Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. This classic dish features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the rich flavors.
The best part?
The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with minimal effort for maximum reward. Whether you’re new to chicken and dumplings or it’s a family favorite, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
What is Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings?
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a savory dish made by slow-cooking chicken with vegetables and broth, creating a rich, comforting base. The dumplings, which are light and pillowy, are added toward the end, soaking up the delicious flavors. This dish is perfect for any occasion, offering a homemade taste with minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker.
Other Popular Recipes
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup
- Pioneer Woman Pinto Beans Slow Cooker
- Pioneer Woman Homemade Cream of Anything Soup
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing up your time.
- Comfort food classic: Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for cooler weather.
- Simple ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
- Perfect for leftovers: It reheats well, making it great for meal prep or enjoying over multiple days.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (optional, for fluffier dumplings)
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Place the chicken, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is submerged.
- Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, mixing well with the broth and vegetables.
- Prepare the dumplings by combining the self-rising flour, buttermilk, melted butter, and baking powder in a bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the soup. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 additional hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Fresh bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.
- Side salad: A light salad adds freshness and balances the heartiness of the soup.
- Roasted vegetables: Pair the dish with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans.
- Mashed potatoes: For extra comfort, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
- Pickles or slaw: A tangy side like pickles or coleslaw can cut through the richness of the dish.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor if you prefer darker, richer meat.
- Don’t open the slow cooker lid while the dumplings are cooking, as it can release the heat and prevent them from puffing up properly.
- Adjust the seasoning throughout cooking to ensure the broth is flavorful.
- Use cold butter in the dumpling dough for a lighter, fluffier texture.
- For added richness, swap half of the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half.
- Make sure the dumplings don’t touch too much while cooking to allow them to rise evenly.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Cheesy Dumplings: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the dumpling dough for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Dumplings: Mix fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or sage into the dumpling dough for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Chicken and Dumplings: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a meatless version.
- Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings: Use gluten-free flour to make the dumplings and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Storing Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Best Practices
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in portions by separating the dumplings and soup, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Label and date the containers to keep track of freshness and storage time.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Best Practices
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm the soup on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until fully heated through.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1-2 hours if you have more time and want to keep the dumplings from becoming soggy.
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for quick reheating, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can you use canned biscuits for dumplings in slow cooker chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can use canned biscuits as a quick substitute for homemade dumplings. Simply cut the biscuits into small pieces and drop them into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. Cook on high until the biscuits are puffed and cooked through.
How do you keep dumplings from becoming soggy in chicken and dumplings?
To prevent dumplings from becoming soggy, avoid lifting the slow cooker lid while they are cooking. Also, make sure the dumplings are placed on top of the soup and not submerged in the broth. Cooking them on high for the last hour will help them puff up and stay fluffy.
Can you make slow cooker chicken and dumplings without cream?
Yes, you can make slow cooker chicken and dumplings without cream. Simply replace the cream with additional chicken broth for a lighter, broth-based version. You can also use milk or a dairy-free alternative if you still want some creaminess.
How long does it take for dumplings to cook in a slow cooker?
Dumplings take about 1 hour to cook in a slow cooker on a high setting. They should be puffed up and cooked through before serving. Make sure to keep the lid on during this time to maintain the heat.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. Try it today, and savor the warmth and comfort of this delicious dish!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Ham And Potato Soup
- Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Pioneer Woman Vegetable Beef Soup
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a savory dish made by slow-cooking chicken with vegetables and broth, creating a rich, comforting base. The dumplings, which are light and pillowy, are added toward the end, soaking up the delicious flavors. This dish is perfect for any occasion, offering a homemade taste with minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (optional, for fluffier dumplings)
Instructions
- Place the chicken, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is submerged.
- Add the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, mixing well with the broth and vegetables.
- Prepare the dumplings by combining the self-rising flour, buttermilk, melted butter, and baking powder in a bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the soup. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 additional hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
