Cozy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Slow cooker chicken and dumplings transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort feast that melts hearts and soothes souls.

This magical one-pot wonder turns simple components into a culinary embrace that whispers home and warmth.

Tender chicken swims in a velvety broth, surrounded by cloud-like dumplings that promise pure satisfaction.

Busy families and comfort food enthusiasts adore this effortless recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Each spoonful tells a story of tradition, love, and nourishment that connects generations.

The slow cooker works its silent alchemy, blending herbs, spices, and proteins into a harmonious symphony of taste.

Experience a meal that turns dinner into a celebration of pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Chicken and Dumplings: What Goes In

• Flour: Select unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture and flavor.
• Cornmeal: Choose fine-ground cornmeal for smooth, delicate dumpling consistency.
• Parsley, Chives: Opt for fresh herbs with vibrant green color and robust aroma.
• Baking Powder: Ensure freshness by checking expiration date for maximum rise.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for enhanced flavor depth.

• Carrots, Celery, Onion: Pick firm, crisp vegetables with bright, rich colors.
• Thyme: Select fresh thyme sprigs for intense herbal undertones.
• Turmeric: Choose high-quality ground turmeric for rich golden hue.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides more intense, complex flavor.

• Chicken: Select bone-in, skin-on chicken for deeper, richer taste profile.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control overall saltiness.
• Milk: Whole milk creates richer, more luxurious dumpling texture.
• Melted Butter, Olive Oil: Use unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil for pure, clean flavors.

Kitchen Must-Haves for Dumplings and Chicken

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy vessel for blending dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for accurate flour, cornmeal, and milk quantities.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for adding the right amount of baking powder, salt, and spices.
• Skillet: Spacious pan for sautéing vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and combining ingredients gently.
• Slow Cooker: Reliable appliance for tender, low-and-slow cooking magic.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for chopping carrots, celery, onions, and parsley.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for precise vegetable preparation.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping batter and transferring ingredients.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Whip Up Comforting Chicken And Dumplings

• Prepare Flavor-Packed Dumpling Base

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in flour, herbs, and seasonings. Slowly blend milk and melted butter into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Keep the mixture light and airy for perfect dumplings.

• Create Vegetable Foundation

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter. Toss in chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Sprinkle with aromatic spices and cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant. Dust with a light coating of flour to thicken the base.

• Transform Chicken Into Hearty Centerpiece

Introduce chicken pieces into the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the vegetable mixture. Let the meat absorb all those incredible flavors brewing in the pan.

• Slow Cook To Tender Deliciousness

• High heat: 3 hours
• Low heat: 6 hours

Chicken will become meltingly tender while dumplings puff up beautifully.

• Serve With Love

Gently mix all components together. Scoop generous portions into bowls, ensuring each serving has chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings. Optional: Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for an extra touch of brightness.

Tips for Biscuit Dough, Broth, and Flavor

• Gentle Dumpling Mastery: Prevent dense dumplings by mixing batter minimally and using room temperature milk for smoother incorporation.
• Broth Enrichment Technique: Enhance flavor depth by substituting water with homemade chicken stock or adding white wine for subtle complexity.
• Vegetable Swap Adventure: Replace traditional carrots with sweet potatoes or parsnips for unexpected taste variations. Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary or sage to personalize the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dumpling batter and vegetable mixture separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store refrigerated in sealed containers, allowing quick assembly when ready to cook. This strategy saves precious time during busy weeknights and maintains maximum freshness.

Serve Chicken and Dumplings Like a Classic Meal

• Pair with Warm Bread: Slice crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to soak up the delicious broth. The bread's texture perfectly complements the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.
• Create Colorful Side Salad: Toss crisp mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette. The fresh, zesty salad balances the rich, comforting stew-like main dish.
• Enhance with Quick Pickles: Prepare quick pickled vegetables like radishes or red onions for a tangy crunch. Sprinkle these bright, acidic bites on top to add a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and dumplings.
• Finish with Herbal Tea: Brew a warm cup of chamomile or ginger tea after the meal. This soothing drink aids digestion and provides a gentle, relaxing end to your comfort food experience.

Save & Store for Cozy Meals Later

• Preserve Meal Freshness: Store leftover chicken and dumplings in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and safety.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep portions in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and preventing bacterial growth.
• Freezing Technique: Pack cooled chicken and dumplings in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months. Separate dumplings from liquid to prevent soggy texture when reheating.
• Reheating Method: Gently warm portions in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain delicious, tender consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Hearty Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman slow cooker chicken and dumplings merge Southern comfort with easy preparation. Creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 ½ cups (830 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
• ½ cup (30 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (38 g) yellow cornmeal
• 3 carrots, thinly sliced
• 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tbsps (42 g) salted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (28 g) salted butter
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps (8 g) chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp (15 g) baking powder
• 1 ½ tsps kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground thyme
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• ¼ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

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Instructions

1. Dumpling Preparation: Whisk flour, parsley, cornmeal, chives, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Blend milk and melted butter into the dry ingredients until just combined, creating a light dumpling batter. Set aside to rest.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium temperature. Combine carrots, celery, and onion, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent. Dust with flour, thyme, and turmeric, ensuring even coating.
3. Chicken Integration: Add chicken pieces to the vegetable mixture, thoroughly coating with the fragrant spices. Transfer the entire mixture to the slow cooker, spreading evenly across the base.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Pour chicken broth over the chicken and vegetable mixture, completely submerging the ingredients. Dollop dumpling batter across the surface in distinct mounds. Secure lid and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and dumplings expand and set.
5. Final Presentation: Gently fold the contents to distribute flavors uniformly. Serve in warm bowls, ensuring each portion captures the harmonious blend of chicken, vegetables, and pillowy dumplings. Optionally crown with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing Dumplings: Stir dumpling batter minimally to keep them light and fluffy, avoiding tough, dense texture.
• Vegetable Sautéing Technique: Ensure vegetables are slightly translucent and tender before adding flour to develop rich, deep flavor base.
• Chicken Doneness Check: Use fork-tender test to confirm chicken is fully cooked and perfectly soft throughout the dish.
• Broth Coverage Matters: Pour chicken broth to completely submerge ingredients, guaranteeing even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg