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Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

Serving and Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

Mistakes to Avoid while making Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 can (14 oz) chicken broth; 2 small cans cream of chicken soup; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 pound carrots, sliced; 4 ribs celery, sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1/2 bag frozen peas; 8 strips turkey bacon, cooked; 1 can biscuit dough

Slow cooker chicken dumplings bring together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy biscuits in one comforting meal. This hearty dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner that cooks itself while you handle your day. Perfect for busy families, cold evenings, or meal prep sessions, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking method that saves you hours in the kitchen while creating a complete meal
Budget-friendly recipe using affordable ingredients that feeds a family of four for under $15
Packed with lean protein from chicken and essential vitamins from fresh vegetables like carrots and celery
One-pot convenience means less cleanup and more time with your loved ones
Freezer-friendly leftovers that reheat beautifully for quick weeknight dinners

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it layers flavors gradually. The chicken releases its juices during the long, slow cooking process, creating a rich base. The vegetables soften perfectly without becoming mushy, maintaining their nutritional value and texture.

The cream of chicken soup acts as both a thickener and flavor enhancer, while the milk adds richness without heaviness. Adding the biscuits during the final hour ensures they steam to perfection rather than becoming soggy. This timing creates the ideal dumpling texture that makes this dish irresistible.

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

This recipe requires basic pantry staples and fresh ingredients you likely have on hand. The total cost ranges from $12-15, making it an economical choice for feeding four people. Shopping tip: buy chicken breasts in bulk and freeze portions for future slow cooker meals.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity (Approx)	Purpose / Notes
Boneless chicken breasts	4 pieces, cubed	Main protein source, provides lean meat
Chicken broth	1 can (14 oz)	Creates flavorful cooking liquid base
Cream of chicken soup	2 small cans	Thickens sauce and adds creamy texture
Milk	1 cup	Adds richness without heaviness
Garlic powder	2 teaspoons	Enhances savory flavor profile
Salt and pepper	1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper	Essential seasoning for taste balance
Carrots	1 pound, sliced	Adds sweetness and nutritional value
Celery	4 ribs, sliced	Provides crunch and classic flavor
Onion	1 medium, diced	Creates aromatic base flavor
Frozen peas	1/2 bag	Adds color and fresh vegetable taste
Turkey bacon	8 strips, cooked	Provides smoky flavor and protein
Biscuit dough	1 can	Creates fluffy dumplings on top

Tools

Tool	Purpose
6-quart slow cooker	Main cooking vessel for entire recipe
Sharp knife	Cuts chicken and vegetables uniformly
Cutting board	Safe surface for food preparation
Large spoon	Mixes ingredients and serves portions

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

This straightforward process requires minimal prep work and delivers maximum results. The key is timing each addition correctly to ensure every component cooks perfectly.

Step	Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce	In the crockpot, combine chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
2. Add Chicken and Vegetables	Add cubed chicken, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion to the crockpot. Mix well to coat everything in sauce.
3. Cook Low and Slow	Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. This allows flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
4. Add Final Ingredients	Stir in crumbled turkey bacon and frozen peas. These cook quickly and maintain their texture.
5. Add Dumplings	Cut biscuit dough into quarters and place on top of mixture. Cook on high for 1 hour until biscuits are fluffy.
6. Serve Hot	Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows sauce to thicken slightly.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking and better texture in every bite
Don’t lift the lid during cooking as this releases steam and extends cooking time significantly
Pre-cook turkey bacon until crispy before adding to prevent soggy texture in final dish
Place biscuit quarters evenly across surface to ensure they all cook at the same rate
Let the dish rest 5 minutes after cooking to allow sauce to thicken naturally

Serving and Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

This recipe serves four generously, with each portion providing approximately 450 calories and 35 grams of protein. The balanced nutrition makes it perfect for active families or anyone seeking a satisfying meal.

Serving Tips

Serve immediately while the dumplings are fluffy and the sauce is hot. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for added vegetables. This dish works wonderfully for Sunday family dinners, potluck gatherings, or weeknight comfort meals.

For special occasions, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. The recipe easily doubles for larger crowds – just use a larger slow cooker and extend cooking time by 30 minutes. Leftovers store in the refrigerator for up to three days and freeze for up to three months.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

Overcooking the vegetables creates mushy textures that ruin the dish’s appeal. Stick to the recommended cooking times and vegetable sizes for best results.

Adding biscuits too early causes them to dissolve into the sauce rather than maintaining their dumpling shape. Wait until the final hour for perfect texture.

Using frozen chicken extends cooking time and can create food safety issues. Always thaw chicken completely before adding to the slow cooker. Also, avoid opening the lid frequently as this releases essential steam and heat.

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You Must Know

Always thaw chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety
Don’t add dairy products at the beginning as they may curdle during long cooking times
Frozen vegetables like peas should be added in final 30 minutes to maintain color and texture
Use low-sodium broth and soup to control salt levels, especially if serving to children

Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings

Transform this base recipe with different vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms. Swap turkey bacon for diced ham or omit meat entirely for a lighter version.

For extra richness, substitute heavy cream for milk in the final 30 minutes. Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for elevated flavors. Consider using sweet potato instead of regular carrots for added nutrition and natural sweetness.

This recipe pairs beautifully with other comfort foods. Try it alongside our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a complete comfort food spread. For dessert, our Keto Cloud Cake Recipe provides a light finish to this hearty meal.

Professional chefs recommend this cooking method for busy households. According to Allrecipes, slow cooker chicken and dumplings rank among the most popular comfort food recipes. NYT Cooking also features similar recipes that highlight the versatility of this cooking method.

FAQs:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work excellently and stay more tender during long cooking. Use boneless, skinless thighs and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How do I prevent the dumplings from getting soggy?

Add the biscuit dough only in the final hour and cook on high. Avoid lifting the lid during this time as steam is essential for proper dumpling texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute coconut milk for regular milk and use dairy-free cream soup alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, warm in a covered pot on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, combine all ingredients except biscuits and peas in the slow cooker insert the night before. Refrigerate, then cook as directed, adding peas and biscuits at appropriate times.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken dumplings deliver comfort food satisfaction with minimal effort. This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

The hands-off cooking method makes it perfect for busy schedules, while the nutritious ingredients support healthy eating goals. With proper timing and technique, you’ll create a dish that becomes a regular family favorite.

Start this recipe on your next busy day and come home to the amazing aroma of homemade comfort food. Your family will thank you for this delicious, satisfying meal that proves slow cooking creates the best flavors.

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