Quick & Cozy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with Cheddar Cheese Recipe

My recent crockpot chicken and dumplings with cheddar cheese adventure turned into a comfort food revelation.

Slow cooking creates magic in kitchens everywhere.

Rich, creamy textures blend with hearty ingredients that speak directly to hungry souls.

Cheese adds unexpected depth to this classic Southern dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestle beneath fluffy dumplings, promising warmth in every bite.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Savor each spoonful and let this recipe become your new favorite meal.

Why CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings with Cheddar Cheese Is Loved

• Slow cooker saves time and energy, allowing busy home cooks to prepare a hearty meal with minimal hands-on effort.
• Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and cheesy dumplings, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its comforting flavors.
• Utilizes affordable ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and basic pantry staples, making it an economical option for feeding a hungry family.
• Simplifies meal preparation by combining all ingredients in a single crockpot, reducing cleanup and making weeknight dinners stress-free.

Everything You Need for CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings with Cheddar Cheese

• Chicken: Tender, slow-cooked meat providing the main protein base for the hearty stew.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots: Aromatic vegetables adding depth, sweetness, and nutrition to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides robust flavor and aromatic base for the stew.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, flavorful liquid foundation for the stew.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy texture and enhanced chicken flavor.

• Flour: Provides structure and base for fluffy dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Helps dumplings rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates flaky texture in dumplings.
• Milk: Binds dumpling ingredients and provides moisture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and creamy texture to dumplings.

• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs providing aromatic and bright flavor notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

How to Slow Cook Chicken and Dumplings with Cheddar Cheese

Step 1: Kickstart the Chicken Base

• Boneless chicken
• Chicken broth
• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Cream of chicken soup
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until well mixed. Let it simmer on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken turns mouthwateringly tender.

Step 2: Transform Chicken

Pull out chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken back to the pot and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Craft Cheesy Dumpling Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slice cold butter into flour mixture until it looks like rough crumbs. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese. Gradually pour milk and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Crown the Chicken Stew

Drop dumpling mixture by spoonfuls onto chicken base. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes until dumplings puff up beautifully.

Step 5: Serve With Love

Scoop steaming chicken and fluffy dumplings into bowls. Sprinkle extra parsley on top if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings with Cheddar Cheese

• Prevent Tough Dumplings: Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough to keep them light and fluffy, as too much stirring can develop gluten and create dense, chewy results.
• Customize Cheese Flavor: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gruyère to add unique flavor dimensions to your dumplings.
• Maximize Chicken Tenderness: Cook chicken on low heat for a longer time to ensure maximum moisture and fall-apart texture that melts in your mouth.
• Adjust Thickness Easily: If the stew seems too thin, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow natural reduction and thickening.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch instead of cream of chicken soup to create a celiac-friendly version.

Reheating CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings Without Drying It Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dumplings separately from the stew.
• Pour leftovers into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Best Side Dishes for CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings

• Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in light apple cider vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy chicken and cheesy dumplings.
• Choose a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes that will harmonize with the cheddar's sharp undertones and complement the hearty chicken stew.
• Serve roasted garlic green beans or honey-glazed baby carrots alongside the dish to add vibrant color and provide a fresh vegetable contrast to the comforting stew.
• Select a craft amber ale or light wheat beer that offers malty sweetness to cut through the dish's creamy texture and enhance the overall dining experience.

Comforting Variations on Chicken and Dumplings with Cheese

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with dairy-free cream soup alternative. Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for dumpling preparation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Check that baking powder is certified gluten-free. Ensure chicken broth and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free certified brands.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Replace thyme and parsley with rosemary, sage, and fresh chives. Add dried Italian seasoning for deeper flavor profile. Include roasted garlic instead of minced fresh garlic for richer taste.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium chicken broth. Reduce added salt quantities. Select reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup. Incorporate fresh herbs to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.

Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings With Cheddar Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and dumplings with cheddar cheese dance with comfort in this classic slow cooker meal. Rich flavors and creamy textures invite home cooks to savor a soul-warming Southern classic that wraps warmth around hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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Poultry:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Base Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Dumpling Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup (115 grams) cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken, aromatics, and liquid seasonings in the crockpot, creating a rich foundational stew mixture. Ensure all components are thoroughly integrated and distribute evenly throughout the cooking vessel.
2. Allow the ingredients to slowly simmer and develop deep flavor profiles, letting the chicken become exceptionally tender and infused with herb-enhanced essence.
3. Carefully extract the fully cooked protein and delicately separate it into succulent, bite-sized fragments using two parallel utensils. Reincorporate the shredded meat into the surrounding liquid base.
4. Craft the dumpling mixture by blending dry ingredients, then incorporating cold butter until the texture resembles rustic, coarse granules. Gently fold in sharp cheddar cheese, then introduce milk to create a cohesive dough.
5. Delicately portion the dumpling mixture atop the bubbling chicken stew, creating rustic, cloud-like mounds across the surface.
6. Continue cooking until the dumplings transform into pillowy, golden-tinged parcels that have absorbed the surrounding savory liquid.
7. Present the completed dish immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh herbaceous sprinkles for an elevated visual and flavor dimension.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that shreds easily and absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Ensure dumplings are dropped gently onto the stew to prevent them from sinking too deeply, maintaining their fluffy texture.
• Grate extra sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor that adds depth to the dumpling mixture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use cornstarch to thicken the stew if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) / 3-4 hours (on high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg