The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
We remember the first time a simple pot of dumplings made the whole house breathe easier. It felt like an embrace after a long day. Now we bring that comfort with a clear, buyer-first plan to make dumplings two ways: a hands-off crockpot method and a fast 4-ingredient option for busy nights.
We point to real products and prices—from Blackbird Farms’ pasture-raised Whole Broiler on sale to cost-savvy broth builders like backs and skin and leaf fat—so you know what to buy and when to save. We also lean on Stromberg’s century of know-how to guide smart gear choices that pay off over time.
We add a simple, restaurant-inspired twist: swap in Red Lobster biscuits for dumplings to get tender, savory results with no guesswork. Along the way we rate value cuts versus premium cuts for yield, broth richness, and convenience, helping you pick what fits your time, budget, and freezer space.
Key Takeaways
- Two clear recipe paths: crockpot comfort and a 4-ingredient quick plan.
- Use Blackbird Farms sale items and broth builders to stretch flavor per dollar.
- Invest in durable gear recommended by Stromberg’s for long-term value.
- Try Red Lobster biscuits as an easy, flavorful dumpling swap.
- Choose cuts based on yield, broth richness, and convenience for your goals.
Chicken – Poultry market at a glance: what we’re buying right now in the United States
Right now we’re steering our carts toward pasture-raised whole broilers and smart stock builders that stretch flavor for weeks.
We’re prioritizing whole broilers when they hit sale pricing—Blackbird Farms lists a Whole Broiler at Regular $22.99 and Sale $19.99. That single buy supplies meat for dumplings and carcasses for rich stock.
Present-time picks:
- Whole Broiler on sale ($19.99) for batch cooking and stock.
- Backs on sale ($3.99) and Skin & Leaf Fat ($4.99) to build broth body.
- Leg Quarters ($11.50), Drumsticks ($10.99), and Breast Filets ($11.99) to mix textures.
We watch wings at about $9.99 as a price signal; steady wing prices often mean whole-bird value is attractive. We also use Stromberg’s century of experience to justify investing in durable supplies that cut downtime and replacements.
Finally, Cackle Hatchery’s 252-result catalog suggests strong supply depth. Our rule: buy the cut that matches the cooking window, freeze stock builders on sale, and add a biscuit mix for the Red Lobster twist when you check out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LHGw6I46U4
Where we source great chicken and reliable poultry supplies
We source most of our birds and supplies where transparency and value meet—direct from trusted farms and century-old gear makers.
Farm-direct options:
Whole broilers, wings, leg quarters and more from Blackbird Farms
We buy farm-direct from Blackbird Farms for clear pricing and pasture-raised quality. A Whole Broiler at Regular $22.99 and Sale $19.99 gives us meat and bones for rich stock. Backs at $3.99 are our go-to broth builders. Skin and leaf fat at $4.99 helps finish dumplings and sauces.
We follow simple rules: “Fat is your friend” and “When in doubt, braise it.” These cues help us turn sale buys into freezer-ready stock and easy weeknight meals like Chicken and Dumplings.
Long-term gear you can trust
Stromberg’s century of experience guides our gear buys. We invest in thermometers, shears, and storage that last. That reduces replacements and keeps prep time predictable.
Hatchery landscape and supply signals
Cackle Hatchery’s 252 popularity-sorted entries show deep supply options. Broad hatchery depth means steadier availability for our planned cook cycles.
| Supplier | Key items & prices | Why we buy |
|---|---|---|
| Blackbird Farms | Whole Broiler $19.99 (sale), Backs $3.99, Skin & Leaf Fat $4.99 | Pasture-raised quality, bones for stock, budget-friendly stock builders |
| Stromberg’s | Thermometers, shears, storage solutions | Durability, lower long‑term cost, safer prep |
| Cackle Hatchery | 252 popular listings | Supply depth, reliable sourcing signals for market stability |
“Pasture-raised chicken isn’t too good to fry.”
Choosing the best cuts for Chicken and Dumplings: flavor, value, and yield
Picking the right cuts changes how rich and easy our dumplings turn out. We weigh price, stock payoff, and prep time so each batch fits the night ahead.
