Easy Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe (Guide)

ByAmy

Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings. This dish is the epitome of cozy cooking-the kind that makes you want to curl up under a blanket with a steaming bowl and forget the world outside. But here’s the beauty of this particular recipe: it’s made in the slow cooker. That means you get all the rich, homey flavors without the stress of standing over a stove for hours.

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Slow cooker chicken and dumplings is perfect for:

  • Busy weekdays when you want a wholesome meal ready when you walk in the door.
  • Family gatherings or Sunday dinners where comfort food reigns supreme.
  • Cooking in batches and freezing portions for later indulgence.

And trust me, the magic happens when the tender chicken mingles with creamy broth and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. By the time dinner is ready, your house will smell like pure comfort, and your taste buds will be in heaven.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe

This recipe is not just easy-it’s practically foolproof. Even if you’ve never made dumplings before, you’ll find yourself impressed by how effortlessly the flavors come together. The chicken cooks low and slow, absorbing the seasonings, while the dumplings steam gently on top, puffing up perfectly.

The result?

  • Juicy, tender chicken that practically falls apart.
  • A rich, flavorful broth that coats the dumplings.
  • Dumplings that are soft, light, and slightly chewy in all the right ways.

It’s a one-pot meal that’s both hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly nights or any day you need a little culinary hug.

Ingredient List

Before we dive into cooking, let’s talk about the ingredients. These are simple, accessible, and can usually be found in your pantry or local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For The Chicken And Broth

  • 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For The Dumplings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or milk substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional: A splash of cream at the end for extra richness.

Instruction Guide

Here’s the step-by-step process. Don’t worry-it’s simple, but I’ll give you all the tips to make it foolproof:

  1. Prepare The Chicken And Vegetables

    • Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
    • Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
    • Pour in the chicken broth.

  2. Cook Low And Slow

    • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

  3. Shred The Chicken

    • Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
    • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.

  4. Make The Dumplings

    • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • Stir in milk and melted butter until a sticky dough forms.

  5. Add Dumplings To The Slow Cooker

    • Drop spoonfuls of dough directly onto the simmering chicken and broth mixture.
    • Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes without lifting the lid-this helps the dumplings steam properly.

  6. Finishing Touches

    • Optional: stir in a splash of cream for extra richness.
    • Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Serve hot, straight from the slow cooker. You’ll have a steaming, hearty, soul-satisfying meal ready in no time.

Ingredient Swaps

Don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for? No problem! You can tweak this recipe without sacrificing flavor:

  • Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat, or use a mix.
  • Vegetables: Try adding peas, green beans, or mushrooms for extra flavor and color.
  • Milk: Use almond, oat, or soy milk if you need a dairy-free option.
  • Flour: Whole wheat flour works for the dumplings, but expect a slightly denser texture.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can replace or complement the dried ones.

Helpful Tips

Here are some insider tips to get the best results:

  • Don’t lift the lid while dumplings cook: It lets the steam escape, which can make dumplings dense instead of fluffy.
  • Shred chicken carefully: This ensures it absorbs the flavors fully.
  • Check seasoning: Slow-cooked dishes sometimes need a little extra salt or pepper at the end.
  • Thickness adjustment: If the broth is too thin after cooking, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water and cook a few more minutes to thicken.

Customization Ideas

Want to make this dish uniquely yours? Here’s how you can elevate it:

  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Cheesy dumplings: Fold in shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the dumpling dough.
  • Herbal twist: Use fresh tarragon, basil, or oregano for a new flavor profile.
  • Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream just before serving.
  • Veggie-packed: Boost nutrition with spinach, kale, or zucchini ribbons added in the last 20 minutes of cooking.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For An Easy Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe?

You will typically need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, frozen or fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, and peas, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade dumpling dough, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken In A Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will increase the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Chicken And Dumplings In A Slow Cooker?

Cooking time typically ranges from 4 to 5 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat, depending on the thickness of the chicken and your slow cooker model.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuits or dumpling dough and ensuring that the cream of chicken soup and other processed ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Should The Dumplings Be Added At The Beginning Or End Of Cooking?

Dumplings should generally be added during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking on low heat or 20-25 minutes on high heat so that they cook through without becoming soggy.

Can I Use Homemade Chicken Broth Instead Of Store-bought?

Absolutely. Homemade chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the dish and can be used in equal amounts as a substitute for store-bought broth.

How Can I Make The Dish Creamier Without Using Heavy Cream?

You can achieve a creamy texture by adding a can of cream of chicken soup, a mixture of cornstarch and milk, or using evaporated milk. This will thicken the broth and create a rich consistency.

Can Leftovers Be Stored And Reheated?

Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent the dumplings from becoming too dense.

Is It Possible To Add Other Vegetables Or Ingredients?

Yes, you can customize the recipe with additional vegetables like potatoes, corn, green beans, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of cooking times for denser vegetables, which may require pre-cooking.

How Do I Prevent The Dumplings From Sticking Together In The Slow Cooker?

To prevent sticking, space the dumplings evenly on top of the simmering broth and avoid stirring them after they are added. Lightly brushing them with melted butter or oil before adding can also help.

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