Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

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Introduction

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings is the definition of comfort food — warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This slow cooker version makes the dish incredibly easy while delivering tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy sauce that feels like a cozy homemade hug in a bowl. Perfect for family dinners, cold days, or whenever you want a nourishing, low-effort meal.

Origin

Chicken and dumplings traces its roots back to European peasant cooking, particularly English and German traditions where dough was cooked in broth to stretch meals economically. The dish became especially popular in the American South, where slow-simmered chicken stews evolved into the creamy, dumpling-filled comfort classic loved today.

Cultural Significance

Often associated with home cooking and family gatherings, chicken and dumplings symbolizes warmth, care, and tradition. In many households, it’s a recipe passed down through generations — a meal made during holidays, rainy days, or times when comfort food is needed most.

Ingredients Quantity

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk or heavy cream
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (for dumplings), cut into pieces

Optional Additions

  • ½ cup frozen peas or corn
  • ½ tsp paprika for warmth
  • ¼ tsp poultry seasoning
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Tips for Success

  • Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
  • Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently — heat loss affects dumpling texture.
  • Cut biscuit dough evenly so dumplings cook uniformly.
  • Stir gently after dumplings cook to keep them fluffy.
  • If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm broth.

Instructions

  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  2. Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, onion, garlic, carrots, and seasonings. Stir lightly.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
  4. Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
  5. Add biscuit dough pieces on top of the mixture.
  6. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 additional hour, without lifting the lid, until dumplings are cooked through.
  7. Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Description

This dish features juicy shredded chicken surrounded by soft, pillowy dumplings floating in a creamy, savory sauce. The carrots add subtle sweetness while herbs create a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks slowly.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving — serves 6)

  • Calories: 420–480 kcal
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg

Conclusion

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless meal that balances simplicity with deep flavor. It’s easy enough for beginners yet satisfying enough to become a family favorite.

Recommendation

Serve with:

  • A light green salad
  • Steamed green beans
  • Crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce

It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Comfort food can still fit into a balanced lifestyle. Use low-fat milk, reduced-sodium broth, and add extra vegetables to boost nutrition while keeping the dish rich and satisfying. Enjoy generous flavors while nourishing both body and spirit — because wholesome comfort is part of healthy living.

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