Whole broiler vs. mixed cuts: balancing price, richness, and convenience
We buy a whole broiler on sale (Blackbird Farms Whole Broiler Regular $22.99, Sale $19.99) when we want maximum value. One bird gives poached meat for dumplings and bones for stock—two wins from a single buy.
For quick weeknights we use boneless breast filets ($11.99). They shred cleanly in the crockpot and cut trimming time. When we want depth, leg quarters ($11.50) or drumsticks ($10.99) deliver darker meat and more collagen.
Backs, skin, and leaf fat: building broth body and silky texture
Fat is your friend. We add backs (Regular $8.99, Sale $3.99) to every stock batch for big body without overspending.
A spoon or two of skin and leaf fat ($4.99) at the finish emulsifies the broth into a silky mouthfeel. We salt after tasting—fat concentrates flavor and can mask needed seasoning.
Practical buys:
- Whole broiler on sale for weekend batch cooking and stock.
- Breast filets for the 4-ingredient fast plan.
- Backs and skin in the cart always for stock and finish.
The crockpot Chicken and Dumplings buying checklist
A smart grocery list sets the crockpot up for success before the lid ever goes on. We focus on buys that build broth, save time, and deliver shreddable meat.
What we add to cart
Protein: One Whole Broiler (preferably on sale at $19.99) or a mix of Leg Quarters and Drumsticks for rich, shreddable meat. Add extra Chicken Backs on sale ($3.99) to freeze as stock builders.
Aromatics & pantry: Onion, celery, carrot, garlic, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, and a quick thickener (flour or cornstarch). Keep biscuit dough or a mix on hand to cut into dumplings or swap in Red Lobster biscuits for the secret twist.
Set-and-forget success
Choose a 6–8 quart slow cooker for family portions; use 4–5 quart for couples. Larger pots prevent overcrowding when dumplings go in.
We use slow-cooker liners, a tight-fitting lid, quality kitchen shears, an instant-read thermometer, and a skimmer. Stromberg’s advice on durable gear saves time and replacements.
| Item | Why buy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Broiler / Leg Quarters | Meat + bones for stock | Buy on sale for batch cooking |
| Chicken Backs & Skin | Gelatin-rich body | Freeze extras for future stocks |
| Aromatics & Thickeners | Flavor base and texture | Salt after dumplings finish |
| Slow-cooker accessories | Ease and consistency | Use liners and an instant-read thermometer |
Our fast-track 4-ingredient Chicken and Dumplings plan
For busy weeknights we rely on a tight, four-item plan that still tastes like slow cooking.
Minimalist shopping list: protein, liquid, dough, and seasoning
What we buy: boneless breast filets from Blackbird Farms for quick shredding, one can or carton of quality stock, refrigerated biscuit dough, and salt & pepper.
We poach the breast gently in simmering stock, then shred and return the pieces to the pot. Drop biscuit pieces into the hot broth and simmer until fluffy.
When time permits, we boost the stock with a quick batch made from backs and finish with a teaspoon of reserved skin and leaf fat or a small knob of butter for sheen.
- Portions: 1–1.25 lb breast for a 4–5 qt pot; scale up for larger pots.
- Season last: salt and pepper after dumplings cook to avoid over-salting.
- Serve right away to keep dumplings tender.
“Keep one biscuit tube and a can of stock on standby—this playbook saves midweek nights.”
The secret twist: using Red Lobster biscuits for irresistible dumplings
A simple pantry swap—Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix—turns ordinary stew into a restaurant-style bowl. We use the boxed mix as dumpling dough to add cheddar, garlic, and herb flavor with no extra steps.
What to buy and how to swap
Buy one box of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix. Hydrate it per package directions, then drop spoonfuls into simmering broth instead of baking. They puff into tender, savory dumplings with that signature profile.
