If there’s one dish that makes you feel right at home, it’s a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. This Slowcooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe takes the classic flavors and simplifies the process. Toss all your ingredients into a slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. You’ll come home to a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor. Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, locking in flavors that will warm your heart. Plus, the dumplings are soft and fluffy, just as they should be.
Ingredients for Slowcooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Here is what you need to make this delicious recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can also use thighs for more flavor)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your favorite herb)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dumpling Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter (cold and cubed)
- 1 cup milk (any kind will do)
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley (for garnishing)
- Frozen peas (add before serving for a pop of color and flavor)
How to Make Slowcooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by greasing the inside of your slow cooker. This will make cleanup easier later on.
- Add the Chicken and Veggies: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery on top.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir it until smooth.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the mixture over the chicken and veggies, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender.
- Make the Dumplings: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add the cold butter and cut it into the mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.
- Add Dumplings to Slow Cooker: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the chicken mixture. Cover again and let the dumplings cook for about 30 minutes. They should be fluffy and cooked through.
- Final Touches: Once the dumplings are ready, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it back into the dish. If you like, stir in some frozen peas for extra flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Slowcooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Choose the Right Chicken: Thighs typically have more flavor than breasts, so consider using them. Just make sure to remove the skin and bones.
- Don’t Skip the Broth: Adding chicken broth enhances the flavors tremendously. You can use homemade or store-bought.
- Mix Up Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs depending on your taste.
- Dumpling Consistency: The dumpling batter shouldn’t be too runny. Adjust with extra flour if needed.
How to Serve Slowcooker Chicken and Dumplings
A bowl of chicken and dumplings is satisfying on its own. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it with:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
- Salad: A simple green salad on the side balances the meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Bring in some colors and nutrients with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
Storage Tips for Slowcooker Chicken and Dumplings
Have leftovers? Here’s how to store them properly:
- Let it Cool: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Use an Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be careful that the dumplings may change texture after thawing.
Variations of Chicken and Dumplings
Mix things up a bit with these variations:
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Dumplings: Add sliced mushrooms to the mix for an earthy touch.
- Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Include some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Herb-Infused Dumplings: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill into your dumpling batter for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Dumplings
This dish offers a few nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Fiber: Vegetables like carrots and celery add fiber to help with digestion.
- Comfort Food: Warm meals can help boost your mood, making this dish not just yummy but heartwarming too.
There you have it! A comforting, easy recipe for Slowcooker Chicken and Dumplings that you can whip up any day of the week. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without the fuss. Enjoy this dish with your family and savor every bite! Happy cooking!