Healthy slow cooker chicken and dumplings dish garnished with herbs

Healthier Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Healthier Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that provides all the flavors of the classic recipe, but with a healthier twist. Using skinless chicken and reduced-fat biscuit dough helps cut down on calories without sacrificing taste. It’s a perfect meal for busy families as it’s made in a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it. Enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings that everyone will love!

How to Make Healthier Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups natural cream of chicken soup
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 10 ounces refrigerated reduced-fat biscuit dough, torn into pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Directions:

  1. Place the chicken, butter, cream of chicken soup, and diced onion in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on High for 5 to 6 hours.
  2. After 5 hours of cooking, stir in the sliced carrots.
  3. About 30 minutes before serving, scatter the torn biscuit dough on top of the chicken mixture.
  4. Cover and cook until the dough is fully cooked, about 25 minutes.
  5. Lift the edges of the biscuits and stir in the frozen peas.
  6. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to cool before serving.

How to Serve Healthier Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Serve this dish in bowls, making sure to include plenty of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in each serving. Pair it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is also great for leftovers, as the flavors develop even more after sitting in the fridge.

How to Store Healthier Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Healthier Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

  • For extra flavor, add garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken mixture.
  • You can use other vegetables, such as celery or green beans, for added nutrition and variety.
  • For a richer flavor, brown the chicken in the butter before placing it in the slow cooker.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, try using turkey instead of chicken. You can also use whole grain biscuit dough for a healthier option. Some people like to add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cheese on top for added zest.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. Make sure they are fully cooked before serving.

2. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes! You can use homemade cream of chicken soup or swap it for cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you will need to use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.