Pin When the weather turns chilly or you need a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, this Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Dumplings is exactly what you need. This heartwarming dish combines tender shredded chicken with vegetables in a rich, creamy ranch-infused broth, all topped with pillowy homemade dumplings that cook right in the slow cooker. It's the epitome of comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Pin This slow cooker version of chicken and dumplings takes a classic comfort food to new heights with the addition of ranch seasoning. The ranch adds a savory, herby dimension that elevates the traditional recipe, while the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes wonderfully tender. Whether you're feeding a family or looking for delicious leftovers, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- For dumplings: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk OR 1 can (16 oz / 450 g) refrigerated biscuit dough
- Step 1:
- Place chicken, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, garlic, black pepper, and thyme in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 2:
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
- Step 3:
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the slow cooker. Add frozen peas and stir.
- Step 4:
- For drop biscuits: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until just combined (do not overmix).
- Step 5:
- Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough on top of the stew in the slow cooker (or place refrigerated biscuit dough pieces on top).
- Step 6:
- Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, until biscuits are cooked through and fluffy.
- Step 7:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
For the most tender dumplings, make sure not to overmix the dough. Just stir until the ingredients are combined - a few lumps are perfectly fine. If you're using the refrigerated biscuit dough option, cut each biscuit into quarters before placing them on top of the stew for more even cooking. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so leave some space between them when placing on top of the stew.
This versatile recipe can be easily adapted to your taste preferences or what you have available. Try adding diced potatoes for extra heartiness, as suggested in the notes. You can also incorporate other vegetables like corn or green beans. For a slightly different flavor profile, substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the slow cooker before adding the dumplings.
This one-pot meal is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew. Sautéed green beans make an excellent vegetable accompaniment. For bread lovers who want even more comfort, a slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth. This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers the next day.
Pin This Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Dumplings recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that will become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth infused with ranch seasoning, and fluffy homemade dumplings creates the ultimate comfort food experience. With just 20 minutes of prep time and your trusty slow cooker doing most of the work, you'll have a delicious, satisfying dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those busy days when you need a hearty meal waiting for you at the end of the day!
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add moisture and flavor to the stew.
- → How do I make the drop biscuits from scratch?
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk until just mixed. Drop spoonfuls over the stew before cooking.
- → Can I substitute frozen vegetables?
Frozen peas are recommended, but you can add other frozen veggies like green beans for variety.
- → Is it possible to prepare this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adjusting timing until the chicken is tender.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with this meal?
Crisp green salads or sautéed green beans complement the creamy chicken and biscuit dish nicely.