If you have ever yearned for a soul-satisfying, cozy meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort, then look no further. The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, cheesy broth with light and fluffy dumplings made from simple biscuit dough. Each bite delivers happiness—the perfect blend of creamy textures, tender veggies, and pillowy dumplings. It’s an ultimate comfort food classic brought to life in your slow cooker with few ingredients and zero fuss. Get ready to discover a new favorite that’s destined to become a household staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward yet crucial, contributing layers of flavor, satisfying texture, and beautiful color to the final dish. Together, they create a rich, hearty meal that needs no frills.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth base.
- 1 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy earthiness and comfort.
- 1 10-ounce can cheddar cheese soup: Imparts a sharp, cheesy richness that elevates the dish.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory undertone without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right touch of gentle spice.
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: Juicy, flavorful, and tender—perfect for slow cooking.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The hearty liquid that keeps everything moist and infused with savory goodness.
- 1 16-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed: A colorful medley adding texture, sweetness, and nutrition.
- 1 tube (10 ounces) refrigerated flaky biscuit rounds: The secret to creating those irresistible, fluffy dumplings.
How to Make The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by spraying your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray—this simple step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures that none of the deliciousness gets stuck. Layer the finely diced onion evenly across the bottom, then add your chicken pieces on top. This layering lets the onions slowly release their sweetness directly into the chicken as it cooks, setting the stage for deep flavor.
Step 2: Make the Broth Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. This amazing blend brings creamy, cheesy, and herbal notes that marry beautifully with the chicken. Pour this mixture right over the chicken, then add your chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly covered. This broth mixture is what transforms the simple ingredients into that unforgettable comforting sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover your slow cooker and set it on HIGH for 4 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all those lovely flavors. The slow and steady heat allows the soups and spices to meld, creating a rich base that will soon envelop your dumplings.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Once the chicken has cooked, gently stir in the thawed mixed vegetables. Cooking them for just 15 more minutes ensures they stay tender yet maintain their subtle bite and vibrant color, adding wonderful texture and freshness to your dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings
Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out each biscuit into an oval about 1/4-inch thick. Cutting each oval into 6 even pieces creates perfect bite-sized dumplings. This simple preparation unlocks the magic of homemade fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth as they cook.
Step 6: Add Dumplings to the Slow Cooker
Arrange your biscuit pieces carefully over the chicken and vegetables in a single layer. Cover and cook for an additional 45 to 60 minutes until the dumplings are fully cooked through and irresistibly fluffy. Your kitchen will start filling with an aroma that promises pure comfort in every spoonful.
Step 7: Shred the Chicken and Combine
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken to a serving dish and shred it with two forks; this helps distribute the tender meat evenly. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, gently stirring it all together with the vegetables and dumplings. Some dumplings will break up into the broth, enriching it further with a velvety texture.
How to Serve The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness that balances the creamy richness. If you want an extra touch, a few cracks of fresh black pepper on top also enhance the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is filling and robust on its own, but for a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness or some crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the delicious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For cozy family dinners, serve the chicken and dumplings straight from the slow cooker, inviting everyone to dig in. For a more elegant touch, portion it into individual bowls and garnish each with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of truffle oil for gourmet flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making the dish taste even better the next day. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in portions for up to 3 months. Because of the dumplings, gently thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Avoid high heat which can dry out the dumplings.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicy and tender after slow cooking. Chicken breasts might dry out, but you can adjust cooking times accordingly if using them.
Do I have to use canned soups for this recipe?
The canned soups make this recipe so easy and flavorful, but if you want a fresher twist, you can make homemade mushroom and cheese sauces. Just remember to keep them thick enough to create that creamy broth texture.
Can I make the dumplings from scratch instead of using biscuit dough?
Absolutely! A simple dumpling dough made with flour, baking powder, milk, and butter works beautifully if you prefer homemade dough. The biscuit dough, however, offers a quick shortcut with great flaky results.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this recipe on the stovetop by simmering the chicken and broth mixture gently until cooked, adding veggies partway through and finishing the dumplings by steaming or baking them in a covered dish.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings should be puffed up, cooked through, and no longer doughy inside. If unsure, insert a toothpick; it should come out clean. The slow cooker’s gentle heat ensures they cook evenly over 45-60 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of coming home to a pot of The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe simmering away, filling your home with cozy aromas and heartwarming promise. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try, and let it become your go-to comfort food classic!
Print
The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting slow cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth with mixed vegetables and homemade fluffy dumplings made from flaky biscuit dough. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this dish combines easy preparation with rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth Mixture
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 10-ounce can cheddar cheese soup
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 16-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Dumplings
- 1 tube (10 ounces) refrigerated flaky biscuit rounds
- All-purpose flour for rolling (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Add the diced onion to the bottom, then place the chicken pieces in an even layer on top.
- Make the broth mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken, then add the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is covered.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on HIGH for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Add the vegetables: After 4 hours, stir in the thawed frozen mixed vegetables and continue cooking for 15 more minutes to warm them through.
- Prepare the dumplings: Lightly flour a clean surface and gently roll each biscuit from the tube into an oval about 1/4-inch thick. Cut each oval into 6 even pieces to create the dumplings.
- Add dumplings to the slow cooker: Carefully arrange the biscuit pieces over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 45 to 60 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Shred the chicken: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a serving platter and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Combine and serve: Gently stir the shredded chicken, vegetables, and dumplings together, allowing some dumplings to break up into the creamy broth. Serve warm and garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a thicker broth, let the slow cooker sit uncovered for 15-20 minutes after cooking before serving.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- If you prefer homemade dumplings, you can prepare traditional biscuit dough instead of using refrigerated biscuit rounds.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker on low to avoid overcooking the dumplings.
- Adding fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley at the end enhances flavor and presentation.
