If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chunks of chicken simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth, loaded with colorful veggies, and topped with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings, this dish is pure comfort food magic. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again because it’s incredibly easy and absolutely satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a hearty and flavorful meal. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the texture, bringing out the natural sweetness of the veggies, or adding that creamy touch that makes the dumplings irresistible.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein, perfectly tender after slow cooking.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced: Provides a lovely color and natural sweetness.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced: Offers a fresh, crunchy contrast to the softness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or stock): The savory, flavorful base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness near the end.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Brings a touch of earthiness and herbal notes.
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary: Complements the chicken with a fragrant aroma.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and highlights the other flavors.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing all the ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): Makes the broth luscious and creamy.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness to the base before dumplings.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the soup base perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Main flour for the dumpling dough.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the dumplings puff up light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Seasoning for the dumplings.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional): Adds subtle savory flavor to dumplings.
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional): Introduces a fresh, herby touch.
- 3/4 cup milk: Moistens the dumpling dough for tenderness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to dumplings.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dumpling dough together.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
Start by placing those beautiful chicken breasts or thighs right into the bottom of your slow cooker. This is where the magic begins as the slow cooker tenderizes the chicken while locking in all those juicy flavors.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, toss in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, and add the frozen peas along with the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir so all the flavors mingle and start melding together as the slow cooker gets to work.
Step 3: Let It Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. During this time, the broth will become rich and flavorful, and the chicken will turn so tender it practically falls apart at a touch.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings Dough
While your soup base is cooking, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley if you’re using it. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and egg, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until mixed. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 5: Finish the Soup and Add Dumplings
About 30 minutes before serving, shred the cooked chicken in the slow cooker. In a small pan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and whisk in 1/4 cup flour to create a roux. Gradually stir in the heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened, then pour this creamy mixture back into the slow cooker. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the simmering soup, cover, and cook for another 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe, scatter some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving. This adds a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor that brightens every hearty bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to add sides, a simple crisp green salad or steamed green beans make a perfect, light counterbalance. A crusty piece of bread also pairs beautifully for soaking up every last bit of that luscious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a dash of smoked paprika. It turns a rustic dish into something a little more special and charming for guests or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even better the next time you dig in. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe, but for the best texture, freeze the soup and dumplings separately if possible. Store in freezer-friendly containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until warmed through. Avoid boiling to keep the dumplings tender and prevent the cream from curdling. Microwaving in short bursts with stirring in between also works well.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy thanks to their higher fat content. Both breasts and thighs work beautifully in this Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the soup won’t be quite as creamy. For a non-dairy option, coconut milk works, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings will puff up and have a soft but fully set texture. You can test by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean with no raw dough sticking.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes! Simply simmer the chicken and veggies in a large pot, and add the dumplings on top once the broth is nearly done cooking. Cover and simmer until dumplings are cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
Why does my dumpling dough fall apart?
It’s important not to overmix the dough and to use the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour a tablespoon at a time until it holds together well.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe to bring comfort and joy to your table. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with homey flavors that make any day feel special. I hope you give this recipe a try and see just how effortlessly delicious slow cooking can be!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours low or 3-4 hours high for soup + 30-40 minutes for dumplings
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings recipe featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for an easy, satisfying meal that cooks hands-off in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker as the base layer for the stew.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, frozen peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients and Cook: Stir gently to combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and cover with the lid. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks; return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) until smooth and thickened.
- Incorporate Cream Mixture: Stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker, mixing thoroughly to thicken the broth and enrich the flavor.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley. In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Dumplings and Cook: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter over the simmering stew in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for another 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
- Serve: Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir and serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on preference; thighs are more flavorful and tender.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter dish, or full-fat coconut milk to make it dairy-free.
- Dumpling batter should be mixed lightly to keep dumplings fluffy and tender.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce the dumpling cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
- This recipe freezes well; freeze before adding dumplings for best results.
