Amazing Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight warrior: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings! There’s just something about a steaming bowl of this creamy, dreamy comfort food that makes everything feel right in the world. Forget spending hours over the stove; this recipe is my secret weapon for getting that classic taste with hardly any fuss. I mean, who doesn’t love tender chicken and fluffy dumplings swimming in a rich, savory broth? It’s pure happiness in a bowl, and honestly, it’s become my go-to when I need a guaranteed smile from my family. Stick around, because I’m about to share how simple it is to make this happen!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Seriously, what’s not to love? This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a lifesaver! Here’s why it’s a total winner in my kitchen:

• So Easy: Minimal prep, dump-and-go magic in the slow cooker.
• Pure Comfort: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Family Favorite: Guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Weeknight Rescue: Deliciously simple enough for any busy night.

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s get our game faces on and gather everything we need for the most delicious Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings ever! You probably have most of this stuff lurking in your pantry or fridge right now. First up, we’ve got about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – I love using breasts for this because they shred up so nicely, but thighs work great too! Get those chicken breasts ready. Then grab a nice big yellow onion, chop it up good. Two carrots and two celery stalks, also chopped, add that savory goodness. You’ll need about 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of dried thyme, and a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder to really make those flavors sing. Don’t forget one (10.5 ounce) can of condensed cream of chicken soup – it’s our secret weapon for creamy richness. And a little bit of milk, about half a cup. The star of the show for the dumplings? A super easy pack of refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into little pieces!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, buckle up, because this is where the magic truly happens! Making my Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is honestly so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes. We’re talking minimal fuss, maximum flavor – the perfect combo for a busy night. Let’s dive into the easy steps!

Preparing the Slow Cooker Base

First things first, grab your slow cooker. We’re going to toss in all those lovely veggies and the chicken: the chopped onion, carrots, and celery go right in. Then, lay those chicken breasts or thighs on top. This is the foundation of our deliciousness, so don’t be shy!

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

Now, pour in about 4 cups of chicken broth – this is going to make everything moist and flavorful. Time for seasoning! I add 1 teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of dried thyme, and a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder. Give it a gentle stir. Next, we’ll whisk in the whole can of cream of chicken soup along with half a cup of milk. This is what gives us that amazing creamy texture. Pop the lid on tight. You can cook this on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a rush, high for 3 to 4 hours works perfectly. Find crockpot chicken breast here, and more crockpot recipes for chicken!

Shredding the Chicken and Finishing the Stew

Once that chicken is cooked through and super tender, carefully take it out of the slow cooker. I like to use two forks to shred it right up – it’s so easy because it just falls apart! Then, put that beautifully shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Give it a good stir into that creamy broth mixture. Ah, look at that already! It’s smelling amazing.

Adding and Cooking the Dumplings

This is the part that makes it chicken *and* dumplings! I take my refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into about 3 or 4 pieces. Just drop these little doughy bits all over the top of the chicken mixture. Don’t stir them in just yet! Cover the slow cooker again and let those dumplings cook on HIGH for another 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed up and cooked all the way through. Sometimes I poke one with a little fork to make sure there’s no gooey dough inside.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe down, but let’s chat about how to make your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings truly sing! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that really elevate this dish from good to absolutely fantastic. It’s all about those little details that make a big difference, trust me!

Achieving the Perfect Dumpling Texture

The dumplings are key, right? My biggest tip is to make sure your slow cooker is *hot* when you add them. If it’s just bubbling gently, they can get a bit gummy. And resist the urge to stir them in! Just arrange them on top, pop the lid on tight, and let them steam into fluffy perfection. If they look a little pale after 30 minutes, a few extra minutes uncovered can help dry them out just a touch. Nobody wants a dough ball!

Customizing Your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe is already amazing, but it’s also a fantastic canvas for your own culinary creativity! Don’t be afraid to toss in some frozen peas or corn right at the end with the biscuits for extra color and sweetness. A pinch more thyme, or maybe a bay leaf simmered in the broth, can add another layer of flavor. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving makes it look as good as it tastes!

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Got questions about whipping up this deliciousness? I’ve got you covered! Making these Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings should be a breeze, but sometimes little things pop up. Let’s clear them up!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually fantastic here. They stay super moist throughout the slow cooking process and have a bit more flavor. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and you can treat them exactly the same as chicken breasts in the recipe. They shred up beautifully too!

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

This is a common one! If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after cooking, don’t fret. My favorite trick is to mix about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir that into the simmering stew in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking (before or after the dumplings, your call!). Let it bubble away, and it’ll thicken right up. You can also just let it cook uncovered on high for a bit longer to let some liquid evaporate if you’re not in a hurry.

Can this be made ahead?

You can totally prep parts of this ahead, which is a lifesaver! You can chop all your veggies and even place the chicken, veggies, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker the night before and pop it in the fridge. Just pull it out first thing in the morning to start cooking. The cream of chicken soup and milk are usually best added closer to cooking time or during the cooking process so they blend well. The dumplings are definitely best added fresh, so I wouldn’t prep those ahead.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Now that you’ve got a bubbling pot of this incredible Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, what do you serve with it? This dish is practically a meal in itself, but a few simple additions make it even better. A light, crisp salad – maybe our classic Caesar salad – is perfect to cut through the richness. And who can resist some warm, crusty bread? Our garlic bread is absolutely heavenly for soaking up every last drop of that yummy broth. Enjoy!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Darn it if there are ever leftovers of this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, but if there are, you’ll want to store them right! Let it cool down just enough so it’s not dangerously hot, then pop it into an airtight container. It should be good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I like to do it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Give it a stir now and then, and add a splash of chicken broth or milk if it seems a bit thick. Microwaving works too, just be sure to stir it halfway through to heat it evenly!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, the nutritional info for this amazing Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is an estimate, as things can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But generally, a serving comes in around 550 calories, packed with about 35g of protein, 25g of fat, and 45g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal that’s totally worth it!

Share Your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Creations!

Alright, now it’s YOUR turn to make some magic! Have you tried my Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it in the comments below. Did your family gobble it up? Did you sneak in any extra veggies? Let me know what you think, and if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

Print