Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich, savory broth. This recipe transforms a classic homestyle dish into a hands-off, stress-free meal using a slow cooker. With minimal prep, you can have a warm, filling dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. The dumplings cook right in the slow cooker, soaking up the flavors of the chicken and vegetables, creating a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless yet incredibly satisfying. The slow cooker allows the chicken and vegetables to develop deep, comforting flavors while the dumplings remain light and fluffy. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with the aroma of home-cooked goodness and warms you from the inside out.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect for busy days with minimal hands-on time
• Cozy, hearty, and comforting for all ages
• Balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs in one
• Dumplings cook perfectly in the slow cooker without extra steps
• Freezes and reheats well for meal prep

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (low)
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~400 calories per serving (approx.)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup frozen peas

For the Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
• ½ cup milk

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Add chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
2. Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours (or high for 2–3 hours) until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
3. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return to slow cooker. Add frozen peas.
4. Prepare Dumplings: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until a sticky dough forms.
5. Add Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over hot chicken mixture in the slow cooker.
6. Cook Dumplings: Cover and cook on high for 30–40 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Dice vegetables and mince garlic.
2. Add all stew ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Cook chicken and vegetables until tender.
4. Shred chicken and return to slow cooker; add peas.
5. Prepare dumpling dough using flour, baking powder, butter, and milk.
6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto the stew and cook until dumplings are fluffy.
7. Garnish and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings in deep bowls for a hearty meal. Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread for soaking up the savory broth. It’s perfect as a standalone meal thanks to its combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs.

Recipe Tips

• Avoid over-stirring once dumplings are added, or they may fall apart
• Adjust seasoning to taste before adding dumplings
• Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture
• Make sure dumplings are spooned on top of hot liquid to cook evenly
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving for brightness

Variations (Detailed)

• Cheesy Dumplings: Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar to the dumpling dough
• Herb-Forward: Add rosemary or sage to the stew for depth
• Vegetable-Rich: Include potatoes, corn, or green beans
• Low-Carb Option: Serve dumplings separately as cauliflower biscuits
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Freeze stew without dumplings for up to 2 months. Add fresh dumplings when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop over medium heat; cook fresh dumplings separately and add when serving

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker / crockpot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for dumpling dough

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor with tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings. Its hands-off preparation makes it ideal for busy days, yet it feels indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, chilly nights, or cozy weekend meals, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving classic comfort in a convenient slow cooker format.