Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s nothing quite as soul-warming as a bowl of chicken and dumplings—a classic comfort dish that often comes with a hefty calorie count. But with this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you can enjoy all the creamy, savory goodness of the traditional version while staying on track with your wellness goals. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome veggies, and fluffy dumplings, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and clocks in at just ~5 WW SmartPoints per serving. Let your slow cooker do the work while you savor the cozy flavors of home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Slow Cooker Simplicity: Dump the ingredients, set it, and forget it—perfect for busy days.
• Low SmartPoints: Lightened up with smart swaps like low-fat soup and whole wheat flour.
• Classic Comfort: Creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings hit all the right notes.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
• Meal Prep Hero: Make a big batch for easy lunches or dinners all week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (fat-free)
• 1 cup carrots (diced)
• 1 cup celery (chopped)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (optional, to taste)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1.5 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp dried rosemary (or thyme for extra flavor)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
• 2 tbsp light butter (melted)

Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker

1. Add chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
2. Stir in the frozen peas and let the stew cook for an additional 10-15 minutes while you prepare the dumplings.

Make the Dumplings

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, rosemary, and salt.
2. Add the almond milk and melted light butter, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix—the dough should be slightly lumpy.

Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter (about 1.5 tbsp each) onto the surface of the simmering stew.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Serve & Enjoy

1. Ladle the stew into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a dumpling or two.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving: 1 cup stew + 1-2 dumplings)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• WW SmartPoints: ~5 (calculated with fat-free broth, light butter, and whole wheat flour).

Tips for Success

1. Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the stew 10 minutes before adding dumplings.
2. Veggie Boost: Add diced potatoes, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrients.
3. Lighten Further: Use cooking spray instead of butter in the dumplings to save 1 SmartPoint.
4. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 1 month.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

Traditional chicken and dumplings can clock in at over 10 SmartPoints due to heavy cream, butter, and white flour. This version slashes points by:

• Using fat-free broth and light butter.
• Swapping all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour in the dumplings.
• Skipping the cream and relying on low-fat cream of chicken soup for richness.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
• Roasted Veggies: Serve with garlicky roasted broccoli or asparagus.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of whole-grain bread (track points) for dipping.

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate comfort food makeover. It’s creamy, filling, and packed with flavor, all while keeping your SmartPoints in check. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just craving a cozy night in, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction without the guilt. Let your slow cooker handle the heavy lifting, and get ready to ladle up a bowl of pure comfort!