volume of water-heavy produce.

Alternative Thickening Strategies

If the final stew consistency is too thin for your preference after the biscuits are fully cooked, you can easily rectify it. Create a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water, then whisking it into the pot. Let the mixture heat for another ten to fifteen minutes to allow the cornstarch to activate and properly thicken the sauce.

Seasoning Balance Checks

About an hour before the dish is completely finished, perform a quick taste test of the sauce. Since the soups used as a base can vary in sodium levels, this is the perfect time to adjust your salt or pepper levels. Adding a small amount of extra dried herbs like thyme or savory can also brighten the flavors if the dish feels too muted.

Managing and Storing Leftovers

Optimal Container Choices

When storing your leftovers, choose airtight glass or plastic containers to maintain freshness for up to three days. It is important to let the stew cool to room temperature before securing the lid to prevent excessive condensation. This prevents the dumplings from turning into an unappealing, mushy consistency too quickly in the refrigerator.

Techniques for Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms up. If you prefer using a microwave, reheat in short thirty-second intervals, stirring gently between each cycle to ensure the chicken and dumplings heat evenly without overheating the sauce.

Managing Dumpling Texture

One common concern is that dumplings can become soggy if stored too long in the sauce. If you anticipate having many leftovers, you might consider storing the sauce and chicken separately from the dumplings if possible, though this is difficult in a slow cooker environment. Reheating gently is your best defense against texture loss.

Addressing Common Preparation Questions

Can I use different types of biscuit dough?

Yes, you can use various types of refrigerated biscuit dough, including crescent roll dough or different varieties of canned biscuits. Keep in mind that different doughs have different densities, so keep an eye on them after the first hour of the dumpling cooking phase to prevent overcooking. Flakier doughs tend to cook faster than standard buttermilk biscuits.

How do I tell if the dumplings are fully cooked?

You can check for doneness by carefully cutting one of the largest dumplings in half with a spoon. The center should be light, fluffy, and cooked through, with no raw or doughy sections visible. If they still look slightly gummy, they need a few more minutes of cooking time.

Is there a way to make this meal ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator, but do not add the dumplings until the actual day of cooking. Simply pull the insert out of the fridge, set it in the base, and start your slow cooker as normal. This provides a massive time advantage for early dinners.

What is the benefit of a disposable liner?

A disposable slow cooker liner saves significant time by preventing food from baking onto the ceramic surface. This means you do not have to scrub the pot after your meal is finished, allowing you to enjoy your evening instead of dealing with heavy cleanup. It is a highly recommended tool for busy households.

How can I ensure the sauce stays creamy?

Using full-fat cream of chicken soup helps ensure a rich, creamy sauce that does not easily break during the long cooking process. If you find the sauce is separating, a quick stir will usually bring the emulsion back together before serving. Avoid high-heat settings once the dumplings are added to prevent the dairy components in the soup from curdling.

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