The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
If you are craving a truly comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, look no further than The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe. This delightful dish blends tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, savory broth brimming with vegetables, all topped off with homemade fluffy dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want to treat yourself to something truly special, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating this soul-satisfying dish. Each item has a role to play, from flavor to texture, and together they create harmony in every bite.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and rich aromatic base for the broth.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Brings deep, earthy creaminess that enhances the savory flavors.
- Cheddar cheese soup: Offers a mild, cheesy richness that enriches the broth without overpowering it.
- Dried thyme: Lends a fragrant herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Adds a touch of warm, savory depth to the mix.
- Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and balance to lift the flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they hold moisture well and shred easily for ultimate comfort food.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together with richness and body.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Brings vibrant colors, texture, and added nutrition to brighten the dish.
- Refrigerated flaky biscuit rounds: The secret behind those irresistibly fluffy homemade-style 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 so nothing sticks later. Layer the finely diced yellow onion evenly over the base—this will slowly soften and infuse the dish with subtle sweetness as everything cooks. Then add the chicken thighs in a single, even layer for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the broth mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. This creamy mixture will form the backbone of your broth, giving it rich, savory depth. Pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker, then add the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly covered to allow for even cooking and flavor absorption.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all those delicious flavors while the onions melt into the broth, creating a perfect base for your dish.
Step 4: Add the vegetables
After the chicken has cooked through, stir in the thawed frozen mixed vegetables. These not only add beautiful color but also a nice bite and wholesome nutrition. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes to warm the vegetables properly without losing their texture.
Step 5: Prepare the dumplings
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out each biscuit round into an oval approximately 1/4 inch thick. Then cut each oval into six even pieces—these will become your homemade fluffy dumplings, adding a delightful, tender chewiness atop your chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Add dumplings to the slow cooker
Carefully arrange these biscuit pieces over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and let them cook for 45-60 minutes, enough time for the dumplings to puff up and cook through into soft, fluffy pillows absorbing all the savory broth.
Step 7: Shred the chicken
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter and shred it with two forks. This creates tender, bite-sized pieces that blend seamlessly with the vegetables and dumplings once returned to the slow cooker.
Step 8: Combine and serve
Gently stir everything together in the slow cooker, allowing some dumplings to break up and thicken the broth naturally. Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. This is the perfect moment to savor the comforting aroma and rich flavors of The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe.
How to Serve The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds an inviting pop of green color and freshness that balances the dish’s rich flavors beautifully. For a little extra flair, a dash of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of melted butter over the top is simply divine.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is hearty and satisfying on its own, serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some buttery steamed green beans adds wonderful texture contrasts. A crusty loaf of bread is fantastic for sopping up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the chicken and dumplings in rustic, shallow bowls with the broth carefully ladled over. Alternatively, plate it family-style in a large casserole dish straight from the slow cooker—there is something comforting about digging into a warm, communal dish shared among friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your delicious chicken and dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain texture and flavor. The dumplings may absorb more broth overnight, making the dish even heartier.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the dumplings might be a little softer after freezing but still utterly comforting.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth. Adding a splash of chicken broth can refresh the dish and loosen up the dumplings if they’ve thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs stay moister and more tender during slow cooking, which helps achieve that perfect texture for The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe.
Can I make the dumplings from scratch?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience, swapping in your favorite homemade dumpling dough is a wonderful way to personalize the dish further.
Do I have to use frozen vegetables?
Frozen mixed vegetables work great because they’re convenient and consistent, but you can definitely use fresh veggies—just add them a bit earlier in the cooking process to ensure they’re tender.
Can I cook this recipe on low instead of high?
Yes, you can cook on low for about 7-8 hours, but you’ll want to adjust the timing for adding vegetables and dumplings accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s a fantastic dish to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making each serving tastier than the last.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe that makes every spoonful feel like a warm embrace. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and has that homemade charm that brings comfort to your table. I encourage you to bring this recipe into your kitchen and create those cozy moments with family or friends—it’s truly a dish that feels like home in every bite.
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The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken and Dumplings recipe made easy with a slow cooker. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth with mixed vegetables topped with homemade fluffy dumplings made from flaky biscuit dough, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 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
Vegetables
- 1 16-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Dumplings
- 1 tube (10 ounces) refrigerated flaky biscuit rounds
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Add the finely diced onion to the bottom, then evenly layer the chicken pieces 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 over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth to ensure the chicken is fully covered.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken mixture on HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with flavors.
- Add the vegetables: After 4 hours of cooking, stir in the thawed mixed vegetables and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes to heat through.
- Prepare the dumplings: Lightly flour a surface and gently roll out each biscuit into an oval shape about 1/4-inch thick. Cut each oval into 6 even pieces for dumplings.
- Add dumplings to the slow cooker: Carefully arrange the biscuit pieces on top of the chicken and vegetables. Cover again and cook for 45-60 minutes until the dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
- Shred the chicken: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a serving platter. Shred the chicken with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Combine and serve: Gently stir the mixture to combine the shredded chicken, vegetables, and dumplings, allowing some dumplings to break up and thicken the broth. Serve warm and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Using boneless skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and flavorful throughout slow cooking.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with fresh veggies such as carrots, peas, and green beans if preferred.
- Make sure the dumplings are spaced evenly and fully covered by steam inside the slow cooker to cook properly.
- For a thicker broth, let the slow cooker cook uncovered for a few minutes after adding dumplings to evaporate excess liquid.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
