Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken and dumplings to evoke warmth and nostalgia. This classic comfort food, reimagined for the slow cooker, delivers tender pieces of chicken, pillowy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a cozy meal on a chilly day, this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is the answer.

Table of Contents

• About This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
• Recipe Variations
• Nutrition Information
• Serving and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• More Slow Cooker Comfort Food Recipes

About This Recipe

Slow cooker chicken and dumplings is a hearty dish rooted in American Southern cuisine. By adapting this recipe for the slow cooker, you get all the classic flavors with less hands-on time. Prep is simple, and the result is a rich meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Creamy chicken, soft and fluffy dumplings, and aromatic vegetables come together for a dish that soothes the soul.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this satisfying recipe. For best results, use high-quality, fresh ingredients.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 4 pieces).
• Vegetables: Chopped onion (1 medium), optional diced carrots and celery for added flavor and nutrition.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth.
• Condensed Soup: Cream of chicken soup offers creaminess; cream of celery or mushroom can be used as an alternative or in addition.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Enough to cover the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, dried thyme or oregano, and bay leaf (optional).
• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: This shortcut creates simple dumplings. Homemade dumpling dough may also be used.
• Frozen Peas: Stirred in at the end for color and texture (optional).

Ingredient Table

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Assemble Ingredients: Place the chopped onion at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange chicken pieces on top.
2. Add Soup and Butter: Spoon the condensed soup over the chicken and scatter the butter in small pieces.
3. Pour Broth: Add enough chicken broth or water to barely cover the chicken and onion mixture. Stir gently to combine.
4. Season: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you prefer (thyme, oregano, or a bay leaf).
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken pieces with tongs and shred them. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
7. Add Vegetables: If using carrots, celery, or peas, add them at this stage for the last hour of cooking.
8. Add Dumplings: Open the package of biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters or small bite-size pieces. Drop the dough pieces directly into the slow cooker, spacing them evenly over the chicken mixture.
9. Cook Dumplings: Replace the lid and continue to cook on high for 1 to 2 hours more, stirring occasionally to ensure the dumplings don’t stick. Dumplings are done when they’re puffed and no longer doughy in the center.
10. Finish and Serve: Stir in frozen peas if desired, then let them heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, ladling chicken, dumplings, and gravy into bowls.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

• Don’t Overfill the Pot: Dumplings need space to expand as they cook. Ensure your slow cooker isn’t filled above two-thirds capacity.
• Avoid Opening the Lid Often: Every time you open the slow cooker, heat escapes, which can prolong cooking and affect dumpling texture.
• Cut Biscuits Evenly: Uniform biscuit pieces will cook at the same rate, preventing undercooked or overly doughy dumplings.
• Customize with Vegetables: While onion is classic, adding carrots, celery, or peas introduces more nutrition and color.
• For Creamier Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, silkier broth.
• Go Homemade: If you prefer from-scratch dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to create a simple dough instead of using biscuit dough.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to personalize this slow cooker favorite:

• Lighten It Up: Use low-sodium broth and reduced-fat or low-sodium condensed soup. Swap butter for olive oil.
• Boost the Flavor: Stir in chopped garlic, fresh herbs, or a dash of smoked paprika.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or homemade gluten-free dumpling mix.
• Try Different Meats: Turkey or a combination of turkey and chicken works well, especially with Thanksgiving leftovers.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with hearty mushrooms, jackfruit, or plant-based chicken alternatives.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition values will vary depending on brands and specific ingredients used.

Serving and Storage

• Serving Suggestions: Serve your slow cooker chicken and dumplings in deep bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.
• Side Dishes: Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Dumplings may continue to absorb moisture, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen the consistency.
• Freezing: You can freeze chicken and dumplings, though dumplings may change texture slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze just the chicken and sauce, then make fresh dumplings when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for quick shredding and tenderness. Thighs provide a slightly richer flavor, while breasts are leaner options.

Can I make this with homemade dumplings instead of biscuit dough?

Absolutely! Prepare your favorite dumpling dough from scratch and drop spoonfuls onto the simmering chicken mixture in the last hour or so of cooking.

Should the biscuit dough be cooked before adding?

No, place the raw dough directly onto the hot chicken mixture. The steam and residual heat will cook and puff up the dumplings perfectly.

How can I make this meal ahead of time?

Assemble all ingredients (except biscuit dough and peas) in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. When ready, cook according to recipe directions and add biscuits as described.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 7 quarts) to accommodate all ingredients, especially the expanding dumplings.

Why are my dumplings gummy or undercooked?

This may occur if the dumplings are crowded, cut too large, or if the slow cooker lid is opened too often. Stir gently to submerge biscuits and ensure even cooking.

More Slow Cooker Comfort Food Recipes

• Slow-Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Chicken: Juicy chicken slow-cooked with garlic and parmesan cheese for rich, savory flavor.
• Slow-Cooker Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken: A lighter take on creamy chicken with fresh herbs and a splash of citrus.
• Slow-Cooker Chicken & Potato Soup: Hearty soup loaded with chicken, potatoes, and vegetables—easy to prep and perfect for chilly nights.
• Slow-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi: Tender meatballs and pillowy gnocchi in a flavorful tomato sauce.
• Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo: Creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce envelopes chicken and pasta for a true comfort dish.

Share Your Experience

Did you try this recipe? Let us—and fellow home cooks—know how it turned out in the comments! Share your tips, tweaks, or favorite pairings for this crowd-pleaser.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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