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Crockpot Cheddar Bacon Chicken and Dumplings

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This easy one-pot crockpot cheddar bacon chicken and dumplings recipe features juicy chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fluffy biscuit dumplings in a creamy, comforting broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort meal with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced into coins
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for dumplings)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chop bacon and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  2. Dice onion, mince garlic, slice carrots, and dice celery. Set aside.
  3. Add chicken to the bottom of the crockpot. Top with cooked bacon, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  6. Remove chicken pieces and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
  7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and, if using, sour cream. Mix until melted and smooth. Add peas or hot sauce if desired.
  8. Open biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. In a bowl, toss biscuit pieces with cheddar and parsley.
  9. Arrange dumplings on top of the stew in an even layer.
  10. Cover and cook on HIGH for 45-60 minutes, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Check at 45 minutes; if still doughy, cook another 10-15 minutes.
  11. Ladle into bowls, ensuring each serving gets chicken, veggies, broth, bacon, and dumplings. Garnish with extra parsley or cheddar if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheddar. Don’t overcrowd dumplings and keep the lid closed while cooking them. Adjust liquid as needed for your crockpot. To make gluten-free, use GF biscuit dough. The stew base freezes well; add fresh dumplings when reheating. You can customize with extra veggies, different cheeses, or turkey bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, chicken and dumplings, cheddar, bacon, slow cooker, comfort food, one pot, easy dinner, family meal, creamy, biscuit dumplings

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crockpot-cheddar-bacon-chicken-and-dumplings-recipe-easy-one-pot-comfort-meal/