If you’re craving a comforting, homey dish that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered with vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, all nestled in a rich, creamy broth. Then, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings steam on top, soaking up every bit of that cozy flavor. This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special, and the slow cooker does most of the magic while you relax or go about your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is simple but crucial to get those authentic flavors and textures. Each element plays an important role, from the fresh vegetables that add color and crunch to the herbs that infuse the dish with amazing depth.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender, flavorful protein that becomes fork-tender in the slow cooker.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a savory base to the broth.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced: Gives a subtle natural sweetness and bright orange color.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced: Offers a fresh, slightly peppery contrast and crunchy texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Injects the whole dish with warm, aromatic punch.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or stock): The flavorful liquid foundation that everything simmers in.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds bursts of juiciness and vibrant green color near the end of cooking.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Brings a subtle earthiness that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary: Offers piney, fragrant notes to deepen the flavor.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a mild heat to balance the savory elements.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): Adds luscious creaminess that makes this chicken and dumplings decadent and comforting.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Used to enrich the soup’s body and flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup base into a rich gravy.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Main dry ingredient for the dumplings, resulting in soft, fluffy bites.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Leavens the dumplings, ensuring they rise nicely during cooking.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Adds seasoning to the dumpling dough.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional): Gives dumplings a subtle garlicky note for extra flavor.
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional): Adds a touch of freshness and color to the dumplings.
- 3/4 cup milk: Provides moisture and tenderness to the dumpling dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Makes dumplings moist and rich once cooked.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dumpling dough together for the perfect texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
Begin by placing the boneless chicken breasts or thighs right at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they’ll simmer perfectly and become tender as they soak up all the flavors from the veggies and broth.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Flavorings
Next, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots and celery, minced garlic, frozen peas, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Pour in your chicken broth, which is essential for a rich, comforting soup base. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those wonderful ingredients, then cover with the lid.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your slow cooker to low and let the chicken and vegetables simmer for several hours. This long, gentle cooking brings out deep, harmonious flavors and ensures the chicken is juicy and tender. The broth thickens slightly and the herbs infuse the stew with warmth.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it and shred it using two forks. In a separate small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stir in 1/4 cup of flour, and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in some of the cooking broth until smooth, then add this mixture back into the slow cooker along with the heavy cream. Stir well to thicken and enrich the soup base.
Step 5: Make and Add the Dumplings
Now it’s time to make the dumplings! In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix in the milk, melted butter, and egg until you form a sticky dough. Drop spoonfuls of this dough onto the surface of the bubbling soup, then cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. The steam inside the slow cooker will cook the dumplings until they’re light, fluffy, and irresistible.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give everything a final stir to combine. Your chicken and dumplings are now perfectly cooked, hearty, and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh toppings can take your Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe to the next level. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and herbal brightness. A dash of cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of melted butter can add subtle richness and flair.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. A crusty baguette or warm cornbread also pairs beautifully, perfect for sopping up every drop of that creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in rustic bowls to emphasize the cozy, homemade feel. For a fun twist, present the dumplings separately by air-frying small pieces of the dough for an unexpected crunch alongside the soup. Alternatively, spoon it over mashed potatoes for a comforting layered dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe keeps well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup base without the dumplings to maintain the best texture. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and add fresh dumplings following the recipe instructions.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the consistency. For the dumplings, warm them separately or freshly prepare new ones before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking in your slow cooker. Frozen chicken can sometimes result in uneven cooking, so plan to defrost it in the fridge beforehand for the best results.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Dumplings are best made fresh right before serving to retain their fluffy texture. However, you can prepare the dough a few hours ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and then spoon it onto the cooking soup when ready.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or milk can work, though the soup will be less rich and creamy. For dairy-free options, coconut milk or cashew cream can add richness with a subtle twist.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans can be wonderful additions. Just be mindful of cooking times — add softer vegetables like peas towards the end to avoid overcooking.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings should be puffed up, light, and spring back slightly when touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, indicating they’re fully cooked through and fluffy inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a bowl of homemade Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe to make you feel cozy and cared for. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with comfort. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how wonderfully simple and rewarding it is to make classic comfort food in a slow cooker. Enjoy every delicious, warm bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 to 9 hours (slow cooker: 6-8 hours low or 3-4 hours high + 1 hour dumplings)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings recipe is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy meals. Tender chicken simmers with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs in a rich broth, topped with fluffy homemade dumplings cooked right in the slow cooker for an easy, hands-off dinner that yields 6 to 8 satisfying servings.
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)
- 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 chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly for even cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, frozen peas, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and egg, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Prepare the Soup Base for Dumplings: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half until thickened. Pour this creamy mixture into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Add Dumplings and Cook: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the hot soup in the slow cooker. Avoid stirring after adding the dough. Cover and cook on high for about 1 hour until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are cooked, give the soup a gentle stir and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
- You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas or omit if preferred.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
- For thicker soup, you can increase the roux portion slightly.
- If you prefer lighter dumplings, substitute half the milk with sparkling water.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blends for the dumplings.
