Chicken and Dumplings
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings simmering away while you go about your day. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings come together in a rich, savory broth that defines true comfort food.
This slow cooker version makes it effortless-no standing over the stove or stirring required. Just add your ingredients, set it, and let the crockpot work its magic.
The result is a creamy, homestyle meal that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy Sundays, or anytime you need a warm hug in a bowl.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time: | 6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high) + 30–40 min (dumplings) |
| Total Time: | 6 hours 45 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high) |
| Servings: | 6 |
| Course: | Main Course |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Method: | Slow Cooking |
| Diet: | Gluten Free (if using GF flour) |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off comfort food: Minimal prep, maximum reward.
- Family favorite: Creamy, rich, and crowd-pleasing every time.
- Customizable: Easily made gluten-free or dairy-free.
- Budget-friendly: Simple pantry ingredients come together for a hearty dinner.
- Perfect for leftovers: The flavor deepens beautifully overnight.
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a cozy, hands-free comfort meal made with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and hearty vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for weeknights or Sunday suppers!
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan margarine)
Instructions
1. Layer onions, garlic, carrots, and celery at the bottom of the crockpot. Place chicken on top, pour in chicken broth, and sprinkle with herbs.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter to create dumpling dough.
4. Shred chicken directly in the crockpot, then drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough evenly into the hot broth.
5. Cover and cook on high for 30–40 minutes, until dumplings puff up and are cooked through.
6. Stir gently, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor.
Keep the lid closed while dumplings cook to trap steam.
Shred chicken in the pot for easy cleanup and richer taste.
Add more broth if the soup thickens too much.
For extra flavor, stir in a bit of cream or fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high) + 30–40 minutes for dumplings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1½ cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF version)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk (or plant-based milk alternative)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan margarine)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip Example |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Use thighs for richer flavor or breasts for leaner results. |
| Broth | Homemade chicken broth adds the best depth, but store-bought works fine. |
| Carrots & Celery | Chop uniformly for even cooking. |
| Flour | Use gluten-free 1:1 baking blend for celiac-friendly dumplings. |
| Milk | Oat or almond milk keeps it creamy without dairy. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Layer chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery at the bottom of your crockpot. Add the chicken on top, then pour in chicken broth and sprinkle herbs.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Mix and Add Dumplings: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter until combined. Once the chicken is done, shred it inside the crockpot and drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the hot broth evenly.
- Cook Dumplings Until Fluffy: Cover and cook for another 30–40 minutes on high. The dumplings should puff up and float when ready.
- Final Touches and Serve: Gently stir to combine dumplings and sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, sear chicken briefly before slow cooking.
- Always add dumplings at the end to prevent overcooking.
- Keep the lid closed while dumplings cook so steam builds properly.
- Add a splash more broth if the soup thickens too much.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use bone-in chicken: Adds richer flavor and natural collagen.
- Avoid overmixing dumplings: Stir just until combined for a tender texture.
- Thicken broth: For a creamier base, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch before adding dumplings.
- Add herbs last: Fresh herbs brighten flavor when added right before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Chicken and Dumplings: Stir in ¼ cup of cream or half-and-half.
- Vegetable Boost: Add peas, green beans, or corn during the last 30 minutes.
- Herbed Dumplings: Mix rosemary or chives into the dough.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or cayenne for extra heat.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can prep all ingredients ahead, store in the fridge overnight, and start cooking the next day. To freeze, cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop or crockpot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or buttery biscuits. A sprinkle of parmesan or fresh herbs makes it feel extra special.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay, or keep it cozy with a mug of warm cider.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the dumplings absorb too much liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade dumplings?
Yes, drop pieces of canned biscuit dough into the broth during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
3. Can I thicken the broth more?
Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) before adding dumplings.
4. Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken halfway through cooking.
5. Why did my dumplings fall apart?
Overmixing or stirring too much during cooking can cause them to break down.
6. Can I freeze it with dumplings?
It’s best to freeze before adding dumplings, then make fresh ones when reheating.
7. Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety, thaw chicken before slow cooking to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 bowl (about 1½ cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 350 kcal |
| Protein: | 30g |
| Carbohydrates: | 35g |
| Fat: | 10g |
| Saturated Fat: | 4g |
| Unsaturated Fat: | 5g |
| Cholesterol: | 70mg |
| Sodium: | 600mg |
| Fiber: | 3g |
| Sugar: | 3g |
Nutrition facts are estimates. Actual values may vary based on ingredients used.
Author’s Note
Hola! This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings has become a favorite in my kitchen for busy days when I crave comfort but don’t want to fuss. I love how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into something magical-rich, creamy, and full of flavor that reminds me of family dinners back home.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate easy comfort food-creamy, hearty, and soul-warming. Perfect for lazy Sundays or weeknight dinners.
If you love cozy, slow-cooked meals, you’ll definitely want to try my Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s another hearty, comforting dish filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth – perfect for chilly nights or Sunday dinners.
