Cozy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Slow-cooked comfort awaits in this delectable crockpot chicken and dumplings with cheddar cheese that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender chicken melds perfectly with creamy broth and soft, cheesy dumplings for an irresistible meal.

Southern-style cooking meets modern convenience in this one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Every spoonful delivers rich, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.

Fluffy dumplings soak up the savory sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Cheese adds a delightful twist to this classic dish, making it unexpectedly special.

Prepare to savor a meal that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)

Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken and Dumpling Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender protein base providing hearty foundation for the stew, choose boneless skinless breasts or thighs for easy shredding.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich liquid foundation, select low-sodium version for better flavor control.
• Onion: Adds deep aromatic base layer, fresh sweet onions work best.
• Celery: Introduces crisp vegetable texture and subtle earthy undertones.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides intense savory depth, fresh minced garlic recommended over jarred.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates creamy consistency and extra flavor complexity.
• Thyme: Delivers subtle herbal warmth, dried herbs work perfectly.
• Parsley: Offers fresh green brightness, can use fresh or dried.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle spicy kick, freshly ground preferred.

• Flour: Creates dumpling structure, all-purpose works best.
• Baking Powder: Helps dumplings rise and become fluffy.
• Cold Butter: Provides richness and flaky texture, must be chilled.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp tangy flavor, sharp variety recommended.
• Milk: Binds dumpling ingredients, whole milk creates most tender result.

Tools for This Comforting CrockPot Dinner

• Slow Cooker: Essential for creating tender chicken stew and perfectly cooked dumplings.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for preparing dumpling dough and combining ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry dumpling ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: Helps cut cold butter into flour mixture for flaky dumplings.
• Two Forks: Ideal for shredding cooked chicken easily.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients in the slow cooker.

How to Prepare Cheddar Chicken and Dumplings

• Kickstart the Hearty Stew

Toss chicken, broth, veggies, and seasonings into the crockpot. Let everything mingle and simmer slowly, creating a rich, comforting base that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Transform the Chicken

Gently pull apart the tender chicken with two forks, folding it back into the stewy goodness for maximum flavor distribution.

• Craft Cheesy Dumplings

Mix flour with dry ingredients, then cut in cold butter until it looks like chunky sand. Fold in sharp cheddar and just enough milk to create a soft, slightly sticky dough.

• Plop and Cook Dumplings

Carefully drop dollops of cheesy dough right on top of the bubbling stew. Cover and let them steam into fluffy, golden clouds of deliciousness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions into bowls, letting the dumplings sit proudly atop the comforting chicken mixture. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips to Keep Dumplings Fluffy and Flavorful

• Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry to the chicken stew for deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepare the chicken stew and dumpling mixture separately, refrigerate overnight, then combine and cook fresh for a time-saving meal prep strategy.
• Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free milk alternatives to create a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Experiment by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas to increase vegetable content and nutritional value of the comfort classic.

Ideas for Serving This Cozy Chicken Dish

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this hearty dish brings comfort and warmth to every bite.
• Weeknight Meal: Incredibly easy to prepare, this one-pot wonder saves time and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Leftover Love Transformation: Repurpose remaining chicken and dumplings into a delightful lunch by adding fresh greens or serving over rice for a quick next-day meal.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in individual bowls with extra cheddar sprinkled on top, paired with crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw for a satisfying spread that feeds hungry sports fans.

How to Store Chicken and Dumplings Well

• Prepare double the recipe and freeze half for quick future meals. Portion into airtight containers for easy grab-and-go dinners during busy weeks.
• Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dumplings and chicken stew together to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Freeze the chicken stew without dumplings for best results. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat, then add fresh dumplings for maximum taste and texture.
• Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy consistency of the dish.

FAQs

• What makes the dumplings fluffy?

The cold butter and minimal mixing create tender, light dumplings. Cutting the butter into the flour creates small pockets that help the dumplings rise and stay soft when cooking.

• Can I use different cheese in the dumplings?

Yes, sharp cheddar works best, but you can substitute with similar hard cheeses like monterey jack or gouda. Avoid soft cheeses that might change the dumpling texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should shred easily with two forks and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours ensures the meat is tender and thoroughly cooked.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. The chicken and dumplings reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain the dumpling’s texture.

Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings With Cheddar Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty CrockPot Chicken and Dumplings with Cheddar Cheese delivers comfort through southern-inspired slow cooking. Creamy chicken stew with cheesy dumplings provides a satisfying meal ready in mere hours.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ cup (115 g) cold butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Nestle chicken, aromatic vegetables, and liquid seasonings into the crockpot, ensuring thorough distribution and complete flavor integration.
2. Slow Cooking: Allow the mixture to gently simmer, transforming chicken into meltingly tender morsels infused with rich, herbaceous undertones.
3. Meat Preparation: Meticulously shred the cooked chicken using two forks, returning the delicate protein fragments back into the luxurious cooking liquid.
4. Dumpling Creation: Combine flour, baking powder, and seasonings, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese and milk, forming a soft, cohesive dough.
5. Dumpling Placement: Artfully drop dumpling mixture in rustic mounds across the simmering chicken stew, allowing each portion to rest gently on the surface.
6. Final Cooking: Continue simmering until dumplings puff into golden, pillowy clouds and absorb the surrounding savory essence, typically 30-40 minutes.
7. Serving: Ladle the steaming, comfort-laden dish into bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Prevent Overcrowding: Space out dumpling portions evenly across the crockpot surface to ensure each dumpling cooks uniformly and develops a light, fluffy texture.
• Control Moisture Levels: Add milk gradually to dumpling mixture, avoiding excess liquid that could make dumplings dense or soggy, maintaining an ideal tender consistency.
• Shred Chicken Strategically: Use two forks pulled in opposite directions when separating cooked chicken to create consistent, tender meat pieces that integrate smoothly into the stew.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose sharp cheddar with good melting properties to enhance dumpling flavor and prevent graininess, ensuring a creamy, rich taste profile throughout the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg