Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken broth: A flavorful liquid base that enhances the taste of the dish.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these provide the protein and become tender when cooked slowly.

Carrots: Chopped for sweetness and color, they add a nutritious element.

Celery: Chopped for a subtle crunch and aromatic flavor.

Onion: Chopped to add depth and savory notes to the dish.

Thyme: A dried herb that adds earthy and slightly minty flavors.

Rosemary: A dried herb that contributes a pine-like aroma and flavor.

Cream of chicken soup: A canned soup that adds creaminess and enhances the chicken flavor.

Refrigerated biscuit dough: Pre-made dough that simplifies the process of making dumplings.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar savory base while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative.

• chopped carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips offer a sweet and earthy flavor similar to carrots, adding depth to the dish.

• chopped celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a subtle anise flavor and a similar crunchy texture to celery.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and add a touch of sweetness, enhancing the dish's flavor profile.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Oregano offers a robust and slightly peppery flavor, complementing the other herbs in the recipe.

• dried rosemary - Substitute with dried sage: Sage has a warm and earthy flavor that pairs well with poultry dishes.

• cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup provides a similar creamy texture and umami flavor, suitable for the dish.

• refrigerated biscuit dough - Substitute with homemade dumpling dough: Homemade dumpling dough allows for customization in texture and flavor, offering a more traditional dumpling experience.

• Allow the slow cooker chicken and dumplings to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess.

• Transfer the chicken and dumplings into airtight containers. For best results, use containers that are just the right size to minimize air exposure, which helps in preserving the flavors.

• If you plan to enjoy the leftovers within the next few days, store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. Portion the chicken and dumplings into freezer-safe bags or containers. This allows you to thaw only what you need later, reducing waste.

• When using freezer bags, lay them flat in the freezer. This not only saves space but also speeds up the thawing process when you're ready to enjoy your meal again.

• Label your containers or bags with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long they've been stored and ensures you consume them while they're still at their best.

• To reheat, thaw the chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, warm them gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

• If reheating in the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely to prevent splatters. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed.

• For an extra burst of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. This can elevate the flavors and give your leftovers a just-cooked feel.

• Gently reheat your slow cooker chicken and dumplings on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick, keeping it moist and flavorful.

• Use the microwave for a quick fix. Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power. Stir halfway through to distribute the heat evenly, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are warmed through.

• For a more oven-baked approach, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture of the biscuit dough pieces.

• If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the dumplings separately to regain some of their original crispness. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the dumplings for about 3-5 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the rest of the dish using one of the other methods.

• For those who love a bit of adventure, try reheating in a steamer. Place the chicken and dumplings in a heatproof dish and set it in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the gentle heat to revive the dish without losing moisture.

• Slow cooker: A countertop electrical appliance that cooks food slowly at a low temperature, perfect for making dishes like chicken and dumplings.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients such as chicken broth.

• Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting, especially useful for preparing vegetables.

• Forks: Used to shred the cooked chicken into smaller pieces.

• Mixing spoon: Handy for stirring ingredients together, such as when combining the cream of chicken soup and biscuit dough with the rest of the dish.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop carrots, celery, and onion the night before and store them in the fridge to save time in the morning.

Use rotisserie chicken: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to skip the shredding step.

Quick biscuit hack: Use pre-cut refrigerated biscuit dough to eliminate the need for cutting, saving a few extra minutes.

High setting advantage: Opt for the high setting on your slow cooker to cut down cooking time by a few hours.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.