Name: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups carrots, sliced; 2 cups celery, diced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted; Fresh parsley for garnish

This comforting slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. Simply set it and forget it for a delicious, hearty dinner that everyone will love.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor and richness.
For thicker broth, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water before adding the dumplings.
You can add extra vegetables like celery or peas for more color and texture.
To make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the ultimate cozy, comforting meal for busy days. The combination of tender chicken, a rich creamy broth, and light, fluffy dumplings makes it irresistible. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that works well for families or gatherings, offering both convenience and flavor. The long cook time allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a hearty dish that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.

Yield: Serves 6

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Comforting and easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings, with tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings—perfect for busy days!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 7 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 7 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
4 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups carrots, sliced
2 cups celery, diced
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery in your slow cooker. Add dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir to combine.
Prepare Dumplings: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick and spoonable.
Add Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the broth mixture. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Finish: Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Avoid opening the slow cooker while cooking the dumplings, as this can affect their fluffiness.
For a more decadent dish, you can add more cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 547Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 139mgSodium 1370mgCarbohydrates 43gFiber 4gSugar 7gProtein 33g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are preferred. Chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts are leaner. You can even use frozen chicken; just ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding.
Broth: Chicken broth is used for depth of flavor, but vegetable broth or even bouillon cubes can be used as a substitute.
Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half adds richness to the broth, but coconut milk or cashew cream works for dairy-free versions.
Dumplings: These are made with simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. For fluffier dumplings, don’t overmix the batter, and drop them in the slow cooker just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions:

Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based chicken or omit the chicken entirely and add extra vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes for a hearty, vegetarian stew.
Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings gluten-free.
Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, sage, or rosemary for unique flavors in the broth.
Spicy Option: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the broth for a subtle kick.

Storage Options:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings may soften upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious. You can also freeze the chicken and broth mixture without the dumplings for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and add fresh dumplings.