Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Cozy Comfort

The aroma of tender chicken simmering with fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a chilly day. Slow cooker chicken and dumplings is one of those recipes that brings people together, filling your kitchen with the kind of warmth and comfort only homemade food can provide. I discovered this recipe during a long winter weekend, experimenting with ways to recreate my grandma’s classic dish without spending hours at the stove. Trust me, this slow cooker version is just as delicious and way easier on busy days.

If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or lazy Sundays, this recipe is for you. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a slow cooker doing most of the work, it’s a no-fuss meal that delivers all the flavor and nostalgia you could ask for. Let’s dive into the magic of this cozy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and hands-off: The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, so you can focus on other things while dinner cooks itself.
• Perfectly comforting: This dish is the culinary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft dumplings are pure comfort food.
• Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of the items in your pantry or fridge, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Family-approved: Kids and adults alike love this dish—it’s hearty, flavorful, and feels like home.
• Customizable: Whether you want to add extra veggies or tweak the seasoning, this recipe is flexible and forgiving.

What sets this recipe apart is the ease of preparation combined with the incredible depth of flavor. Unlike the stovetop version, you won’t be tethered to the kitchen, yet the slow cooker works its magic to create a dish that’s just as rich and satisfying. Plus, the dumplings cook directly in the broth, soaking up all that delicious flavor!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and a comforting texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. They become tender and shred easily after slow cooking.
• Chicken broth: Use a high-quality broth for the best flavor. Homemade or store-bought works well.
• Cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and richness to the dish. You can use a low-sodium or gluten-free version if needed.
• Vegetables: Diced carrots, celery, and onion bring flavor and color to the dish.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper are simple yet effective for enhancing the flavor.
• Biscuit dough: Refrigerated canned biscuit dough is the secret to quick, fluffy dumplings. You can also use homemade dough if you prefer.
• Milk: A splash of milk makes the broth creamier.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences. For instance, you can swap the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative or add extra veggies like peas or green beans.

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, but you can adjust for smaller or larger sizes.
• Cutting board: For chopping your veggies and prepping the chicken.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting veggies quick and easy.
• Tongs: Handy for removing and shredding the cooked chicken.
• Mixing bowl: You’ll need a bowl for combining the biscuit dough and milk.

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking or use a Dutch oven for similar results. Just keep an eye on the simmering broth to avoid overcooking.

Preparation Method

1. Prep the ingredients: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Cut the chicken into large chunks for even cooking.
2. Add to the slow cooker: Place the chicken, vegetables, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything evenly.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
4. Shred the chicken: Use tongs to remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the slow cooker.
5. Add the dumplings: Cut the biscuit dough into small pieces (about 1-inch size) and mix them with a splash of milk in a bowl. Drop the dough pieces directly into the broth.
6. Cook the dumplings: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
7. Finish and serve: Stir the broth gently to incorporate the dumplings. Ladle into bowls and serve warm!

Pro tip: If your dumplings sink and don’t look fully cooked, give them a few more minutes. They puff up beautifully once they’ve absorbed enough steam from the broth.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t skip shredding: Shredding the chicken ensures every bite is tender and mixes perfectly with the creamy broth.
• Use fresh veggies: While frozen veggies can work in a pinch, fresh ones give the best flavor and texture.
• Keep the lid on: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain the slow cooker’s temperature and steam.
• Customize the broth: For extra richness, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
• Watch the dumplings: Make sure they’re fully cooked before serving—undercooked dumplings can be doughy.

These tips are based on my many trials to perfect this recipe. Trust me, following these little tricks makes all the difference!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap the biscuit dough for gluten-free dumpling dough.
• Vegetarian twist: Replace the chicken with diced mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for some heat.
• Seasonal veggies: In summer, you can add fresh zucchini or corn. In winter, stick with root vegetables like parsnips.
• Homemade dumplings: Skip the biscuit dough and prepare dumplings from scratch for a more traditional feel.

My personal favorite? Adding fresh rosemary to the broth for a fragrant twist—it’s subtle but makes the dish feel extra special.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this dish hot and fresh, ladled into bowls for maximum coziness. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal. For drinks, consider a tall glass of iced tea or a warm mug of apple cider—both complement the flavors beautifully.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer gently on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just note that the dumplings may change texture slightly upon reheating.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is packed with protein and comforting flavors. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 12g

Chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables add vitamins and fiber. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium broth and soup. This dish is hearty yet balanced, making it a great option for a wholesome dinner.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken and dumplings is the kind of recipe that brings joy to your table and comfort to your soul. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a leisurely family dinner, it’s a dish that never disappoints. I love how effortless it is to prepare, yet the flavors taste like you’ve been cooking all day.

Try this recipe and make it your own—add your favorite herbs, sneak in extra veggies, or serve it with your go-to sides. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below or share your adaptations. Happy cooking, and here’s to cozy meals that make the day better!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup and skip the milk in the dumplings.

What’s the best way to thicken the broth?

If you prefer a thicker broth, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Certainly! Simmer the chicken and broth on medium heat, and cook the dumplings directly in the pot for about 20 minutes.

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