Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings with minimal effort. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you.
This dish is a family favorite, combining tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich gravy. It’s the perfect comfort food that simmers all day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly delicious with minimal hands-on time
- Perfectly cooked chicken that falls apart with a fork
- Warm, fluffy dumplings that soak up the savory broth
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
The Comfort of Home-Cooked Meals
There's nothing quite like the warmth of a home-cooked meal, especially on a chilly evening. Chicken and dumplings has long been a beloved dish in many households, often passed down through generations. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and soft dumplings creates a comforting, satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Using a slow cooker elevates this classic dish by allowing the flavors to meld perfectly while you go about your day. With minimal effort required, you can come home to a delightful aroma and a hearty meal ready to be enjoyed. This recipe brings the essence of comfort food to your table without the fuss.
An Easy Meal for Busy Families
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be a challenge. This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is designed with busy families in mind. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and let it work its magic while you handle your daily responsibilities.
The hands-off approach not only saves you time but also allows you to enjoy a nutritious meal together without the stress of last-minute cooking. Plus, the leftovers make for fantastic next-day lunches, providing even more value and convenience.
Perfecting the Dumplings
The dumplings are a standout feature of this dish, providing a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and rich broth. Made from a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, milk, and butter, they are easy to whip up and require only a few minutes of your time.
For the best results, ensure not to overmix the dumpling dough; a light hand will yield fluffy, tender dumplings that soak up the delicious broth beautifully. You can also experiment by adding herbs or spices to the dumpling mix for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Mix all ingredients together in the slow cooker for a hearty meal.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, diced carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Make the Dumplings
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.
Add Dumplings
After the chicken is cooked, spoon the dumpling mixture over the chicken and broth. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Serve
Once the dumplings are done, gently stir everything together and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade chicken and dumplings!
Storage and Reheating
This slow cooker chicken and dumplings dish is perfect for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
When reheating, it's best to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency, as the dumplings may absorb some of the liquid during storage. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth, while the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
Consider garnishing each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor. This simple addition elevates the dish and makes it visually appealing, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. For a heartier version, add other vegetables like peas, corn, or potatoes to the slow cooker. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutritional value of the meal.
You can also switch up the protein by using thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor, or even experiment with turkey or beef if you're looking for something different. The slow cooker is versatile, making it easy to adapt this recipe to your liking.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.
→ Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
→ What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for the dumplings to make this recipe gluten-free.
Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Enjoy a comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings with minimal effort. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you.
Created by: Sloane Patterson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Broth
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, diced carrots, celery, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined.
After the chicken is cooked, spoon the dumpling mixture over the chicken and broth. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Once the dumplings are done, gently stir everything together and serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 24g