This slow cooker chicken and dumplings dish is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful broth come together in the slow cooker, offering a warm and filling meal perfect for any time of the year. The rich flavors and tender texture make it a cozy favorite.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker transform into a hearty, soul-warming meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it after a long day, this recipe guarantees to deliver both comfort and satisfaction.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup carrots, sliced
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1/2 cup celery, sliced
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 can (16 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough (for dumplings)
Directions:
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Place the chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, carrots, celery, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker.
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Cut the biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them on top of the soup mixture in the slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the dumplings are fully cooked through.
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Once the dumplings are ready, serve the chicken and dumplings hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Comfort of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
When it comes to comforting, hearty meals, few dishes evoke the warmth and satisfaction of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings. This dish is beloved by many for its rich, comforting flavors and its ease of preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone looking to explore the world of slow cooking, this dish is a perfect choice for anyone craving something hearty and satisfying.
This comforting recipe is made even more appealing by the fact that it’s a slow cooker dish. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, making the chicken incredibly tender and the dumplings light and fluffy. It’s the type of meal that seems to make everyone feel at home, no matter where they are.
A Brief History of Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a dish that has been around for centuries, with roots in both European and American cooking traditions. While the dish’s exact origins are debated, many food historians trace it back to Europe, where dumplings were commonly paired with stews and soups. In the United States, chicken and dumplings became popular as a comforting, affordable meal, especially in the South, where it has since become a staple in many households.
The slow cooker version of chicken and dumplings was likely born out of the desire for a more hands-off approach to cooking. Slow cookers, or Crock-Pots, were introduced in the 1970s, and quickly became popular for dishes like this one that benefit from long, slow cooking. The slow cooker version of chicken and dumplings allows the chicken to cook gently, making it incredibly tender and juicy, while the dumplings soak up all the flavors of the broth, creating a dish that’s even more flavorful and satisfying than traditional methods.
Why Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is Perfect for Any Meal
One of the main reasons why Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is such a favorite dish is because it is a true comfort food. Comfort food, by definition, is food that brings a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and satisfaction, and this dish certainly checks all those boxes. The creamy, savory broth paired with the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings makes this dish an irresistible option for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal occasions.
This dish is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors to fit your personal preferences. If you like things a bit spicier, you can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can opt for a lower-fat cream of chicken soup or swap out some of the ingredients to make it more wholesome. Regardless of the variations, the beauty of this dish is that it remains comforting, flavorful, and easy to make.
Health Benefits of Chicken and Dumplings
While comfort food is often associated with indulgence, Chicken and Dumplings can still be part of a balanced, healthy diet if made with a few modifications. The dish provides a great source of lean protein thanks to the chicken, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The carrots and celery offer fiber and a variety of vitamins, including Vitamin A and Vitamin K, which are important for eye health and overall immunity.
If you opt for whole-wheat dumplings or add in extra vegetables, you can further increase the nutritional value of this dish. Additionally, making it in the slow cooker often results in less added fat, as the dish relies on natural flavors from the chicken, broth, and vegetables, rather than being fried or heavily laden with oils. This makes it a hearty yet relatively light meal, especially when served with a side of greens or a fresh salad.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Making the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out flavorful and satisfying every time:
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Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor and richness, consider using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. The bones release collagen, which adds richness to the broth. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken, that’s fine too, but bone-in adds an extra depth of flavor.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Be sure to leave some space for the dumplings to expand and cook properly. If you crowd the slow cooker too much, the dumplings may not have room to puff up and might end up dense or soggy.
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Season Well: While the cream of chicken soup adds plenty of flavor, don’t forget to season your dish with salt, pepper, and other herbs. Thyme, parsley, and garlic powder are great additions. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce can give the dish a nice kick.
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Add Dumplings at the Right Time: Dumplings should be added toward the end of cooking to ensure they cook through but don’t get soggy. If you add them too early, they might fall apart or become too dense. A good rule of thumb is to add them in the last 1-2 hours of cooking.
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Serve with Fresh Herbs: For a pop of color and freshness, top your chicken and dumplings with freshly chopped parsley or thyme just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the dish look even more inviting.
Variations to Try
Chicken and Dumplings is a versatile dish, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes. For example, if you’re looking to make the dish a bit heartier, consider adding potatoes or parsnips along with the carrots and celery. You could also experiment with different types of dumplings, such as using cornbread dumplings for a Southern twist or adding herbs like rosemary or sage to the dough for more flavor.
For a richer broth, you could use a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream. If you want to make it lighter, you can use a low-fat or fat-free version of the cream of chicken soup or make your own using a roux of flour and milk.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings a Family Favorite
One of the best aspects of this dish is how easy it is to make, making it perfect for busy families. Simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, set it on low, and let it cook throughout the day. By dinnertime, your house will smell delicious, and you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal ready to go. The fact that it can be made in the slow cooker also means that it frees up your time, allowing you to focus on other things, such as spending time with loved ones or catching up on other tasks.
Another great feature of this dish is how it can be easily scaled up or down depending on the size of your family. If you’re cooking for just two people, you can easily halve the recipe, or if you’re preparing a large family meal or feeding a crowd, you can double the ingredients to make more servings.
Conclusion: A Dish That Warms the Soul
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s a classic comfort food that provides a sense of warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or making it for a gathering of friends, this dish is sure to please. Its simple ingredients, rich flavors, and easy preparation make it a go-to for busy cooks, and its versatility allows it to be tailored to different tastes and dietary preferences.
In the end, Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a source of comfort, and a reminder that sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest ones. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a meal that will fill both your belly and your heart, give Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings a try. It’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.