Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

This classic slow cooker dish brings the ultimate comfort in every spoonful. Tender chicken bathed in a creamy broth, topped with pillowy dumplings, creates a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Perfect for busy households, this recipe is wonderfully simple but packed with cozy flavors that everyone loves. Whether served for a family dinner or a casual gathering, the creamy texture combined with the softness of dumplings makes it a timeless favorite that comforts and delights with every bite.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

• 1 bag (16 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces

• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (optional)

Directions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning until smooth.

3. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

5. Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks; return shredded chicken to slow cooker.

6. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables if using.

7. Drop torn biscuit dough pieces over the top of the chicken mixture evenly.

8. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 hour or until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

Kcal: Approximately 400 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: A Timeless Comfort Food Classic

There are certain dishes in the culinary world that transcend time, geography, and even personal taste, becoming staples in family kitchens and comfort food repertoires everywhere. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is one such dish. Rooted in the traditions of Southern American cooking, this hearty, warming meal combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

The History and Cultural Significance

Chicken and dumplings trace their origins back to European settlers in America, where simple, economical ingredients were transformed into something truly satisfying. Dumplings little pockets of dough have appeared in various forms across many cultures, from the German knödel to the Italian gnocchi and beyond. In the Southern United States, chicken and dumplings became a way to use leftover chicken and pantry staples to create a filling meal that could stretch a few ingredients into many servings.

The slow cooker adaptation of this dish is a more modern innovation, reflecting the busy lives many people lead today. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours with minimal hands-on attention. It offers home cooks the convenience of setting up the meal in the morning and coming home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.

What Makes It Comfort Food?

There is something innately soothing about a bowl of slow-cooked chicken and dumplings. The creamy broth provides warmth and richness, while the tender chunks of chicken offer protein that feels hearty but not heavy. The dumplings themselves, soft and fluffy, act as little clouds that soak up the savory liquid, making each bite an indulgent experience.

This dish often evokes nostalgia for many, reminding them of family gatherings, cold winter nights, or even simpler times. The combination of textures and flavors hits a perfect balance creamy, savory, slightly herby, and utterly satisfying.

Cooking Technique and Why Slow Cooker Works So Well

Using a slow cooker to prepare chicken and dumplings is a brilliant method for several reasons. Slow cooking gently breaks down the chicken, making it tender enough to shred easily without drying out. It also allows the cream of chicken soup, broth, and seasonings to fully infuse the dish, creating a rich and flavorful base.

The dumplings are added later in the cooking process to prevent them from overcooking or becoming too dense. They cook just long enough in the simmering broth to become fluffy and tender. This approach eliminates the need for constant stirring or watching over the pot, making the recipe accessible even to novice cooks or those with a busy schedule.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about chicken and dumplings is its versatility. While the classic version is simple and straightforward, you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Vegetable Additions: Adding frozen peas, carrots, corn, or green beans can bring color, texture, and extra nutrition to the dish.

• Herbs and Spices: While poultry seasoning is traditional, fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can brighten the flavor profile.

• Dumpling Alternatives: Some like to swap biscuit dough for homemade dumpling dough or even drop spoonfuls of biscuit batter for a different texture.

• Broth Choices: Use low-sodium broth if you prefer less salt or experiment with chicken stock for a richer taste.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free biscuit dough to adapt the recipe for gluten sensitivity without compromising flavor.

Tips for Best Results

To get the most out of your slow cooker chicken and dumplings, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t Skip Shredding: Removing the chicken and shredding it before adding back ensures every bite is tender and easy to eat.

• Add Dumplings at the Right Time: Dumplings should be added during the last hour of cooking to avoid sogginess.

• Use Fresh Ingredients When Possible: While canned soup and biscuit dough make the recipe quick and easy, fresh or homemade versions can elevate the dish.

• Season Well: Taste the broth before adding dumplings and adjust seasoning if necessary  sometimes a little extra salt, pepper, or herbs can make a big difference.

• Stir Gently: When adding dumplings, stir carefully to distribute them evenly without breaking them apart.

Nutritional and Health Considerations

While chicken and dumplings are undeniably delicious, it is also important to be mindful of their nutritional profile. This dish is typically high in protein and provides a comforting balance of carbohydrates from the dumplings. However, the use of condensed cream soup and biscuit dough means it can also be high in sodium and calories.

For a lighter version, consider:

• Using reduced-fat or homemade cream soup alternatives.

• Opting for whole wheat biscuit dough to increase fiber.

• Adding extra vegetables to boost vitamins and minerals.

• Serving with a side of fresh greens or salad to balance the meal.

Popular Occasions for Serving

Chicken and dumplings is a perfect dish for any time you want to serve comfort and care. It shines especially during:

• Cold Weather: Its warm, creamy nature makes it a go-to during fall and winter.

• Family Dinners: The hearty and filling nature of the dish feeds a crowd and pleases various age groups.

• Potlucks and Gatherings: It travels well in slow cookers and is easy to serve buffet-style.

• Recovery Meals: Its easy-to-digest texture and nourishing ingredients make it ideal for when someone is feeling under the weather.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings captures the essence of comfort food with simplicity, flavor, and convenience. Its roots in traditional home cooking combined with modern slow-cooking techniques make it accessible and practical for today’s kitchens. Whether you are seeking to warm up on a chilly evening, nourish your family with something wholesome, or impress guests with a homestyle dish, this recipe never disappoints.

The dish’s enduring popularity comes from its ability to be both filling and comforting without requiring complicated techniques or ingredients. It invites creativity through variations while offering the familiar taste of home-cooked goodness. The luscious broth, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings work harmoniously to provide a satisfying meal that feels like a loving embrace in every bite.

For those wanting to elevate the experience, pair it with a crisp green salad, warm bread, or even a light dessert to round out a truly memorable meal. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a recipe  it’s a culinary tradition that continues to bring comfort, warmth, and joy to tables everywhere.