There’s something truly heartwarming about the scent of a slow-cooked meal wafting through your home. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a treasure I discovered on a busy weeknight when I longed for something cozy yet effortless. With hearty chicken, vibrant veggies, and fluffy dumplings simmered in a creamy broth, this dish transforms any ordinary evening into a delightful family feast. Imagine returning home to find your kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma, ready to wrap you in warmth after a long day. Whether it’s a chilly winter night or just a day when fast food feels too mundane, this recipe allows you to enjoy a comforting, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Why is chicken and dumplings your go-to comfort food?
Comforting and Hearty: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with tender chicken and robust vegetables simmered to perfection.
Hands-Off Cooking: Simply place the ingredients in the slow cooker to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the fluffy dumplings soaked in rich broth, making it a hit at dinner time.
Versatile Options: Feel free to mix it up! Add your favorite vegetables or switch up the chicken cuts for varied flavors.
Enticing Aroma: Come home to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of this delightful dish, making the day’s stress melt away.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this cozy meal that brings everyone to the table!
Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients
For the Filling
• Thyme Sprigs – Adds aromatic flavor; fresh is preferred for a more robust taste.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the flavor of chicken and broth; use to taste.
• Black Pepper – Provides seasoning; use to taste on chicken and dumplings.
• Carrot – Adds sweetness and texture; cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
• Celery – Contributes crunch and flavor; diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 lb) – Main protein source; can substitute with thighs for juiciness.
• Frozen Peas (1 cup) – Adds color and nutrients; use frozen for convenience.
• Water (3 cups) – Base for the broth; helps create a saucy consistency.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (21 oz) – Provides creaminess; can use two cans of condensed soup as a substitute.
• Yellow Onion – Adds depth of flavor; diced into 1/2-inch pieces for even distribution.
• Garlic (5 cloves) – Imparts aroma and flavor; minced for even blending.
For the Dumplings
• Refrigerated Biscuits (1 can) – Forms the dumplings; any brand works.
Feel confident in gathering these ingredients for your chicken and dumplings—once you have them ready, you’ll be well on your way to a heartwarming dinner!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrot, and celery uniformly, then mince the garlic. This helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the diced vegetables, minced garlic, and thyme at the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top; this ensures the chicken absorbs all the aromatic goodness.
Add the Creamy Base: Pour the cream of chicken soup and water over the chicken, making sure it’s mostly submerged to create a rich, savory broth for your chicken and dumplings.
Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on High for about 2 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Shred the chicken directly in the cooker to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Combine and Season: Stir the shredded chicken back into the broth. Add the frozen peas and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. This step brings everything together beautifully.
Prepare the Dumplings: Cut each biscuit in half and arrange the halves on top of the mixture, leaving space between each piece to allow them to puff up while cooking.
First Dumpling Cook: Cook on High for an additional 30 minutes, then gently stir the mixture to distribute the biscuits evenly throughout the dish.
Final Cooking Time: Continue cooking on High for 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and golden brown. This gives you that perfect texture!
Optional: For a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chicken and Dumplings Variations
Feel free to embrace your creativity with this recipe and explore delightful twists that enhance flavors and textures.
Thighs Over Breasts: Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, deeper flavor that enhances the richness of the dish.
Vegetable Medley: Add an assortment of vegetables like green beans or corn for a colorful, nutrient-packed twist that brightens the dish.
Homemade Dumplings: Replace refrigerated biscuits with homemade dumplings for an authentic touch; they offer a fresher, more fluffy texture.
Herbs on Top: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving for an aromatic finish that elevates each comforting bite.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a gentle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth.
Creamy Variations: For an even richer taste, substitute half of the cream of chicken soup with a can of cream of mushroom soup.
Broth Boost: Adjust the broth with a splash of white wine for depth or use homemade broth for a more robust flavor.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar during the last cooking stages for a cheesy, gooey surprise in each dumpling.
Whichever variations you choose, enjoy the comforting embrace of this beloved dish!
What to Serve with Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings?
Transform your comforting dinner into a delightful meal experience with these perfect pairings that everyone will love.
Light Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing antidote to the creamy richness of the chicken and dumplings, this salad adds a crisp texture and bright flavors. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and a zesty vinaigrette for an extra kick.
Roasted Green Beans: Tender green beans roasted to perfection create a lovely contrast, adding a vibrant green hue and nourishing crunch that complements the savory dumplings beautifully.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks are not just for sopping up the delicious broth; they add a soothing texture and aromatic flavor that brings comfort to every bite.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Luxurious and comforting, these mashed potatoes create an indulgent combo with the soft dumplings. A drizzle of gravy can elevate this duo to sheer perfection.
Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous infused with fresh herbs provides a delightful burst of flavor, creating a nice balance to the heartiness of your dish while soaking up any leftover broth.
Sweet Corn Muffins: These muffins offer a sweet side to the savory dish, and their moist texture complements the saucy nature of the chicken and dumplings. Perfect for dipping!
Sparkling Apple Cider: A non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider carries a lovely sweetness and effervescence, making it an inviting drink that refreshes the palate between bites of your rich meal.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal with these classic treats! A warm, gooey cookie brings home that comforting, nostalgic vibe, completing the family dinner in heartwarming style.
Elevate your gathering with these accompaniments, and watch as your family savors each moment around the table!
Storage Tips for Chicken and Dumplings
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; be aware that the dumplings will absorb the broth over time, making the dish thicker.
Freezing: Not recommended due to potential texture changes; however, if necessary, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Expect the dumplings to change texture upon thawing.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding broth or water as needed for desired consistency. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings can save you valuable time on busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to keep everything fresh. Simply place your diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic in an airtight container, alongside the seasoned chicken, to maintain flavor and prevent browning. When you’re ready to cook, layer the veggies, add the chicken, cream of chicken soup, and water into the slow cooker, then follow the usual cooking instructions. This way, you can enjoy a hearty, homemade meal that’s just as delicious, with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Chicken and Dumplings
Monitor Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the chicken; check the temperature at 165°F to maintain juiciness and prevent dryness.
Space Dumplings: Ensure you leave ample space between biscuit halves to allow for proper steaming; this prevents gummy dumplings.
Stir Regularly: Stir your dumplings every 30 minutes during the final cooking phase to promote an even texture and ensure they cook through.
Adjust Broth Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or chicken broth while cooking for the perfect consistency.
Customization: Feel free to add your family’s favorite vegetables for a personal twist on this classic chicken and dumplings dish.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the perfect chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! For an unbeatable flavor and tenderness, I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts as your main protein. However, feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for richer taste and juiciness. Ensure the chicken pieces are fresh and have a pink color with no dark spots, which indicates they’re not past their prime.
What is the best way to store leftovers of chicken and dumplings?
Very! You can store your lovely leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind that the dumplings will absorb the broth over time, making the dish thicker. If you’re saving it for later, consider separating the dumplings from the broth to maintain their fluffiness.
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
While not highly recommended due to the potential changes in texture, you can freeze chicken and dumplings for up to 2 months if needed. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date for easy reference, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I do if my dumplings turn out gummy?
Oh no! If you ever find that your dumplings have become gummy, it’s often due to them being too close together while cooking or not having enough cooking time. To avoid this, ensure there’s space between each biscuit half and stir them every 30 minutes during the final cooking phase for even texture. If they still seem off, you can try adding a little more broth to loosen them up!
Are there any dietary considerations for chicken and dumplings?
Definitely! Always check for any allergies or dietary restrictions when cooking for others. The dish contains dairy from the cream of chicken soup and biscuits. For lactose intolerance, consider using a dairy-free substitute or making your own white sauce. Additionally, for pets, avoid sharing this dish, as ingredients like onions can be harmful to dogs and cats.
How long do I need to cook the chicken before shredding it?
Cooking the chicken on High for about 2 hours should suffice to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it’s cooked through—once it hits that temperature, shred it directly in the cooker for maximum flavor and juiciness!
Savory Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings for Cozy Nights
Equipment
- - Slow cooker
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts can substitute with thighs for juiciness
- 3 cups Water helps create a saucy consistency
- 21 oz Cream of Chicken Soup can use two cans of condensed soup as a substitute
- 1 Yellow Onion diced into 1/2-inch pieces for even distribution
- 5 cloves Garlic minced for even blending
- 1 cup Frozen Peas use frozen for convenience
- 1 Carrot cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking
- 1 Celery diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- Thyme Sprigs adds aromatic flavor; fresh is preferred
- Kosher Salt enhances the flavor of chicken and broth; use to taste
- Black Pepper provides seasoning; use to taste on chicken and dumplings
For the Dumplings
- 1 can Refrigerated Biscuits any brand works
Instructions
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Dice the onion, carrot, and celery uniformly, then mince the garlic.
- Place the diced vegetables, minced garlic, and thyme at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top.
- Pour the cream of chicken soup and water over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on High for about 2 hours.
- Shred the chicken directly in the cooker.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the broth and add the frozen peas.
- Cut each biscuit in half and arrange the halves on top of the mixture.
- Cook on High for an additional 30 minutes.
- Continue cooking on High for 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.