Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that has been enjoyed for generations. But who has time to stand over the stove all day? This slow cooker version makes it incredibly easy to enjoy this hearty meal with minimal effort. The creamy, flavorful chicken simmers all day in the slow cooker, and then you just add the dumplings towards the end. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. Let’s dive in!

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

* **Effortless:** The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to do other things.
* **Flavorful:** The chicken and vegetables develop a rich, savory flavor during the long cooking time.
* **Comforting:** A warm bowl of creamy chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food.
* **Easy Cleanup:** One-pot meal means less dishes to wash.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with family and friends.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker chicken and dumplings:

* **Chicken:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a combination). I prefer thighs for their richer flavor, but breasts work well too. Cut into 1-inch cubes before adding to the slow cooker.
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 cup frozen peas (added towards the end of cooking)
* 1 cup frozen corn (added towards the end of cooking)
* Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms
* **Chicken Broth:** 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup. This adds creaminess and flavor. You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if preferred, or even make your own creamy sauce.
* **Seasonings:**
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 1 bay leaf (remove before serving)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* **Dumplings:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

* **For Creaminess (optional):**
* 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (added at the end of cooking)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry to thicken the sauce, optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Slow Cooker:** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables and chicken.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the dumpling dough.
* **Whisk:** For mixing the dumpling dough.
* **Ladle:** For serving.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the best slow cooker creamy chicken and dumplings:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables**

1. Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings.
2. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. You can chop them into small or medium-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
3. If using mushrooms, slice them.

**Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**

1. In the slow cooker, combine the cubed chicken, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and (if using) mushrooms.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup. Stir to combine.
3. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

**Step 3: Cook on Low**

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

**Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings (About 30 Minutes Before Serving)**

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.

**Step 5: Add the Dumplings and Frozen Vegetables**

1. Remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker.
2. Stir in the frozen peas and corn.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the slow cooker, spacing them evenly apart. Aim for about 12-15 dumplings, depending on the size of your spoon.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. A toothpick inserted into a dumpling should come out clean.

**Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)**

1. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
2. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
3. Alternatively, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for added richness.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Cuts of Chicken:** While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. If using bone-in chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans, or parsnips.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as sage, marjoram, or oregano.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky flavor to the dish. Stir it in before adding the dumplings.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian version.
* **Use Biscuits for Dumplings:** Instead of making homemade dumplings, you can use store-bought biscuit dough. Cut the biscuits into quarters and drop them into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Add Wine:** For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of dry white wine to the slow cooker along with the chicken broth. Let the alcohol cook off.
* **Make it Lighter:** Use skim milk and low-fat cream of chicken soup to reduce the fat content of the dish.
* **Brown the Chicken:** For even more flavor, brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This will add a nice caramelized crust to the chicken.
* **Use Pre-Cut Vegetables:** To save time, you can use pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store.
* **Don’t Overcook the Dumplings:** Overcooked dumplings can become gummy and dense. Check them frequently during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
* **Use Different Cream Soups:** Cream of mushroom, celery, or even cheddar soup can be used as a replacement for cream of chicken. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
* **Add a squeeze of lemon juice:** A little bit of acidity can brighten up the dish. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker creamy chicken and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Coleslaw:** A classic coleslaw adds a tangy and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* **Cornbread:** A warm slice of cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to chicken and dumplings.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This recipe is great for meal prepping! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply add them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. You can also prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the milk and melted butter just before cooking.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the dumplings from drying out.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze chicken and dumplings, the texture of the dumplings may change after freezing and thawing. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Based on one serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.* I recommend calculating the nutritional information using a recipe analyzer if you require more accurate details.

## Troubleshooting

* **Dumplings are Gummy:** This usually happens if the dumpling dough is overmixed. Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Dumplings are Dense:** This can happen if the baking powder is old or if the dumplings are overcooked. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and check the dumplings frequently during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
* **Sauce is Too Thin:** To thicken the sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
* **Sauce is Too Thick:** Add a little chicken broth or water to thin the sauce.
* **Chicken is Dry:** Make sure to use enough chicken broth and cream of chicken soup to keep the chicken moist. You can also add a tablespoon of butter to the slow cooker.
* **Chicken is Undercooked:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is still pink, continue cooking until it reaches the correct temperature.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use pre-made biscuit dough for the dumplings?**
* Yes, you can use store-bought biscuit dough for the dumplings. Cut the biscuits into quarters and drop them into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
* Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time.
* **Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?**
* While you can freeze chicken and dumplings, the texture of the dumplings may change after freezing and thawing.
* **What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?**
* You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. You can also make your own creamy sauce.
* **Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
* Yes, chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful than chicken breasts.
* **How long does it take to cook chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker?**
* It takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
* **Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?**
* Browning the chicken is optional, but it will add more flavor to the dish.

## Conclusion

This slow cooker creamy chicken and dumplings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy sauce is the epitome of comfort food. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!