This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings dish is the ultimate comfort food rich, savory, and perfect for cozy nights at home. The tender chicken combined with soft dumplings creates a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The slow cooker does all the work, making it incredibly easy to prepare.
With its hearty ingredients and rich flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening in, this dish is sure to warm your heart and stomach.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 (10.5 oz) can of condensed cream of chicken soup
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1 (10.5 oz) can of condensed cream of celery soup
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 (16 oz) package of refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury)
Directions:
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Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
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Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Shred the chicken using two forks, then stir to combine.
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Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and add to the slow cooker, placing them on top of the chicken mixture.
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Cover and cook for an additional 1 hour on low, until the biscuits are cooked through and golden on top.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Comforting Magic of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
When the weather turns chilly, or when you simply crave a warm, hearty meal, there’s nothing quite like Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings. This dish has long been a staple of home kitchens, known for its rich, savory flavors and the ease with which it can be prepared. It combines tender, flavorful chicken with fluffy dumplings, all cooked slowly to perfection in a comforting broth. The best part? The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, allowing you to enjoy a filling meal with minimal effort.
In this article, we explore the history, benefits, and versatility of this timeless dish, and why it’s become such a beloved recipe for families everywhere.
A Brief History of Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings has roots in early American and European cuisine. The dish is believed to have been inspired by the rustic meals of the Appalachian region in the United States, where frugal and hearty recipes were born out of necessity. Early versions of chicken and dumplings likely featured basic ingredients like chicken, flour, and water. Over time, the dish evolved with regional variations and added ingredients, becoming the rich, creamy, and comforting meal we know today.
The dumplings themselves, often made from simple flour, butter, and liquid, serve as a perfect complement to the chicken. Their light, pillowy texture soaks up the broth, making each bite feel like a warm hug. As different cooking methods developed, slow cooking emerged as an ideal way to prepare chicken and dumplings, allowing the flavors to meld together without constant supervision. This is why Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings has become a household favorite.
Why Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a Perfect Comfort Food
There’s something deeply satisfying about the combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings. The magic of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings lies not only in its flavor but in its simplicity. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The slow cooker does all the work for you, slowly cooking the chicken until it falls apart and infusing the broth with rich, comforting flavors.
The dumplings are the star of the show in this dish, soaking up the flavorful broth while maintaining their light, fluffy texture. Some variations of the dish use biscuit dough or homemade dumplings made with flour, butter, and milk, but the result is always the same a satisfying and comforting meal that is both filling and delicious.
The Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
While Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is known for being a rich comfort food, it can also offer a variety of health benefits. The key ingredient in this dish is chicken, which is an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Chicken is a lean meat that can help support muscle growth, immune function, and overall health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, the slow cooking method helps retain the nutritional value of the ingredients. The long cooking time allows flavors to develop slowly and ensures that the chicken remains moist and tender. Slow cooking also allows the vegetables and herbs to release their full potential, creating a hearty, nutrient-dense meal.
Another benefit is the ability to customize the dish to your dietary needs. You can easily incorporate vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas into the recipe, adding fiber and essential vitamins to the mix. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can opt for lower-fat or even plant-based alternatives, ensuring that Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings can be enjoyed by almost everyone.
Versatility of Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
One of the greatest things about Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is its versatility. You can adapt the dish to fit your family’s preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you can swap out the chicken for turkey or a plant-based alternative if you’re looking to create a vegetarian or vegan version. Likewise, different types of broth such as vegetable, chicken, or even bone broth can be used to create a deeper flavor profile or cater to specific dietary needs.
You can also get creative with the seasonings. While the basic recipe uses ingredients like thyme, rosemary, and garlic, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. A pinch of paprika, a sprinkle of turmeric, or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a whole new level of flavor to the dish.
For those who love a bit of heat, adding a little chili powder or hot sauce to the broth can give the dish an exciting kick. Or, you can make the dish even more indulgent by adding cream or cheese to the broth for a richer, creamier result.
If you prefer dumplings with a bit more texture, you can experiment with adding herbs, cheese, or even bacon bits to the dumpling dough for extra flavor and crunch.
Making the Most of Leftovers
Another great thing about Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is how well it stores. Leftovers taste just as delicious the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. The flavors deepen overnight, and the dish is easy to reheat for lunch or dinner. If you have a particularly large batch, you can freeze it for future meals. Just be sure to store the dumplings separately from the soup to maintain their texture when reheating.
Reheating is simple just heat the dish on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. If the dumplings have absorbed too much liquid, you can add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even a potluck, Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a crowd-pleaser. It’s especially popular during the colder months, but it can be enjoyed year-round. The ease of preparation, combined with the comforting flavors, makes it a perfect meal for any occasion.
This dish can be served as a stand-alone meal or paired with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. You can also serve it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping into the rich broth, adding even more texture and flavor to the meal.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting tradition that brings families together around the dinner table. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for nourishing both body and soul, whether you’re seeking comfort on a cold night or a meal that requires little effort but delivers big on flavor.
The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to fit your tastes and dietary needs, while the slow cooking process ensures that every bite is full of rich, tender flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weekday or sharing it with loved ones on the weekend, Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is sure to remain a beloved dish in your culinary repertoire for years to come.