Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

There’s something so comforting about a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings. Picture yourself on a chilly winter evening, the aroma of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings wafting through your home. It takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would spend hours crafting her famous dumplings, filling the air with warmth and love. When I make this dish, I feel connected to those beloved family meals, where we’d gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter. It’s one of those recipes that brings the family together and creates lasting memories. If you’re looking for a meal that not only satisfies but also provides a sense of nostalgia, this is it!

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

When it comes to the ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, each one plays a crucial role in creating a comforting and satisfying dish. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy dumplings creates a symphony of flavors and textures, making each bite delightful.

• Chopped onion: This aromatic vegetable forms the base of the dish, providing a depth of flavor and a sweet undertone.
• Chopped carrot: Sweet and vibrant, these add a touch of color and a hint of sweetness to the stew.
• Chopped celery: Provides a crunchy texture and a savory note, balancing the sweetness of the carrots.
• Garlic cloves: Essential for bringing a rich flavor, garlic enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, this lean protein becomes tender and juicy as it cooks.
• Slow-sodium chicken broth: This adds a savory depth and richness, essential for the broth.
• Chopped fresh thyme: This herb infuses a lovely aroma and a hint of earthiness.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate the flavor perfectly.
• Half and half cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that makes the broth irresistible.
• Cornstarch: Used for thickening the broth, creating a silky texture.
• All-purpose flour: The main ingredient for the dumplings, creating a soft and fluffy result.
• Baking powder: This leavens the dumplings, ensuring they are light and airy.
• Garlic powder: A quick way to infuse garlic flavor into the dumplings.
• Cold salted butter: This enriches the dumplings, making them deliciously rich.
• Milk: Works with the flour to form the dough, adding moisture.
• Chopped fresh parsley: A beautiful garnish that adds freshness to the final dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a simple yet rewarding process. Let’s dive into the steps that will help you create this wonderful dish. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to bring this comforting meal to your table!

1. Start by preparing the base in your slow cooker. Layer the chopped onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, and garlic cloves at the bottom. This combination of vegetables will create a flavorful foundation for your stew.

2. Next, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. This allows the juices from the chicken to seep down, enhancing the flavors of the veggies.

3. Pour the slow-sodium chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring that everything is nicely coated. Season with chopped fresh thyme, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for a burst of flavor.

4. Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose either the high setting for 3 hours or the low setting for 6 hours, depending on your schedule. It’s during this time that the chicken will become tender and the flavors will meld beautifully.

5. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step is key to ensuring that every bite is filled with delicious chicken.

6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, allowing it to mingle with those lovely vegetables and broth.

7. In a medium bowl, whisk together half and half cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine it. This will thicken the broth and add a creamy texture.

8. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and Kosher salt. Work in the cold salted butter using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

9. Add milk to the flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. This dough will become your dumplings.

10. Using a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of the dumpling dough over the stew in an even layer. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook for an additional hour or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

11. Finally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness.

Tips and Tricks about Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Here are some valuable tips and tricks to ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings turns out perfectly. These insights can help elevate your cooking game and enhance the dish.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and dumplings for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like peas or corn to add variety to the recipe.
• Serving suggestion: This dish goes well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the broth for a kick of heat.

Serving This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, the presentation can truly enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Family-style serving: Serve it directly from the slow cooker at the table, allowing guests to help themselves. This fosters a warm, communal dining atmosphere.
• Accompany with crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping in the creamy broth.
• Perfect for gatherings: This dish is ideal for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can easily feed a crowd.
• Seasonal occasions: It’s an excellent choice for winter holidays, cozy dinners, or anytime you need comfort food.
• Leftovers for lunch: Pack leftovers for lunch the next day. It reheats beautifully and makes for a satisfying meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a recipe that captures the essence of comfort food, bringing warmth and joy to any table. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone. I encourage you to try making this delightful meal for your family or friends. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories around the dinner table!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

The ultimate comfort food for chilly nights! Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings features tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy recipe is a must-try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ cups Chopped onion
• 1 cup Chopped carrot
• ½ cup Chopped celery
• 2 medium Garlic cloves peeled and crushed
• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups Slow-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Chopped fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup Half and half cream
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons Baking powder
• ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons Cold salted butter cut into small cubes
• ½ cup Milk
• ¼ cup Chopped fresh parsley for serving

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Slow Cooker
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Start by preparing the base in your slow cooker. Layer the chopped onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, and garlic cloves at the bottom. This combination of vegetables will create a flavorful foundation for your stew.
2. Next, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. This allows the juices from the chicken to seep down, enhancing the flavors of the veggies.
3. Pour the slow-sodium chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring that everything is nicely coated. Season with chopped fresh thyme, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for a burst of flavor.
4. Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose either the high setting for 3 hours or the low setting for 6 hours, depending on your schedule. It's during this time that the chicken will become tender and the flavors will meld beautifully.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step is key to ensuring that every bite is filled with delicious chicken.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, allowing it to mingle with those lovely vegetables and broth.
7. In a medium bowl, whisk together half and half cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine it. This will thicken the broth and add a creamy texture.
8. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and Kosher salt. Work in the cold salted butter using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Add milk to the flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. This dough will become your dumplings.
10. Using a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of the dumpling dough over the stew in an even layer. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook for an additional hour or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
11. Finally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness.

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and dumplings for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like peas or corn to add variety to the recipe.
• Serving suggestion: This dish goes well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the broth for a kick of heat.

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Meet Georgia Clark

I’m the one who obsesses over the details so you don't have to. I love the science of cooking and perfecting comfort classics. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to guarantee it comes out foolproof and delicious every single time you make it.