Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, a comforting Southern classic perfect for cold days or when you need a hearty meal. This dish features tender, shredded chicken in a rich, creamy broth with fluffy dumplings that cook directly in the slow cooker. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade dumpling dough)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, garlic, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup (if using), chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker.
4. Add the biscuit dough: Tear the refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces (about the size of a spoonful) and drop them into the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the dough pieces in the broth.
5. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour with a little bit of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the broth. If you’re using frozen peas and carrots, add them now.
6. Cook the dumplings: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center. Stir occasionally to make sure they cook evenly.
7. Serve: Once the dumplings are fully cooked, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying. The tender chicken, creamy broth, and pillowy dumplings come together for a rich, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and the ease of a slow cooker, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or on its own for the ultimate comfort food experience!