As the chilly breeze gusts outside, I can’t help but crave that heartwarming embrace of a classic dish. Enter my Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, a perfect remedy for those crisp evenings. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a cozy masterpiece, with tender chicken mingling with savory veggies and fluffy dumplings. One of the best parts? It's ready with minimal fuss, allowing you to focus on life while the slow cooker does all the magic. Plus, it’s a great treat for the entire family, ensuring everyone leaves the table happily stuffed. Curious how to create this comforting bowl of goodness? Let's dive in!
Why is this dish a must-try?
Comforting Memory: This Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings delivers the nostalgic warmth of home-cooked meals. Effortless Preparation: Just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic while you relax. Flavor Explosion: Savory chicken and creamy broth combine with fluffy dumplings for an undeniably satisfying experience. Customizable Options: Add your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress! For more comforting recipes, don't miss out on our hearty soup collection for those chilly nights!
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients
For the Chicken and Soup Base
• Chicken Breasts (bone-in, skin-on) – Provides rich flavor and moisture to the broth; substitute with boneless for quicker cooking, but adjust seasoning for flavor.
• Onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the soup base; use yellow or white onion; shallots could be an alternative for a milder taste.
• Celery – Contributes crunch and aromatic flavor; you can add optional green bell pepper for an extra twist.
• Carrots – Offers sweetness and vibrant color; can substitute with parsnips for a unique flavor profile.
• Chicken Stock – The base liquid that builds rich flavors; opt for low-sodium to control salt levels in your Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – Enhances creaminess and depth; can use a homemade or gluten-free version for dietary needs.
• Cream of Celery Soup – Adds a subtle flavor and creaminess; substitute with more chicken soup or consider making a homemade version.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings; using sea salt can work as a substitute to enhance flavor.
• Dried Thyme – Provides herbal notes that elevate the dish; fresh thyme could be used and increase the quantity slightly as it’s more potent.
For the Dumplings
• All-Purpose Flour – This ingredient is essential for dumpling structure; use gluten-free flour as a substitute, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.
• Baking Powder – Key leavening agent for fluffy dumplings; ensure freshness as it loses potency over time.
• Butter – Adds richness to the dumplings; cold butter is crucial for achieving a tender texture.
• Milk – Moistens the dumpling dough; any dairy or non-dairy milk can be used depending on your preferences.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow-Cooker Chicken And Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Vegetables
Start by placing the bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Next, layer the chopped onion, celery, and carrots on top of the chicken, creating a colorful and aromatic foundation. The fresh vegetables will infuse the broth with flavor as everything cooks together.
Step 2: Mix the Broth
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated. The mixture should be smooth and aromatic, ready for the slow cooking magic to begin.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the Low setting for 6-7 hours, or on High for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork; the flavors will meld beautifully during this time. As it cooks, enjoy the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While the chicken is cooking, make the dumpling dough by mixing the all-purpose flour, remaining kosher salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable, setting the stage for fluffy dumplings.
Step 5: Roll and Cut Dumplings
Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove the lid and gently roll the dumpling dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips or squares, depending on your preferred dumpling style. This step adds a personal touch to your Slow-Cooker Chicken And Dumplings.
Step 6: Add Dumplings to Soup
With the slow cooker still on High, drop the dumpling pieces into the bubbling soup mixture. Ensure they are evenly distributed, then cover the slow cooker again. Let the dumplings cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they rise slightly and are fluffy to the touch; the soup should bubble invitingly.
Step 7: Final Touches
After the dumplings are fully cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces with two forks, then return it to the pot. Stir everything gently to combine, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Your Slow-Cooker Chicken And Dumplings is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables and store them in an airtight container up to 24 hours in advance, which will help streamline your cooking process. Additionally, mix the broth ingredients and refrigerate them overnight. When you’re ready to cook, all you’ll need to do is layer your chicken and prepped ingredients in the slow cooker, cook for 6-7 hours on Low, and then quickly whip up your dumplings at the end. By following these simple steps, you’ll enjoy the same cozy comfort with just a fraction of the work on serving day!
Slow-Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Variations
Invite your creativity to shine as you customize this delightful dish to fit your tastes and dietary preferences!
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Vegetable Boost: Add peas or corn for a pop of color and nutrition. They integrate seamlessly into the creamy broth, giving every scoop a flavorful surprise.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a delightful twist. A sprinkle of freshness can elevate the comfort food experience to new heights.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for those who love a little heat. This subtle addition brings an exciting layer of warmth to the dish.
