Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a hearty, soul-warming meal, and this The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe is just that. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm embrace with tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory broth, paired perfectly with light, fluffy dumplings made from scratch. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a taste of home, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and a slow-cooked magic that creates an unforgettable dinner. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to comfort food anytime you need a little culinary hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this dish lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes this chicken and dumplings recipe so incredibly satisfying.
- Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that forms the base of the dish.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy earthiness that enriches the broth without complicating the prep.
- Cheddar cheese soup: Infuses a subtle sharpness and lends body to the sauce.
- Dried thyme: This little herb injects an herby warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlicky note without overpowering the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Provides just a touch of spice for balance and complexity.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they stay moist through slow cooking better than breast meat.
- Chicken broth: The liquid foundation that ties all the flavors together and keeps everything moist.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Adds color, nutrients, and a bit of variety to the dish’s texture.
- Refrigerated flaky biscuit rounds: The key to those irresistibly fluffy homemade dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
How to Make The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Start by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick spray to keep everything from sticking later. Spread the finely diced yellow onion evenly across the bottom; this layer will gradually soften and blend into the broth. Then, carefully add the cut chicken thighs in an even layer on top of the onions, ensuring each piece can absorb the flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Soup Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. This vibrant mix infuses the dish with creaminess and savory intensity. Pour it lovingly over the chicken, then add the chicken broth, making sure the meat is fully covered to lock in moisture for the long, slow cooking ahead.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook everything on HIGH for 4 hours. This slow, gentle heat allows the thighs to tenderize beautifully while the flavors meld into a mouthwatering broth. The aroma at this stage is already incredible, promising the comfort of a classic chicken and dumplings dinner.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Once the 4-hour cooking window is up, it’s time to stir in the thawed frozen mixed vegetables. This is where the dish gets a burst of color and freshness. Return the lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes—just enough to warm the veggies without losing their texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Dumplings
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll each biscuit round into an oval about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the ovals into six even dumpling pieces. This simple technique transforms basic biscuit dough into soft, fluffy dumplings that will soak up the savory broth.
Step 6: Layer and Cook the Dumplings
Arrange the biscuit pieces carefully over the top of the chicken and vegetables. Cover and let the dumplings cook for 45 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This slow cooking ensures the dumplings are perfectly tender and cooked through, hugging the chicken and broth with every bite.
Step 7: Shred and Stir
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken pieces to a serving platter, then shred the meat with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently stir everything together. Some of the dumplings may break up, enriching the broth even further—this is where the texture magic happens!
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve your masterpiece warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Each spoonful delivers tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and those irresistible homemade fluffy dumplings that make this truly 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 parsley or chives adds a bright pop of green that enhances both flavor and presentation. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can also elevate the dish’s rustic charm without overpowering the creamy broth.
Side Dishes
While this dish stands alone as a meal, simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans add refreshing contrast. A crusty loaf of bread or warm cornbread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that luscious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve it straight from the slow cooker at the table so everyone can help themselves to the comforting goodness. Alternatively, individual bowls with a delicate sprinkle of herbs on top make for charming, inviting servings that show off those glorious homemade fluffy dumplings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so your chicken and dumplings will taste even better the next day, making a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but for best results, freeze the chicken and broth separately from the dumplings. Dumplings can get soggy upon thawing, so it’s better to freeze them freshly cooked in a separate container and reheat gently when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the dumplings from sticking or breaking apart too much. If the dish appears too thick, add a little chicken broth to loosen it and restore that rich, comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can work, thighs stay juicier and tender through the long cooking process. If you prefer breasts, consider lowering the cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the meat.
What are some alternatives to using refrigerated biscuit dough for dumplings?
You can also make dumplings from scratch using a simple dough of flour, baking powder, salt, and milk or water. This gives you more control over the texture and flavor but takes a bit more effort.
Can I cook this recipe on low instead of high?
Absolutely! Cooking on low heat for about 6-7 hours will give you even more tender chicken and allow the flavors to meld beautifully, perfect if you want to start it early in the day.
Are there any vegetable substitutions for this recipe?
Definitely. Feel free to use fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, or celery instead of frozen mixed veggies to suit your taste or what you have available.
How do I know when the dumplings are cooked through?
A simple way is to use a toothpick or fork to poke the dumplings; if it comes out clean and the dumplings are no longer doughy inside, they’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Making The Best Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe is like crafting a warm hug in a bowl that your whole family will love. It’s straightforward, comforting, and downright delicious. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and see how those fluffy, cheesy, and tender dumplings transform your dinner into a cozy occasion you’ll want to revisit again and again.
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 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting and hearty Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful creamy broth with mixed vegetables, topped with homemade fluffy dumplings made from flaky biscuit dough. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is perfect for family dinners and cozy evenings.
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
Soup Mixture
- 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
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add the finely diced yellow onion to the bottom of the cooker, then evenly layer the cut chicken thighs on top.
- Combine and add soup mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, dried thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then add chicken broth to ensure the chicken is fully covered.
- Cook chicken mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on HIGH for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with flavors.
- Add vegetables: After 4 hours, stir in the thawed frozen mixed vegetables. Cover again and cook for an additional 15 minutes to heat the vegetables through.
- Prepare dumplings: While vegetables are cooking, lightly flour a surface and gently roll out each biscuit into an oval shape, roughly 1/4-inch thick. Cut each oval into 6 equal pieces to form small dumplings.
- Add dumplings to slow cooker: Carefully arrange the biscuit pieces over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and continue cooking for 45-60 minutes or until the dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
- Shred chicken: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a serving platter. Shred the chicken using two forks into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Combine and serve: Gently stir the shredded chicken, vegetables, and dumplings in the slow cooker to combine, letting some dumplings break up and thicken the broth. Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth.
- Make sure to thaw frozen vegetables completely before adding to the slow cooker.
- Rolling out the biscuit dough thinly helps the dumplings cook evenly and become fluffy.
- Do not remove the lid while the dumplings are cooking to avoid heat loss and uneven cooking.
- To make this dish gluten free, substitute the biscuit dough with a gluten-free biscuit or dumpling recipe.