Pro move: pairing pasture-raised protein with tender biscuit dumplings
We pair the mix with pasture-raised meat from Blackbird Farms—Whole Broiler for depth or Breast Filets for speed. Anchor the pot with stock made from Chicken Backs so the gelatin helps dumplings cook evenly and hold their shape.
- Whisk in a spoon of Skin and Leaf Fat before adding dumplings for gloss and richness.
- Cook on LOW, switch to HIGH to simmer, then add dumplings for the final 20–30 minutes.
- Taste after dumplings finish; salt gently because the biscuit mix is already seasoned.
“Keep one box of the mix in the pantry—this high-impact upgrade saves time and lifts flavor.”
Serve with a quick grind of pepper and chopped parsley for color. This swap gives us restaurant-style Chicken and Dumplings with the same workflow and bigger flavor dividends.
Conclusion
Conclusion
This playbook moves you from cart to table with clear buys and fast wins.
We showed how to shop smarter: snag Blackbird Farms’ Whole Broiler on sale, stash backs and skin for rich stock, and pick cuts that match your time and texture goals.
Choose one of two paths—crockpot comfort or the 4-ingredient sprint—and add the Red Lobster biscuit mix to upgrade dumplings without extra work.
Act now: stock broth builders, pick your plan, and grab that Cheddar Bay mix. With Stromberg’s gear and Cackle Hatchery’s supply signal, our guide turns browsing into serving with speed and consistent flavor.
FAQ
What cuts of chicken should we buy for crockpot Chicken and Dumplings?
We recommend pasture-raised whole broilers or a mix of thighs and leg quarters for rich flavor and good yield. Thighs deliver moist, tender meat and better fat for the broth, while leg quarters give excellent value. For the lightest broth, use breasts but add a little skin or leaf fat to boost mouthfeel.
How do we source reliable poultry and supplies?
We shop farm-direct when possible — vendors like Blackbird Farms offer whole broilers and mixed cuts with transparent practices. For equipment and long-term gear, we trust established suppliers such as Stromberg. For chicks or hatchery needs, Cackle Hatchery is a widely used option that signals dependable sourcing.
Can we use store-bought biscuits for dumplings?
Yes. Using Red Lobster-style biscuits or refrigerated biscuit dough is a fast, flavorful swap that yields tender, restaurant-style dumplings. We add the biscuits late in the cook cycle so they steam through without overcooking the chicken.
What are the must-have pantry and stock items for a quick Chicken and Dumplings?
We keep chicken stock or good-quality broth, onions, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, and a simple herb like thyme on hand. A knob of leaf fat or butter improves body. For the minimalist 4-ingredient plan, we use protein, liquid, dough, and seasoning only.
How do we size a slow cooker for this recipe?
Choose a slow cooker that leaves about 2–3 inches of headspace. For a family of four, a 6-quart unit handles a whole broiler or several quarters. For batch cooking or entertaining, move up to an 8-quart. We prefer models with secure lids and programmable timers for set-and-forget success.
What gives the broth a silky texture and deep flavor?
Using backs, skin, and leaf fat during simmering builds body and a gelatinous mouthfeel. Slow extraction from those parts produces a richer stock than meat alone. We skim as needed and finish with a short reduction if we want extra intensity.
Are pasture-raised cuts worth the price premium?
We find pasture-raised cuts often deliver superior flavor and better texture, and they tend to yield a more flavorful broth. Over time, improved eating quality and ethical sourcing can justify the added cost for many shoppers.
How do we prevent the dumplings from getting soggy?
Add dumpling dough or biscuits near the end of the cook time and avoid over-stirring. We set the slow cooker to low or switch to warm once dumplings are cooked through to keep them tender without breaking apart.
Can we freeze Chicken and Dumplings, and how do we reheat it?
Yes. We freeze portions without dumplings for best texture and add fresh or refrigerated biscuit dough when reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently on the stove, and add dumplings to finish cooking for optimal results.
What accessories save time when making this dish?
We use slow-cooker liners for easy cleanup, a good digital thermometer to hit safe internal temperatures, and quality tongs for handling hot pieces. A fine-mesh strainer helps clarify stock if we prefer a clean broth.