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Creamy Swap: Use a homemade cream of chicken soup or a dairy-free version for a personalized take on the sauce. Your choice will uniquely enhance the flavor profile.
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Gluten-Free Alternative: Opt for gluten-free flour for the dumplings if you’re avoiding gluten. Ensure it’s suitable for baking to maintain fluffiness in every bite.
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Protein Variation: Swap chicken for turkey or even chickpeas for a plant-based option. Each alternative will bring its own charm and texture to the bowl.
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Texture Play: Try adding some crispy croutons on top before serving for a crunchy contrast. This adds a delightful texture that complements the soft dumplings perfectly.
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Citrus Zing: A splash of lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors beautifully. It’s an unexpected but refreshing twist that’ll keep everyone guessing.
Feel free to explore these variations to make this Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings your own! Don’t forget to also check out our hearty soup collection for additional inspiration perfect for chilly evenings.
Storage Tips for Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed well to maintain the soup's creamy texture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup base without dumplings for up to 3 months. This helps preserve the flavors and prevents soggy dumplings when reheating.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore creaminess.
- Dumpling Preparation: For the best texture, consider making dumplings fresh when you’re ready to eat, especially if freezing leftovers, as this preserves their fluffy quality.
Expert Tips for Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
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Perfect Chicken Choice: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for a richer broth; boneless chicken cooks faster but may lack depth in flavor.
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Dumpling Consistency: Avoid sticky dumpling dough by adjusting flour; the right texture is key for fluffy dumplings in your Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings.
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Resting Soup: Cool the soup slightly before refrigeration to prevent dumplings from getting soggy; reheat gently to preserve texture.
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Fresh Dumpling Delight: If you’re freezing leftovers, consider making dumplings fresh when ready to serve for the best taste and texture.
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Herb Variations: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs like rosemary or parsley to personalize your dish and enhance the flavor profile.
What to Serve with Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Complete your comforting meal with delightful pairings that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
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Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens topped with a zesty vinaigrette balances the rich broth, adding a fresh crunch.
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Garlic Bread: The buttery aroma and crispy texture of garlic bread are perfect for soaking up the creamy soup, enhancing every bite.
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Steamed Broccoli: Bright green florets add a healthy crunch and vibrant color, complementing the savory dumplings and chicken beautifully.
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Roasted Root Vegetables: Sweet and earthy, roasted carrots and parsnips provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy soup and hearty dumplings.
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Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread muffins offer comforting flavor and texture, making for a delightful accompaniment to the meal.
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Apple Pie: For a sweet ending, a slice of warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a satisfying close to your meal, blending rich and fruity flavors that resonate well.
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, I highly recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. They give a depth of flavor to the broth that's hard to beat. If you’re short on time, boneless chicken breasts are a quicker option, but you'll want to adjust the seasoning, as they may lack some of that rich taste.
How should I store leftovers of this dish?
Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they'll keep fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to maintain the creamy texture of the broth. You can even freeze the soup base without the dumplings for up to 3 months—this is a great option for preserving flavors and preventing the dumplings from becoming soggy when reheating.
Can I freeze this dish? How should I do it?
Of course! If you want to freeze your Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, it's best to do so before adding the dumplings. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe bags or containers—just be sure to leave some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight, and prepare fresh dumplings separately to keep their fluffy texture. This way, you'll savour the best results!
What should I do if the dumpling dough is too sticky?
Great question! If you find that the dumpling dough is too sticky, simply add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing until it reaches a manageable consistency. The perfect dough should be slightly tacky but hold together well. Dedicated steps like this are important for that fluffy, irresistible dumpling texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you're cooking for friends or family with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings to make it gluten-free, and check that your cream soups are gluten-free if necessary. For those with dairy allergies, feel free to swap the milk for any non-dairy milk option, ensuring it’s suitable for cooking. Always good to double-check ingredients to cater to everyone’s needs!
Cozy Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings for Effortless Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker and layer with chopped onion, celery, and carrots.
- Mix the Broth: Whisk together chicken stock, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours or High for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: Mix all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter, then gradually stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and Cut Dumplings: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into strips or squares.
- Add Dumplings to Soup: With the slow cooker on High, drop dumpling pieces into the soup mixture and cover. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Final Touches: Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning.
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