If you’ve been craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings for Ultimate Comfort Recipe. It’s a soul-soothing combination of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and the fluffiest dumplings, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Each bite wraps you in comfort, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or whenever you need that extra dose of delicious reassurance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to this dish’s charm. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s building rich flavor, adding texture, or providing a pop of color that makes the dish as beautiful as it tastes.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into 1-inch pieces for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the goodness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium to keep it healthy while delivering deep, savory flavor.
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness that forms the base for the luscious sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk: Makes the sauce silky smooth; almond milk works well for a lighter touch.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: A simple spice boost that elevates the hearty flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste to bring all the ingredients together.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- 4 medium carrots: Sliced for sweetness and a tender bite.
- 4 celery ribs: Thinly sliced for crisp vegetal freshness.
- 1 medium onion: Diced to infuse a subtle aromatic foundation.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in later for bright color and a pop of sweetness.
- 8 strips bacon: Cooked and crumbled to bring smoky depth and savory crunch.
- 1 can biscuit dough: Cut into small pieces that puff up into irresistible fluffy dumplings.
How to Make Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings for Ultimate Comfort Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
Start by combining your chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper right in the slow cooker. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth and creamy sauce that will become the heart of this dish.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Vegetables
Next, toss in the cubed chicken breasts along with sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion. Stir everything gently, ensuring all the chicken and veggies get coated in the rich sauce. This mix will simmer low and slow to develop deep, comforting flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for about 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are perfectly soft. This part is key because slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully and makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
Step 4: Add Bacon and Peas
Once your chicken and veggies are done cooking, stir in the crumbled bacon and frozen peas. These ingredients bring a delightful smoky flavor and vibrant green color, balancing richness with freshness.
Step 5: Top with Biscuit Dough Dumplings
Scatter the biscuit dough pieces evenly over the top of your hearty stew. Set the slow cooker to high, cover, and let it cook for another hour. During this time, the dough will puff up, absorbing the savory juices and turning into soft, comforting dumplings that complete the dish.
How to Serve Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings for Ultimate Comfort Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a sprinkle of brightness that perfectly contrasts the creamy warmth of the dish. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can give just the right hint of heat if you like a little zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a fabulous one-pot meal, but adding a simple green salad or some steamed green beans brings a pop of freshness to the table. A crusty slice of rustic bread is also marvelous for mopping up that extra creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it straight from the slow cooker for a cozy family-style vibe, or ladle into individual bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream for a special touch. If you’re feeling festive, add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar to the top of the dumplings before serving for a cheesy finish that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings for Ultimate Comfort Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even improve a bit after resting, making it an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the biscuit dough, then add fresh dough and cook dumplings just before serving after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If the dumplings lose some fluffiness, a splash of broth can bring back the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other hearty veggies like parsnips, turnips, or green beans. They’ll all bring their own unique texture and flavor to this already cozy dish.
Is there a gluten-free way to make the dumplings?
Yes! You can find gluten-free biscuit dough at many grocery stores or make a gluten-free dough from scratch. Just be sure to check all labels for hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay moist during slow cooking, making them a great option for this recipe.
How thick will the sauce be?
The sauce is deliciously creamy but not overly thick. The biscuit dough thickens it just right while cooking, creating a perfect balance between sauce and stew.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, but it will require more attention and adjustment. Slow cooking really brings out the flavors and tenderness, but a low simmer on the stovetop with careful timing can work too.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like settling in with a warm bowl of Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings for Ultimate Comfort Recipe to brighten up your day. Its combination of comforting ingredients and effortless preparation makes it a true kitchen favorite you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes the ultimate comfort meal in your home too.
Print
Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings for Ultimate Comfort Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings is a comforting American dinner recipe featuring tender chicken breasts, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings cooked low and slow in a creamy broth for ultimate warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium for a healthier option)
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup whole milk (substitute with almond milk for lighter touch)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 medium carrots sliced
- 4 celery ribs sliced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 8 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 can biscuit dough cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In your slow cooker, combine chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add main ingredients: Add the diced chicken, sliced carrots, sliced celery ribs, and diced onion to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Slow cook initial mixture: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it simmer for about 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add peas and bacon: Gently mix in the crumbled bacon and frozen peas, distributing them evenly throughout the dish for added flavor and texture.
- Add biscuit dough dumplings: Place the small pieces of biscuit dough evenly across the surface of the slow cooker mixture. These will puff up to create fluffy dumplings as they cook.
- Cook dumplings: Turn the slow cooker to high and cover. Continue cooking for 1 hour, or until the dumplings are puffed up and fully cooked through.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt as needed to control sodium content.
- Substitute whole milk with almond milk for a lighter version, though it may affect creaminess.
- Cook bacon separately to retain crispiness before adding to the slow cooker.
- Ensure biscuit dough pieces are evenly spaced to allow even cooking and rising of dumplings.
- This recipe serves 8 and is perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve dumpling texture.
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