Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the comforting aroma of tender chicken, savory broth, and warm dumplings, all simmering away in the slow cooker. Sounds like heaven, right? Well, trust me, this Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings recipe is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for! It’s like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, with no stress or mess involved. You just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and in a few hours, you’ll have a meal that’ll have your family (or guests) asking for seconds. So go ahead, embrace the comfort—this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

This dish isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about creating memories. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon or a weeknight when you want something warm and filling, this dish hits all the right notes. Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:

Versatile

This recipe is your go-to for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion meal but is ridiculously easy to make. Plus, it’s ready when you are—because the slow cooker does all the hard work!

Budget-Friendly

Using simple, everyday ingredients, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s perfect for when you need a delicious and filling meal without splurging.

Quick and Easy

Even if you’re a cooking newbie, this recipe is foolproof! You don’t need to be a pro to make this amazing meal—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Customizable

Like things spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want a different flavor twist? Try adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing

Kids, adults, picky eaters—this recipe is loved by all. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for family dinners, and it always goes over well at potlucks or gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, but the result is something extra special. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Breasts

The heart of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become melt-in-your-mouth tender as they cook low and slow, soaking up all the rich flavors of the broth.

Carrots & Celery

These vegetables bring color, crunch, and sweetness to the dish, complementing the savory flavors of the chicken and broth. They’re the perfect base for the soup.

Onion

A sweet, aromatic addition that builds the foundation of flavor. When slow-cooked, it becomes so tender and adds such a comforting taste.

Chicken Broth

This is the liquid gold of the recipe! It gives the dish a rich, savory depth and helps cook the chicken to juicy perfection.

Cream of Chicken Soup

A creamy, dreamy addition that thickens up the broth and adds a silky texture to the sauce. It’s the secret to making this dish feel luxurious!

Garlic

A little bit of garlic goes a long way in adding depth of flavor. It’s the subtle, savory touch that ties everything together.

Dumpling Mix

The real star! These fluffy dumplings soak up all the delicious juices from the broth, making every bite an absolute delight.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting masterpiece:

Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by placing the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and cream of chicken soup in your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

Let It Simmer

Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours. This slow simmer allows the chicken to become juicy and tender, and all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Your house is going to smell amazing during this time—just wait for it!

Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and shred it using two forks. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy—it just means it’s going to be even more delicious! After shredding, return the chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good stir.

Make the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, prepare the dumplings by following the instructions on the box. (Usually, it’s just adding some milk and stirring.) Once the dumplings are ready, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the slow cooker on top of the soup. Make sure they’re evenly spaced out.

Cook the Dumplings

Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, or until the dumplings are fully cooked and puffed up. Don’t peek too often! Let the slow cooker do its thing.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are fluffy and the chicken is tender, it’s time to serve! Spoon out portions of chicken, vegetables, broth, and those glorious dumplings into bowls. Garnish with a little fresh parsley if you’d like, and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 bowl
Calories per serving:~380 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:5-6 hours on High, plus 30 minutes for dumplings
Total Time:5.5 to 6.5 hours

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Pair this warm, hearty dish with a few easy sides to complete your meal:

Fresh Salads

Pair it with a light, crisp salad—think leafy greens with a lemony vinaigrette—to balance the richness of the chicken and dumplings.

Garlic Bread

Serve with some warm garlic bread to mop up all that delicious broth. The crusty bread complements the creamy soup perfectly!

Roasted Vegetables

Roast a few vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or green beans, for a colorful and nutritious side that adds a pop of freshness.

As a Standalone

Sometimes, you don’t need anything else. This dish is hearty enough on its own. Just serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and maybe a little extra pepper.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead

To save even more time, chop and prep the veggies the night before and store them in the fridge.

Spice It Up

Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for an extra kick if you love a little heat!

Make It Lighter

Want to cut the calories? Use a lower-fat version of the cream of chicken soup or swap out the heavy cream for some milk.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Freeze It

This recipe freezes beautifully. Just freeze the chicken and dumplings separately, and they’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A1: Yes, chicken thighs will work great! They’re even more tender and flavorful, though the cook time might be slightly longer.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Definitely! You can prep everything and store it in the fridge, then heat it up when you’re ready to serve. The flavors even get better the next day!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?

A4: Yes! Freeze the chicken and broth separately, and the dumplings can be frozen too. Reheat everything in the slow cooker or on the stove.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

A5: Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. If you’re reheating the dumplings, be sure to cover them so they don’t dry out.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra ingredients.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A7: It’s not naturally gluten-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free dumpling mix and flour.

Q8: What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

A8: You can swap it with a homemade creamy base, like a mixture of heavy cream and chicken broth.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?

A9: Use lean chicken, low-fat cream of chicken soup, and add extra veggies to boost the nutrition.

Q10: Can I add other vegetables?

A10: Of course! Feel free to throw in peas, corn, or any other veggies your heart desires.

Conclusion

There you have it—a one-pot meal that’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings is the ultimate cozy dinner for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something to warm you up on a chilly evening, this dish has got you covered. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones—they’ll be so happy you did!

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