There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy chicken dumplings on a chilly day. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, bringing back childhood memories of sitting at grandma’s kitchen table, watching her stir a big pot of goodness. If you’ve never had it before, imagine soft, pillowy dumplings swimming in a thick, savory chicken stew—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s the definition of comfort food, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it has been a family favorite for generations.
I remember the first time I tried making creamy chicken dumplings on my own. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was craving something cozy. I called my mom for her recipe, but of course, she just told me to add “a little bit of this and a little bit of that.” No measurements, no step-by-step guide—just pure intuition and years of practice. After a few failed attempts (let’s just say my first batch of dumplings was more like doughy rocks), I finally got it right. Now, it’s my go-to dish whenever I want something hearty, filling, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a million reasons to love creamy chicken dumplings, but here are the top ones:
- Pure Comfort: This dish is like a warm blanket on a cold day. The creamy texture and tender chicken make it incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious homemade meal.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day! The flavors deepen overnight, making it a great meal prep option.
- Customizable: You can add veggies, tweak the seasonings, or even swap out the chicken for turkey if you want to mix things up.
Health Benefits of Creamy Chicken Dumplings
While this dish is definitely on the indulgent side, it still has some great health benefits:
- High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Carrots, celery, and onions add a boost of vitamins like A, C, and K, along with antioxidants to keep your immune system strong.
- Great for Digestion: The warm broth-based sauce can be soothing for the stomach, especially on a cold or sick day.
Of course, you can make it even healthier by using whole wheat flour for the dumplings, low-fat milk, or adding extra veggies.
Best Occasions for this recipe
This dish is perfect for almost any occasion, but here are a few times when it truly shines:
- Cold Winter Nights: Nothing warms you up faster than a bowl of creamy goodness.
- Family Gatherings: A big pot of creamy chicken dumplings is perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Sick Days: It’s soothing, comforting, and easy to digest—just what you need when you’re under the weather.
- Sunday Dinners: This is the ultimate Sunday supper meal, bringing everyone together at the table.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring comfort, creamy chicken dumplings is the answer. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re an expert in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. So grab a spoon, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes: Creamy Chicken Dumplings
- For the best texture and flavor, use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh parsley enhances the dish’s aroma and taste better than dried alternatives.
- Avoid overcrowding the chicken in the slow cooker. Giving each piece space allows for even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
- To make the sauce even richer, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier dumpling texture, bake the biscuit pieces separately in the oven and serve them on top just before eating.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce at the end of cooking adds a bright, balanced flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple garden salad to round out the meal.
- For a creative twist, try incorporating different vegetable blends, such as broccoli florets, corn kernels, or mushrooms.
- If making ahead, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Creamy Chicken Dumplings
4
servings10
minutes5
hours640
kcal10
minutes5
hours20
minutesDiscover a delightful slow-cooked meal where tender chicken meets pillowy dumplings in a luxuriously creamy sauce. This comforting dish transforms everyday ingredients into a warm, inviting dinner masterpiece that exudes home-cooked charm. With a rich blend of herbs, savory soups, and vibrant vegetables, it’s the perfect recipe to elevate any weekday meal into an effortless celebration of flavor.
Ingredients
- Dumpling Component
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuits choose buttermilk, country, or homestyle varieties for a soft, tender finish
- Alternative Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: Use turkey cutlets as a leaner substitute.
Condensed Soups: Replace with homemade cream soups prepared from scratch using vegetable or chicken stock and a roux.
Frozen Vegetables: Swap for a medley of fresh diced carrots peas, and green beans if available.
Refrigerated Biscuits: Homemade biscuit dough or canned biscuits can serve as an effective alternative.
Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works well for a lighter flavor profile or if avoiding poultry.
Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley can be used if fresh is not accessible use about one-third of the fresh amount.
Directions
- Ingredient Preparation – Begin by prepping your base: Dice the large sweet onion and layer it evenly at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker; then, gently lay the 4 chicken breasts atop the onions. Take about 5 minutes to prepare, ensuring each piece is arranged so that it can absorb the flavors deeply. Remember, a well-prepped foundation makes all the difference in slow cooking.
- Sauce Assembly and Initial Cooking – In a small bowl, thoroughly blend the condensed cream of celery soup with the condensed cream of chicken soup, stirring in the chopped parsley, poultry seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of black pepper. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the chicken, then pour in 2 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth to create a luscious cooking liquid. Set your slow cooker to high and let the dish simmer for roughly 5 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the chicken to become wonderfully tender.
- Dumpling Finalization Finishing Touches – Approximately 60 minutes before the end of cooking, gently flatten each refrigerated biscuit and cut them into 4 uniform strips. Stir in 2 cups of thawed mixed vegetables, then carefully arrange the biscuit strips on top of the simmering mixture. Optionally, if you prefer a slightly thicker dumpling texture, allow the biscuit pieces to meld with the sauce for an extra 10 minutes after stirring in shredded chicken (remove, lightly shred, and return the chicken before this final cook). This step ensures the dumplings remain light and soft while absorbing the rich, creamy broth.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
Notes
- For optimal flavor and texture, use fresh herbs and ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the slow cooker. Serve these delightful dumplings with a side of crusty bread or a crisp garden salad to round out the meal. For extra depth, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. Experiment with different vegetable blends such as broccoli florets or corn kernels for a creative twist on this classic comfort dish.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 640kcal
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 1300mg
- Potassium: 1011mg
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 36g
- Vitamin A: 4750IU
- Vitamin C: 14.2mg
- Calcium: 101mg
- Iron: 5.6mg
FAQ’s: Creamy Chicken Dumplings
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this slow cooker recipe and add extra tenderness. They may require a slightly shorter cooking time due to their higher fat content.
How do I prevent my dumplings from becoming too doughy?
Ensure the refrigerated biscuits are cut into small, uniform pieces and stirred gently into the creamy sauce to help them cook evenly.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook everything in a large pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat for about two hours. Once the chicken is tender, shred it and stir in the biscuit strips, allowing them to cook for another 15-20 minutes.
What’s the best way to thicken the creamy sauce?
If you want a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but note that the texture of the dumplings may soften upon thawing. Store in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop with extra chicken broth if needed.
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