Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe

Welcome to a heartwarming favorite: Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings. Picture this – tender chicken, savory broth, colorful veggies, and fluffy dumplings, all coming together in your trusty slow cooker. It’s a meal that spells comfort and convenience in every bite. This dish is not just a family pleaser but also a time-saver for those lazy or hectic days when you need a delicious meal without the fuss.

I still remember the first time I made Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings on a chilly Sunday – the house filled with the mouthwatering aroma, and the first taste was an instant hit. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and those fluffy dumplings is pure magic. And let’s not forget the crispy bacon adding that extra oomph of flavor – it’s no wonder this dish has become a cherished favorite at our table.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to share with loved ones or a comforting dish to unwind after a long day, Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings is the answer. Let the slow cooker work its magic as you savor the delightful flavors and create lasting memories around the dinner table. So, grab your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort with this timeless classic.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient hands-off cooking with a slow cooker
• Versatile recipe with options for ingredient substitutions
• Comforting and flavorful dish that appeals to all ages
• Easy cleanup with minimal dishes needed

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe Recipe

• Effortless and Convenient: This recipe is perfect for lazy days or busy work weeks as it requires minimal hands-on time and lets the slow cooker do all the work.
• Comforting and Cozy: The aroma of chicken and dumplings simmering in the slow cooker is a warm welcome home, providing a cozy and comforting meal for the entire family.
• Satisfying and Filling: Packed with tender chicken, savory broth, bright vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is hearty and satisfying, leaving everyone feeling full and content.
• Family Favorite: The combination of salty, smoky bacon and fluffy dumplings keeps everyone coming back for seconds, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile Options: With variations like using different types of milk, dairy-free options, and vegetable substitutes, this recipe can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences.
• Make-ahead Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for longer storage, allowing you to prepare and enjoy this delicious meal at your convenience.
• Traditional and Nostalgic: With roots in American and European home cooking, this classic chicken and dumplings recipe offers a taste of tradition and nostalgia that resonates across generations.

Ingredients for Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe

Base

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 480 ml chicken broth
• 240 ml whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cans (each approx. 295 g) cream of chicken soup
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm cubes

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 170 g frozen peas
• 4 celery ribs, sliced
• 450 g carrots, sliced

Garnish and Dumplings

• 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 can biscuit dough, cut into small pieces

Pro Tips for Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe

To enhance the flavor of this slow cooker chicken dumplings recipe, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for added juiciness and depth of flavor. To ensure the dumplings cook through and turn out light and fluffy, add the biscuit dough at the end of the cooking process and switch the slow cooker to high heat. This will help the dough cook evenly and become deliciously tender.

You can save time by skipping the sautéing step for the vegetables. Combining them raw in the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together as they slowly tenderize during the cooking process. The combination of creamy soup and biscuit dough will naturally thicken the sauce as they cook, eliminating the need for any additional thickening agents. For convenience, you can also prepare the base of the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply add the biscuit dough and finish cooking when you’re ready to serve, allowing for a stress-free and delicious meal.

How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Liquid Base

Combine chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a slow cooker, whisk until smooth.

Step 2: Incorporate Chicken and Vegetables

Combine diced chicken, sliced carrots, celery, and onion in the slow cooker. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated with the sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook Ingredients

Place the lid securely on the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Add Bacon and Peas

Gently mix the crumbled bacon and frozen peas into the cooked mixture until evenly combined.

Step 5: Top with Biscuit Dumplings

Evenly distribute the biscuit dough pieces on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Cook Dumplings

Set the slow cooker to high and cover. Cook for 1 hour or until the biscuit dough is fully cooked and puffed.

Storage Tips

To store the finished slow cooker chicken dumplings, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors of the dish will continue to develop and meld together, enhancing the taste. If you wish to freeze the dish for longer storage, allow the soup to cool completely before portioning it into single servings for freezing. While the dumplings may soften slightly upon thawing, they will still be delicious and comforting.

For reheating, simply warm the chicken and dumplings in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Consider serving the dish with a garnish of fresh chopped parsley or cracked black pepper, along with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors. Pair this heartwarming meal with a side salad and sweet tea for a classic Southern-style dining experience. Whether enjoyed on a lazy day or a busy weeknight, this slow cooker chicken dumplings recipe is sure to become a favorite comfort food in your household.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different protein, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for added flavor and juiciness. Simply cut the thighs into similar-sized cubes as the breasts for even cooking.

For a dairy-free option, substitute the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Additionally, to make the dish dairy-free, use dairy-free cream of chicken soup as a replacement for the regular cream of chicken soup. This adjustment allows those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies to enjoy this comforting dish.

If you don’t have peas on hand, feel free to swap them out for chopped green beans or add sweet corn for a different twist on the classic recipe. This customization can add variety to the dish while still maintaining the overall delicious and comforting nature of the chicken and dumplings.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try ladling the flavorful chicken and dumplings into individual mini cast iron skillets for a rustic presentation. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives for a pop of color and added creaminess. The individual servings make for a charming and cozy dining experience, perfect for a family dinner or intimate gathering.

Another fun way to serve this comforting dish is to turn it into a chicken and dumplings pot pie. Simply transfer the slow cooker chicken and dumplings mixture into a baking dish, top with a layer of puff pastry or pie crust, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. The crispy, buttery crust adds a delightful contrast to the creamy filling, making it a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Serve slices of the pot pie with a side of mixed greens drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying meal.

FAQs for Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs add extra flavor and remain juicy after slow cooking. Use boneless, skinless thighs for best results.

Why does the biscuit dough need to be added at the end of cooking?

When added at the end and cooked on high, the biscuit dough becomes light, fluffy, and cooks through nicely.

Do I need to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker?

No need to sauté. Combining raw vegetables in the slow cooker allows flavors to meld as they slowly tenderize.

Do I need to add a thickening agent to the soup?

The creamy soup and biscuit dough thicken the sauce naturally as they cook together. No extra thickener is needed.

Conclusion

As you sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings, let the comforting aroma and heartwarming flavors fill your home and your heart. This cozy dish is not just a meal but a reminder of the simple joys that come from sharing good food with loved ones. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a hectic weeknight, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to all who gather around your table.

So, embrace the ease and deliciousness of Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings as a go-to recipe in your comfort food rotation. With its rich history and timeless appeal, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. From the tender chicken to the fluffy dumplings, every bite is a taste of home and tradition. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to savor the magic of Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings.