There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade meal, especially one as hearty and satisfying as Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings. This easy recipe combines the best of traditional flavors with the convenience of modern cooking techniques, offering a dish that’s not only delicious but also effortless to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this Classic Chicken and Dumplings recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your culinary repertoire. With tender chicken, savory broth, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is a sure-fire way to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Effortless Preparation: The best way to make Chicken and Dumplings at home without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with savory goodness from essential ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and spices.
- Family-Friendly: An easy Chicken and Dumplings for beginners, perfect for any family meal plan.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Only 15 minutes of prep time and the rest is managed by the slow cooker, making it perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
Dietary Swaps:
For a gluten-free option, replace the refrigerated biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuit dough. You can also use turkey instead of chicken for a different protein choice.How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings – Step by Step
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery, and gather your chicken and spices.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, place the chicken thighs, chicken broth, chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. This combination makes the base for your dumplings to soak up all flavors.
- Pro Tip: Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor!
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the mixture for that savory Chicken and Dumplings spice blend.
- Slow Cook: Stir the mixture well. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is juicy and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Dumplings: Stir in the frozen peas. Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and drop them on the top of the chicken mixture.
- Assembling the Layers: Ensure the biscuit dough is spread evenly for consistent cooking.
- Final Cook: Cover and continue to cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the biscuits are ready, serve your Chicken and Dumplings hot.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Pro Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Can I make Chicken and Dumplings ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the mixture ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer. Add the biscuit dough fresh when ready to cook.
- What is the secret to the best Chicken and Dumplings? Using fresh ingredients and a slow cooking process enhances flavor and texture.
- Add a Twist: Consider adding a splash of cream for creamier dumplings or spices like paprika for a kick of heat.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Side Dishes: Pair with crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Drinks: A glass of white wine or a cold, crisp beer complements the flavors beautifully.
- Dinner Presentation: Serve in deep bowls to showcase the dumplings and allow the broth to warm from beneath.
For more hearty slow cooker recipes, pair this dish with our Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 10g
This low-carb Chicken and Dumplings recipe is perfect for family meals or small gatherings, offering both comfort and nourishment.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture (without dumplings) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, adding fresh dumplings before serving.
FAQs for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the chicken and vegetable mix before adding the biscuit dough. - What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
Chicken breasts or turkey can be used as alternatives. - How do I make dumplings fluffier?
Ensure dough pieces are not too large and have room to expand during cooking. - Why did my dumplings turn out doughy?
Make sure the slow cooker is on high when adding dumplings and they are not submerged in the liquid.Related Recipes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 495
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (biscuits) refrigerated dough
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, chicken broth, chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery.
- Sprinkle the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the mixture.
- Stir the ingredients to combine well.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the frozen peas.
- Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and drop the pieces onto the top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through.
- Once finished, serve hot and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be adjusted for more or fewer servings.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn or green beans.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while cooking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker, Chicken, Dumplings, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe