Amazing Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings 4 U

When the weather turns chilly, and you just want something warm and hug-in-a-bowl good, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings. And let me tell you, making this classic comfort food is SO much easier than you might think, especially with my go-to Slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe. Forget spending hours hovering over the stove! This is the kind of magic that happens when you let your crockpot do all the heavy lifting.

As you know from my About Me page, I’m all about bringing that soulful, home-cooked goodness back to the table, even when life gets crazy hectic. I learned from my amazing Grandma that cooking for people is one of the very best ways to show you care, and this dish? It practically screams love and cozy vibes. This recipe takes all the deliciousness of traditional chicken and dumplings and makes it totally hands-off, perfect for those busy weeknights when dinner feels like a mountain to climb. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!

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

Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights!

• It’s almost *too* easy: Honestly, just drop everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The minimal effort makes it a lifesaver.
• Pure comfort in a bowl: This dish is the epitome of cozy. Rich, savory broth with tender chicken and those fluffy little dumplings just hit the spot every single time.
• Perfectly fluffy dumplings, no stress: Forget complicated doughs! We’re using simple canned biscuits that puff up beautifully right on top of the simmering stew.
• Set-and-forget simplicity: You can truly walk away and let your crockpot do all the heavy lifting. It means dinner is ready without you having to hover.
• A true one-pot meal: Everything cooks together, so that means way less cleanup afterward. Who doesn’t love that?

• Guaranteed crowd-pleaser: Both kids and adults go absolutely wild for this dish. It’s my go-to for a reason!
• Totally adaptable: Feel free to toss in extra veggies or tweak the seasonings. This recipe is super forgiving and welcomes your personal touch.

Gather Your Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Alright, for this super cozy crockpot chicken and dumplings, you’ll need just a few simple things. I like to grab everything at once so I can just toss it all in and go. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (I usually go with thighs because they stay so moist!)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (peeled, of course)
• 1 cup chopped celery (the classic mirepoix goodness!)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth (use a good quality one for the best flavor!)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to your taste, you can always add more later)
• 1 (16.3 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into 1-inch pieces (the secret shortcut to fluffy dumplings!)

Simple Steps to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Okay, here we go! Making this incredible slow cooker chicken and dumplings is so straightforward, it feels like cheating. You basically just dump stuff in and let your trusty crockpot do all the hard work. It’s really that simple!

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

First things first, grab your slow cooker insert. Pile in your gorgeous chicken pieces – I love using thighs for their amazing flavor and how they just melt in your mouth. Then, toss in those chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Don’t forget to sprinkle everything with the dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. The thyme is key for that earthy flavor we all love in chicken soup!

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The Slow Cooking Process

Now, pour in all that wonderful chicken broth. It’s going to be the base of our delicious stew. Cover your slow cooker, and let it do its thing on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a rush, high for 3 to 4 hours works too. Honestly, the longer it simmers on low, the more the flavors meld together beautifully.

Shredding the Chicken and Preparing for Dumplings

Once the chicken is super tender and cooked through – it should pull apart easily – carefully take it out of the slow cooker. A couple of forks make quick work of shredding it right up. While that’s happening, make sure the liquid in the pot is at a nice, happy simmer. This bit is important for getting those dumplings just right!

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Adding and Cooking the Easy Biscuit Dumplings

Here’s where the magic really happens! Take your canned biscuit dough, cut them into about 1-inch pieces, and just drop them right onto the simmering stew. Don’t overcrowd them; give them a little breathing room so they can puff up nicely. Cover the slow cooker *tightly* and let those easy biscuit dumplings steam cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek too early – that trapped steam is what makes them so wonderfully fluffy!

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Okay, so this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is pretty foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years that can make it even better. Little things that just make your cozy dinner dreams come true!

Achieving a Creamier Stew

If you’re like me and love a really rich, creamy stew, here’s my favorite little secret: stir in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking. It makes everything just that much more decadent and delicious. It’s totally optional, but oh-so-worth-it!

Making Dumplings from Scratch

Now, I adore the convenience of the biscuit dumplings, truly – they’re amazing! But if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious and want to go the traditional route, you absolutely can make your own dumpling dough from scratch. Just whip up your favorite biscuit or dumpling recipe and drop spoonfuls into the simmering stew just like you would with the canned ones. They’ll be wonderfully tender and delicious!

Serving Suggestions for Your Crockpot Comfort Stew

This amazing crockpot comfort stew is practically a meal all on its own, but sometimes it’s nice to have a little something extra. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always lovely to cut through the richness. If you’re feeling it, some crusty bread for dipping is practically mandatory, or maybe some steamed green beans or broccoli for a pop of color and freshness would be perfect. For more ideas, check out my favorite soups and salads!

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Storage and Reheating Your Chicken Stew in Slow Cooker

Leftovers of this wonderful chicken stew in slow cooker are a dream! Once it has cooled down a bit, pop the leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the stovetop is your best friend. Just gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If the stew seems a little thick, a splash more broth or water will revive it perfectly. Be aware the dumplings might soften a bit more upon reheating, but they’ll still be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Got questions about this super cozy dish? I’ve got answers! This recipe is pretty forgiving, but here are a few things folks often wonder about.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You sure can! Chicken breasts work just fine. Just know they might cook a little faster and can sometimes dry out more easily than thighs. Cook until tender, shred, and proceed. You might want to keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.

How do I make this a one-pot chicken meal?

The beauty of this recipe is it *is* already a fantastic one-pot chicken meal! Everything—the chicken, veggies, broth, and dumplings—cooks right there in the slow cooker. Cleanup is minimal; just wash the insert and maybe a cutting board. How easy is that?

What if my dumplings aren’t cooking through?

Oh no! If your dumplings are looking a bit sad and undercooked, first, make sure your lid is sealed super tight. Any steam escaping is your enemy! Sometimes, just dropping biscuit pieces on top might need a little more time. Just cover it back up and give them another 10-15 minutes. They’ll puff up!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the specific ingredients you use. But generally, one serving of this delicious meal packs around 450 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 35g of carbs. It’s a hearty meal that really satisfies!

Share Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Creations!

I truly hope you give this super easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings a try! When you make it, I’d absolutely love to hear all about it. Drop a comment below, give the recipe a star rating, or even share a photo of your delicious creation on social media. Seeing your kitchen creations always makes my day!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

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A comforting and easy one-pot chicken stew with fluffy dumplings, perfect for a cozy meal.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (16.3 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into 1-inch pieces

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Instructions

1. Place chicken, carrots, celery, and onion in your slow cooker.
2. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle with thyme, pepper, and salt.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Bring the liquid in the slow cooker to a simmer.
6. Drop the biscuit pieces on top of the simmering stew.
7. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Notes

• For a creamier stew, you can stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• You can also make your own dumpling dough from scratch if you prefer.
• This recipe is a great example of simple meal planning for busy weeknights.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg