This comforting dish brings together tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a warm, flavorful broth. It’s like a big hug in a bowl!
Making this meal is a breeze! Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do all the work. I love coming home to that delicious smell wafting in the air.
Serve with a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color. It’s perfect for cozy nights when you want something easy and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this dish easy and tender. You can use thighs for more flavor, or shredded rotisserie chicken to save time!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This thickens the dish and adds creaminess. If you want a healthier option, you can use homemade cream soup or a can of vegetable broth with some cornstarch for thickening.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are classics, but feel free to toss in peas, corn, or even green beans! If you’re out of fresh, frozen veggies work well too.
Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for the dumplings. For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour blend, but keep an eye on the dough texture.
Milk: You can substitute cow’s milk with almond or soy milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just be aware it may change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Ensure the Dumplings Are Fluffy and Cooked Just Right?
Getting the dumplings fluffy is all about careful mixing and cooking. The dough should be slightly lumpy; over-mixing can lead to dense dumplings.
- Mix the dumpling ingredients until just combined. Leave some small lumps in the dough.
- When you drop the dough into the slow cooker, place it on top of the chicken mixture, allowing space between dumplings for them to expand.
- Cook on high heat for the last 30-40 minutes, keeping the lid closed during cooking to steam the dumplings perfectly.
These steps will help ensure your dumplings come out light and airy, just the way we like them!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Base:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3-4 carrots, sliced
- 2-3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of preparation and approximately 7 hours of total cooking time. You’ll spend the first part mixing ingredients in the slow cooker and then some additional time making the dumplings toward the end. It’s a hands-off recipe, making it perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Base:
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir until everything is nicely combined. This will be the flavorful base for your dish!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. The goal here is to have the chicken cooked through and very tender so that it can be easily shredded later. Go ahead and relax while it does its magic!
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Shred the chicken using two forks and then return it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the sauce and veggies. Your tasty base is looking great!
4. Make the Dumpling Dough:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Then add the milk and melted butter, stirring gently just until everything is combined into a dough. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
5. Add the Dumplings:
Now it’s time to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure the dumplings are sitting on top and not fully submerged because they will expand while cooking. This is where the magic happens!
6. Cook the Dumplings:
Cover the slow cooker again, but now switch it to high and cook for 30-40 minutes. This is when the dumplings will puff up and become fluffy. You’ll know they are done when they are no longer doughy. Check in on them after about 30 minutes to see how they’re doing!
7. Add Some Color:
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas to add some extra flavor and a pop of color to your dish. Their bright green color makes everything look even more delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the dumplings are cooked, serve your chicken and dumplings hot. If you want, sprinkle some additional herbs on top for a lovely finish. Get ready to enjoy a comforting and hearty bowl of this classic dish!
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through, about 7-8 hours on low. Thighs tend to be juicier, adding extra flavor to your dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and be sure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well. This will help maintain the texture of the dumplings while keeping the dish gluten-free.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No worries! If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use a homemade version by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, and chicken bouillon or broth for flavor. Cook it over medium heat, whisking until thickened, and then add it to the slow cooker as you would the canned soup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the dumplings moist. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
