The Soul-Soothing Comfort of a Classic
A Trip Down Memory Lane with Every Bite
There’s something truly special about a bowl of creamy chicken and dumplings. It’s a dish that instantly transports you back to simpler times, evoking feelings of warmth, family, and home-cooked meals. This recipe brings that comforting sensation right to your kitchen, all with the ease of your slow cooker.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a wonder. It means less time actively cooking and more time enjoying delicious aromas. The slow cooker tenderizes chicken to perfection and marries flavors beautifully, making this chicken and dumplings recipe incredibly rich and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken & Dumplings
Effortless Comfort Food
This dish is the epitome of comfort food, made incredibly easy. You just set it and let your slow cooker do all the hard work.
A Taste of Home, Made Easy
You get all the home-cooked goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a shortcut to a classic.
Customizable to Your Liking
You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste. Add more vegetables, change the herbs – make it your own!
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
It’s the ideal meal for those busy days when you want a hearty dinner but don’t have much time for prep.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker)
Ingredients of Creamy Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker)
For the Chicken Base
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
For the Rich and Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup (or a homemade cream base)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Fluffy Dumplings
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Flavor Boosters
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Directions of Creamy Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker)
Preparing Your Slow Cooker
Lightly grease your slow cooker insert with cooking spray.
Assembling the Chicken Base
Place the chicken, chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery into the slow cooker. If using, add minced garlic.
Creating the Creamy Broth
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, milk, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
The Slow Cooker: Set It and Forget It
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
Adding the Delicious Dumplings
About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
To make the dumplings: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
The Final Simmer and Serve
Stir gently to combine everything. Let it sit for a few minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker)
Classic Pairings
Serve your chicken and dumplings hot, straight from the slow cooker. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley can add a nice touch.
Freshness on the Side
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great side dish to complement the richness of the dumplings.
Hearty Additions
You can also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious creamy sauce.
How to Store Creamy Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker)
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker)
Optimal Chicken Choice
Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay moister and become more tender.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot
Make sure you don’t overfill your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and enough space for the dumplings to expand.
Dumpling Secrets
Avoid dropping the dumpling batter directly into cold spots in the slow cooker. It’s best to drop them into the simmering liquid. Cover quickly after adding dumplings to trap the steam needed for cooking.
Adjusting Thickness
If your sauce is too thin, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth or milk.
Freezing & Reheating Tips
You can freeze cooked chicken and dumplings, although the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Variation
Herbacious Twists
Add other herbs like dried rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs, added at the end, are also wonderful.
Veggie Power-Ups
Feel free to add other vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or diced potatoes during the last hour of cooking.
Protein Swaps
While chicken is classic, you could also use turkey breast instead for a different flavor.
Gluten-Free Options
For gluten-free dumplings, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your cream of chicken soup and broth are also gluten-free.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken for this Creamy Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker) recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken. It may add an hour or two to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do I prevent my dumplings from becoming too gummy in the Creamy Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker)?
Do not overmix the dumpling batter. Mix it just until the ingredients are combined. Also, make sure the broth in the slow cooker is simmering when you add the dumplings, and do not peek while they are cooking. The steam helps them cook properly.
Can I make this Creamy Chicken & Dumplings (Slow Cooker) recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken base and broth mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, put it in the slow cooker and cook as directed. Add the dumplings 30 minutes before you plan to serve.
Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken & Herb Dumplings
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Medium bowl
- Two forks
- Cooking spray
- Whisk
- Spoon
Ingredients
For the Chicken Base
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 clove garlic minced
For the Rich and Creamy Sauce
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 ounces
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Fluffy Dumplings
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup milk
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Instructions
- Lightly grease your slow cooker insert with cooking spray.
- Add chicken, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Whisk together broth, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, milk, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender.
- Before serving, remove and shred the chicken with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
- For the dumplings, combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl; stir in milk and melted butter until just mixed.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter onto the simmering liquid, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes until fluffy.
- Gently stir all ingredients together and let sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley.