Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Comfort Food Made Easy

Nothing says comfort quite like a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings. This slow cooker recipe is the perfect solution for busy days when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy meal to enjoy at home, this dish is a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry and fridge.
• Rich and Flavorful: The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the dumplings are light and fluffy.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers store beautifully and make for fantastic lunches.

Who Is This Recipe For?

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s also great for families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a taste of home.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 6 cups water
• Freshly cracked pepper to taste
• 1 tsp salt

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board and knife
• Medium mixing bowl
• Forks for shredding chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

1. Mince the garlic, dice the onion, and slice the carrots and celery into small pieces.
2. Add the garlic, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf, basil, thyme, chicken breast, water, and some freshly cracked pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on high for four hours or low for eight hours.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

1. After cooking, remove the chicken from the broth and place it on a cutting board. (If you cooked on low, turn the slow cooker to high now.)
2. Shred the chicken using two forks.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in 1 tsp of salt.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, parsley, and sugar. Mix well.
2. Add the butter in small chunks and cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles damp sand.
3. Pour in the milk and stir until a very soft, paste-like mixture forms.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

1. Remove the lid from the slow cooker and drop the dumpling batter into the soup by the heaping spoonful.
2. Replace the lid and let the dumplings steam for 20 minutes. They should fluff up and expand from the heat. Although they may look moist on the outside, they’ll be light and fluffy inside.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Short on Time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, peas, or potatoes for an even heartier dish.
• Herb Swap: Fresh thyme and basil can replace dried for a brighter flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a touch of heat.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

Food and Drink Pairings

• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• For drinks, try a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Absolutely. Chicken thighs add a bit more flavor and stay super tender in the slow cooker.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can make this recipe on the stovetop. Simmer the soup on low for about 45 minutes, then proceed with the chicken shredding and dumpling steps as written.

How do I know the dumplings are done? After 20 minutes, the dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through. You can check one by cutting it open — the inside should look like a soft biscuit.

Final Thoughts

There you have it: a comforting bowl of slow cooker chicken and dumplings that practically makes itself. This recipe is a hug in a bowl and perfect for those chilly nights when only comfort food will do.

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