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Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

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Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings simmered in a creamy broth. It’s a classic one-pot meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Origin

Chicken and dumplings is a traditional comfort food deeply rooted in Southern cuisine in the United States. The slow cooker adaptation became popular as home cooks sought easier ways to recreate the dish with minimal hands-on time.

Cultural Significance

  • A Southern comfort food classic
  • Often passed down through family recipes
  • Popular during colder months
  • Associated with homestyle, hearty cooking

It represents warmth, nourishment, and simple ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying.

Ingredients Quantity (Serves 6–8)

For the Chicken Base

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: 2 lbs (900 g)
  • Chicken broth: 4 cups
  • Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
  • Carrots (sliced): 1 cup
  • Celery (chopped): 1 cup
  • Onion (diced): 1 small
  • Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
  • Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
  • Salt: to taste

For the Dumplings

  • Refrigerated biscuit dough (cut into pieces): 1 can
    OR
  • Homemade dumpling dough (flour, baking powder, milk, butter)

Optional Additions

  • Frozen peas (added last 30 minutes)
  • Fresh parsley
  • Heavy cream (¼ cup for extra richness)
  • Bay leaf (remove before serving)

Tips for Success

  • Use chicken thighs for extra flavor.
  • Add dumplings only in the last 1–2 hours to prevent overcooking.
  • Keep lid closed while dumplings cook to allow steaming.
  • Shred chicken before adding dumplings for even texture.
  • If broth is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir in.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Place chicken in slow cooker.

Add broth, cream of chicken soup, vegetables, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Stir gently.

2. Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.

3. Shred Chicken

Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to slow cooker.

4. Add Dumplings

Cut biscuit dough into quarters and place on top of hot mixture.

Cover and cook on HIGH for 1½–2 hours until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

5. Finish

Stir gently and garnish with parsley if desired.

Description

This dish is:

  • Creamy and savory
  • Hearty and filling
  • Tender with soft dumplings
  • Comforting and nostalgic

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 450–550 kcal
  • Protein: 30–35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35–45 g
  • Fat: 18–22 g

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a cozy, satisfying meal that combines traditional Southern flavors with modern convenience.

Recommendation

Serve with:

  • Simple green salad
  • Steamed green beans
  • Buttermilk cornbread

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Use low-sodium broth, light soup, and add extra vegetables for a lighter version while keeping the creamy comfort intact.

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