Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Tips
Is it OK to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker. At the end of the cooking time, use a digital thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. It should be 160°F.
Can you use chicken breast meat instead of chicken thighs in slow-cooker chicken and dumplings?
Slow-cooked chicken thigh recipes taste so delicious because thigh meat is higher in fat than breast meat, so it stays especially tender during the long cook time. However, you can substitute 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast meat that has been cut into 1-1/2-inch to 2-inch pieces and still have a wonderful meal.
Can you use store-bought dough to make dumplings?
If you like quick and easy dinner recipes, take a shortcut with this dish by using biscuit/baking mix to make the dumplings. Combine 2 cups biscuit/baking mix with 2/3 cup milk, and drop by 1/4 cupfuls over the chicken mixture.
How do you know when the dumplings are done?
Use the toothpick test to determine when the dumplings are done. If the toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle of the dumpling, they’re ready to eat.
Why are my dumplings gooey?
Dumplings can be gooey or fall apart if the temperature of the soup is too low, or if there is too much liquid in the dumpling itself. With this recipe, make sure to leave the lid on for the whole cooking time. Taking the lid off even for a few seconds means that the slow cooker will lose the heat it has built up.
How should you store leftovers of slow-cooker chicken and dumplings?
Store leftovers of slow-cooker chicken and dumplings in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Heat the chicken mixture in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave a microwave-safe bowl. You might need to add a bit more broth to thin out the chicken mixture. Reheat the dumplings separately in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate. If you love dumplings as much as we do, check out our collection of delicious
dumpling recipes.
—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor and
Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Associate Recipe Editor/Test Cook
Nutrition Facts
1 dumpling with 1 cup sauce: 370 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1245mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.