Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings, and trust me, this recipe will have you feeling all cozy inside. Picture this: tender chicken simmered in a savory broth, paired with pillowy soft dumplings that melt in your mouth. It’s like a hug in a bowl, except it’s cooked for you while you go about your day. The best part? It’s made in a slow cooker, so it’s as easy as it gets! This dish is the perfect blend of homestyle goodness and convenience. You won’t believe how simple it is to make such a hearty, satisfying meal.

Whether you’re coming home after a long day or looking to impress family and friends with minimal effort, this is your go-to recipe. The chicken is so tender it practically falls apart, and the dumplings? Well, they’re basically the stuff dreams are made of. If you’re a fan of comforting, soul-warming dishes, you’re going to want to keep this one in your back pocket!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Set It and Forget It: The beauty of the slow cooker is that it takes care of everything for you! Just toss the ingredients in and let it work its magic, so you can focus on other things while your dinner cooks.

Comforting & Hearty: This dish is the ultimate comfort food. From the creamy chicken stew to the fluffy dumplings, every bite is a warm, satisfying hug.

Simple Ingredients: Made with basic ingredients you likely have in your pantry, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Perfect for Busy Days: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re preparing for a lazy Sunday, this recipe works around your schedule. You can make it ahead, and it tastes even better the next day!

Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed hit with everyone—from picky eaters to foodies. It’s the kind of meal that gets everyone at the table excited.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy dish. The best part is that these ingredients are straightforward, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen:

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bone-in chicken creates the richest, most flavorful broth. Don’t worry, the chicken will be tender enough to shred once it’s cooked.
• 4 cups chicken broth: This forms the base of your stew. It’s savory, hearty, and full of flavor.
• 1 cup carrots (diced): Sweet, tender carrots add a pop of color and mild sweetness to balance the savory chicken.
• 1 cup celery (diced): Celery adds a refreshing crunch and a bit of an earthy undertone to the dish.
• 1 medium onion (diced): For a savory, aromatic base to your stew.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds depth and richness to the broth.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs wonderfully with chicken and gives the stew that comforting, herby flavor.
• 1 tsp dried rosemary: Adds a warm, woodsy note to the dish.
• 1/2 tsp salt: For seasoning the broth and bringing all the flavors together.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: To enhance the savory flavors and add a touch of heat.

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your fluffy, pillowy dumplings.
• 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become light and airy.
• 1/2 tsp salt: To balance the flavors and season the dumplings.
• 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture to the dumplings, making them soft and tender.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Gives the dumplings a rich, buttery flavor.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the dumpling dough together.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Optional, for a fresh garnish on top.

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

Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! This couldn’t be easier to pull together:

1. Prepare the Chicken Stew:

• Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker.
• Add the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is submerged in the broth. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken will become fall-apart tender, and the broth will absorb all those delicious flavors.

2. Make the Dumpling Dough:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir in the milk, melted butter, and egg until a dough forms. The dough should be thick but still slightly sticky.
• Set the dough aside while the chicken stew finishes cooking.

3. Shred the Chicken:

• When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it back into the broth.

4. Add the Dumplings:

• Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the chicken stew. The dough will spread out a bit as it cooks, so make sure to leave some space between each dumpling.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour, or until the dumplings are fully cooked and puffed up. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook properly.

5. Serve:

• Once the dumplings are cooked, ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: 390
Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 85mg
  Sodium: 880mg
  Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
  Protein: 28g
  Vitamin A: 110%
  Vitamin C: 10%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 15%

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Pair this dish with a few sides to complete your meal:

Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up that creamy broth.

Side Salad: A fresh, light salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the ideal complement to the richness of the chicken and dumplings.

Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or peas adds a nice pop of color and crunch to balance out the meal.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes: If you want something hearty, roasted potatoes are a great option to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Additional Tips

• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any extra chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make It Ahead: You can prep the stew and dumplings ahead of time. Store the chicken stew in the fridge and prepare the dumpling dough when you’re ready to cook.
• Gluten-Free Option: For gluten-free dumplings, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Flavor: Add a little dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like your chicken & dumplings with a bit of heat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time.

Q2: Can I substitute the dumplings with something else?
A2: If you’re not in the mood for dumplings, you can serve the chicken stew over rice or mashed potatoes for a different twist.

Q3: How can I make this dish lighter?
A3: You can use low-fat or fat-free chicken broth, and swap the butter for a lighter alternative like olive oil.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I freeze this recipe?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the chicken stew without the dumplings for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat and prepare the dumplings fresh.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q7: Can I use boneless chicken breasts or thighs?
A7: Yes, boneless chicken works just fine, though the flavor from bone-in chicken does add richness to the broth.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
A8: Definitely! Feel free to add potatoes, parsnips, or peas for extra flavor and texture.

Q9: How do I know when the dumplings are done?
A9: The dumplings should be light and fluffy, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Q10: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
A10: It’s best to prepare the dumplings fresh, but you can make the dough and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings is the kind of dish that’ll make you want to curl up on the couch with a bowl of warm comfort. Tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft, buttery dumplings—what’s not to love? This is a recipe that delivers both ease and incredible flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who loves cozy, homestyle meals. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding your family or serving it at a gathering. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness with every spoonful!

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