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Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings
Slow cooker chicken dumplings bring together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings in one comforting dish. This family-friendly meal requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully while creating fall-apart tender chicken and vegetables.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Minimal prep work required – just 15 minutes of hands-on time before the slow cooker does all the work
- Budget-friendly meal that feeds a family of four for under $15 using simple pantry staples
- Packed with protein from chicken and vegetables, providing essential nutrients for growing families
- Perfect comfort food for cold days, family gatherings, or when you need a satisfying meal ready when you get home
- One-pot meal that reduces cleanup time while delivering restaurant-quality flavors at home
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it combines traditional cooking methods with modern convenience. The slow cooking process breaks down chicken fibers naturally, creating incredibly tender meat without any effort from you.
The cream-based sauce provides richness while chicken broth adds depth of flavor. Adding vegetables at the beginning allows them to soften perfectly, while frozen peas maintain their bright color and slight crunch when added later.
The secret lies in timing the biscuit dumplings correctly. Adding them during the final hour on high heat creates fluffy, perfectly cooked dumplings that absorb the savory broth without becoming soggy.
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces, cubed | Main protein source, provides tender meat |
| Chicken broth | 1 can (14.5 oz) | Creates flavorful cooking liquid base |
| Cream of chicken soup | 2 small cans | Adds creaminess and thickness to sauce |
| Milk | 1 cup | Thins sauce to perfect consistency |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons | Enhances overall flavor profile |
| Salt and pepper | 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper | Basic seasoning for taste balance |
| Carrots | 1 pound, sliced | Adds sweetness and nutrition |
| Celery | 4 ribs, sliced | Provides crunch and classic flavor |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced | Foundation flavor for the dish |
| Frozen peas | ½ bag | Adds color and fresh vegetable taste |
| Turkey strips | 8 strips, cooked and crumbled | Provides smoky flavor and extra protein |
| Biscuit dough | 1 can | Creates fluffy dumplings on top |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 6-quart slow cooker | Main cooking vessel for the entire recipe |
| Sharp knife | Cutting chicken, vegetables, and biscuit dough |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for food preparation |
| Measuring cups | Accurate measurement of liquid ingredients |
| Large spoon | Stirring ingredients and serving |
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the Sauce | In your slow cooker, 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 slow cooker. Mix well to coat everything with sauce. |
| 3. Cook | Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing flavors to develop and chicken to become tender. |
| 4. Add Turkey and Peas | Stir in crumbled turkey strips and frozen peas during the last hour of cooking. |
| 5. Prepare and Add Biscuits | Cut biscuit dough into quarters and place on top of the mixture. Switch to high heat and cook for 1 hour until biscuits are fluffy. |
| 6. Serve | Let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot in bowls. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the slow cooking process
- Don’t lift the lid during cooking except when adding final ingredients – this maintains consistent temperature
- Test biscuit doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when fully cooked
- For richer flavor, sauté onions in a pan for 3-4 minutes before adding to the slow cooker
- Add frozen peas in the last 30 minutes to maintain their bright green color and slight crunch
Serving and Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings
Serving Tips
Serve this hearty dish in deep bowls to contain the creamy sauce. A simple side salad or ultimate chicken casserole pairs wonderfully for larger gatherings.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor. This recipe serves four generously, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings
Avoid overcooking the biscuit dumplings by monitoring them closely during the final hour. They should be fluffy and cooked through but not tough or dry.
Don’t add dairy products too early in the cooking process as they may curdle. The cream of chicken soup and milk work best when added at the beginning with proper stirring.
Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently during cooking. Each peek releases heat and extends cooking time, potentially affecting the final texture of your dish.
You Must Know
- Always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into uniform pieces for consistent cooking results
- Frozen vegetables work better than fresh for peas since they won’t overcook during the long cooking process
- The biscuit dough should be quartered, not left whole, to ensure even cooking and proper portion sizes
- This recipe costs approximately $12-15 total, making it an economical choice for feeding a family of four
Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings
Transform this basic recipe by adding different vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms based on your family’s preferences. Each variation brings unique flavors and textures.
For a lighter version, substitute low-fat milk and reduced-sodium chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables to increase the nutritional value without significantly changing the cooking method.
Consider pairing this comfort food with lighter dishes like keto cloud cake for dessert or creamy garlic shrimp pasta for special occasions.
FAQs:
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but add an extra hour to the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before adding the biscuit dumplings.
You can make your own by combining 1 cup chicken broth with 3 tablespoons flour and ½ cup milk. Cook until thickened, then use as directed in the recipe.
Add the biscuit pieces only during the final hour on high heat. Don’t lift the lid during this time, as steam is essential for proper dumpling texture.
Prepare everything except the biscuit dumplings up to 24 hours ahead. Add the dumplings fresh during the final cooking hour for best results.
Root vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions work best as they hold up during long cooking. Add delicate vegetables like peas in the final 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken dumplings deliver comfort food satisfaction with minimal effort. This recipe combines tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in one satisfying meal that costs under $15 to make.
The hands-off cooking method makes it perfect for busy families, while the hearty ingredients provide the nutrition and comfort everyone craves. With proper timing and these helpful tips, you’ll create a memorable meal that brings everyone to the table.
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📖 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 minutes before serving 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker chicken dumplings recipe featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings all cooked together in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
- 2 small cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper
- 1 pound carrots, sliced
- 4 ribs celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ½ bag frozen peas
- 8 strips turkey strips, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can biscuit dough
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In your slow cooker, combine chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Add cubed chicken, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion to the slow cooker. Mix well to coat everything with sauce.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing flavors to develop and chicken to become tender.
- Add Turkey and Peas: Stir in crumbled turkey strips and frozen peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Prepare and Add Biscuits: Cut biscuit dough into quarters and place on top of the mixture. Switch to high heat and cook for 1 hour until biscuits are fluffy.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot in bowls.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the slow cooking process
- Don’t lift the lid during cooking except when adding final ingredients – this maintains consistent temperature
- Test biscuit doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when fully cooked
- For richer flavor, sauté onions in a pan for 3-4 minutes before adding to the slow cooker
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 485 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken dumplings, chicken and dumplings, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, one pot meal
