Name: Delicious Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488921H47M1S
Total time: PT-5H30M
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 (10.25 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 2 cups biscuit mix; 1/2 cup milk

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Okay, let’s talk comfort food, because honestly, is there anything better than a big bowl of chicken and dumplings on a chilly evening? This easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is my absolute go-to when I need something warm, hearty, and just plain *good* without a ton of fuss. I’ve been making variations of this for years, and the slow cooker version? Pure genius! It means all that deliciousness simmers away while I’m busy doing other things, and the aroma that fills the house is just heavenly. It reminds me of my mom’s kitchen, where comfort food was always the star.

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

Seriously, this easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is a game-changer. It hits all the right notes for a perfect weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. You get that amazing, home-cooked taste without spending hours slaving over the stove. Plus, it’s so ridiculously easy, even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll nail it!

Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and dinner is practically made for you.
Hands-Off Magic: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, keeping your chicken incredibly tender and the broth perfectly seasoned.
Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, and packed with those classic chicken and dumpling flavors everyone loves.
So Easy, So Delicious: This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated steps for seriously satisfying results.

Unbeatable Convenience of Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Let’s be real, who has hours to cook on a Tuesday night? That’s where this easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe shines. You literally just dump the ingredients in, set it, and forget it. The slow cooker gently cooks everything to perfection, meaning you get tender chicken and a flavorful broth with hardly any effort. It’s the definition of a stress-free meal!

Rich, Creamy, and Delicious Flavor Profile

Get ready for a bowl of pure happiness! The broth in this dish is incredibly rich and creamy, thanks to the cream of chicken soup and milk. The chicken breasts get so tender they practically melt in your mouth. And those dumplings? They soak up all that delicious broth while cooking, becoming wonderfully fluffy and soft. It’s truly the perfect bite every single time.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings, you’ll need to gather a few things. Don’t worry, most of it is probably already in your pantry or fridge. It’s all about simple ingredients coming together to make something truly special. You’ll find that the beauty of this recipe is how it transforms everyday items into pure comfort food magic.

For the Chicken and Broth Base

This is where all the savory goodness starts! You’ll need:

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (10.25 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

For the Fluffy Dumplings

And for those clouds of deliciousness on top:

2 cups biscuit mix
1/2 cup milk

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness cooking! Making this easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings is honestly a piece of cake, and this guide will walk you through every simple step. You’ll be amazed at how little effort it takes to get such incredible results. Just follow along, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort food ready in no time!

Preparing the Slow Cooker Base

First things first, we get everything cozy in the slow cooker. Grab your slow cooker insert and let’s get layering!

Start by placing your chicken breasts right into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Next, scatter your chopped onion, carrots, and celery all around the chicken.
Now, pour in that lovely chicken broth and the 1 cup of milk. Don’t forget to add your butter – it melts right in and makes everything extra rich!
Time for some seasoning magic! Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder evenly over everything.
Finally, stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup. Give it a good mix so it’s nicely combined with all the other ingredients.

Slow Cooking for Tender Chicken

This is where the magic really happens and the slow cooker does all the work for you. Just cover it up and let it do its thing!

Put the lid on your slow cooker nice and tight. You can cook this on the LOW setting for about 6 to 8 hours, which is perfect if you’re starting it in the morning. Or, if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, you can use the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, the chicken will get wonderfully tender.

Making and Adding the Dumplings

Okay, we’re in the home stretch now! About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s dumpling time. These little guys are the perfect fluffy topping to soak up all that amazing broth.

About 30 minutes before you plan to eat, get started on your dumpling batter.
In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix with the 1/2 cup of milk. Just stir them together until they’re *just* combined. Seriously, don’t overmix it, or your dumplings can get tough! A few lumps are totally fine.
Now, carefully drop spoonfuls of this dumpling batter all over the top of the simmering chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Try to space them out evenly so they all get a chance to cook properly.
Finally, put the lid back on the slow cooker nice and tight. This is important to trap all that steam! Let them cook for another 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed up and cooked all the way through.

Tips for Perfect Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

You’ve got the main steps down for this easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings, but a few little tricks can make it truly restaurant-worthy. I’ve learned these over the years, and they really do make a difference in getting that perfect texture and flavor every single time. Nobody wants a dense dumpling or a watery broth, right?

Achieving the Perfect Dumpling Texture

The secret to fluffy dumplings is to not overwork the batter! Just mix the biscuit mix and milk until they *just* come together. A few lumps are your friend here. Also, make sure your slow cooker is simmering nicely before you drop them in, and keep that lid on tight while they cook – the steam is crucial for puffing them up!

Thickening the Broth

If you like your chicken and dumplings with a super thick, rich gravy-like broth, don’t worry! It’s an easy fix. Just take about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and mix it with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. It thickens everything up beautifully without making it gloopy. For more information on thickening sauces, you can check out Food Network’s guide.

Ingredient Notes and Substitution Ideas

When I make this easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings, I usually stick to the tried-and-true ingredients because they work so well. But I know life happens, and sometimes you need to swap things out! It’s all about making this recipe work for *you*. These little tweaks can help you adapt it if you have different ingredients on hand or dietary needs.

Dairy and Gluten-Free Adaptations

If you need to make this dairy-free, just swap out the regular milk for your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. For gluten-free dumplings, look for a gluten-free biscuit mix. It’s usually a pretty straightforward substitution, and you’ll still get lovely, fluffy dumplings! You can find more information on celiac disease and gluten-free living from the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Serving and Storage of Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Now that you’ve made this incredible easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings, let’s talk about enjoying every last drop and how to save some for later! It’s one of those dishes that tastes just as good, if not better, the next day, which is always a win in my book.

Best Ways to Serve Your Dish

Honestly, this dish is a meal all on its own! But if you want to add a little something extra, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. A side of simple green beans or a light salad can also be nice if you want to balance out all that creamy goodness. For salad ideas, check out these delicious salad recipes.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers? Yes, please! Let your chicken and dumplings cool down a bit, then pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions. You might need to add a splash more broth or milk to loosen it up a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Got questions about this wonderful easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings? I get it! It’s one of those comforting dishes that people love to make, and sometimes you just need a little extra info. Here are some of the questions I get asked most often about this recipe, hopefully, they help you out!

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can! Just toss the frozen chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. You might need to add an extra hour or so to the cooking time on low to make sure it cooks through completely.

How do I know if the dumplings are cooked?

The easiest way to check is the toothpick test. Just gently insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling. If it comes out clean, they’re done! If there’s wet batter, give them a few more minutes covered.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some parts ahead! You can chop all your veggies the day before. For the best texture, I recommend making the dumplings right before serving, but the chicken and broth base can hang out in the slow cooker on the warm setting for a bit if needed.

Nutritional Estimate for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? The exact nutritional info for this easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings can change based on the specific brands you use and how much you ladle into your bowl. But generally, you’re looking at something like:

Calories: 650
Protein: 40g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sodium: 1500mg
Sugar: 8g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 150mg