Some meals just have a way of making you feel right at home, and chicken and dumplings is definitely one of them. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, where hearty chicken, creamy broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings come together for a meal that warms your soul. And when made in the slow cooker, the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the dumplings absorb the rich, comforting flavors of the broth.
With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, you can have a bowl of steaming chicken and dumplings ready to serve without breaking a sweat. It’s the perfect meal for busy weekdays, cozy weekends, or when you just need a comforting dinner that tastes like it came from your grandmother’s kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
This recipe will quickly become a favorite, and here’s why:
- Tender Chicken – The slow cooking process makes the chicken super tender and infuses it with all the flavors of the broth and vegetables.
- Fluffy Dumplings – The dumplings are light, fluffy, and soak up the rich, creamy broth. A bite of both together is pure comfort.
- Minimal Effort – Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do all the work for you. Perfect for busy days when you want a filling meal with no fuss.
- Great for Meal Prep – This recipe makes a large batch, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers to enjoy for lunch the next day or freeze for later.
It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that’ll make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket, even on the coldest days.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to make this comfort food classic:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Thighs are ideal for slow cooking because they stay tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion – These vegetables add flavor and texture to the base of the stew.
- Chicken Broth – The key to a flavorful, rich broth that the chicken and dumplings will soak up.
- Flour, Baking Powder, and Milk – These ingredients are used to make the dumplings, which are the perfect addition to this dish.
- Butter – Adds richness to the sauce and dumplings.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all you need to season the dish, but feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
This recipe uses basic, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a hearty, comforting meal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
This chicken and dumplings recipe is so easy to make, and the slow cooker takes care of most of the work. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables – Cut the chicken thighs into chunks and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In your slow cooker, add the carrots, celery, onions, and the seasoned chicken.
- Add the Broth and Cook – Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Make the Dumplings – In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, milk, and butter to make the dumpling batter. It should be thick but spoonable.
- Add the Dumplings – When the chicken is done cooking, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the stew. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the dumplings are ready, remove the chicken pieces, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
Your slow cooker chicken and dumplings is now ready to serve!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to make it a complete meal, here are a few ideas for sides:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | The crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. |
| Green Beans | Lightly sautéed or steamed, they add a pop of color and freshness. |
| Caesar Salad | Crisp and tangy, it balances out the richness of the stew. |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Roasted sprouts add a crunchy, savory contrast to the soft dumplings. |
| Cornbread | Sweet, crumbly cornbread pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy stew. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
This dish is perfect for leftovers, and here’s how to store and reheat it:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the stew is too thick.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until heated through.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for about 2 hours, or until warm.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Here are some tips to make sure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfectly every time:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest, most tender chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker when adding the dumplings—make sure there’s space for them to expand.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach if you want more flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can work, they tend to dry out more easily than thighs when slow-cooked. If using breasts, cook them on low for less time, about 4-5 hours, and shred them toward the end.
2. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! You can freeze the chicken and dumplings for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
3. Can I make this dish with gluten-free dumplings?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings, and they’ll still come out soft and fluffy. Just ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free.
4. Can I make the dumplings in advance?
While the dumplings are best made fresh, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Add them to the stew once it’s ready to cook.
5. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and vegetables in a large pot over medium heat for about 1-1.5 hours, adding the dumplings in the final 30 minutes.
This slow cooker chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. Hearty, rich, and satisfying, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this slow-cooked classic!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Equipment
- Large Skillet For browning chicken and sautéing vegetables
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and broth
- Wooden Spoon For stirring
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs skin-on or skinless, your choice
- 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup flour for dumplings
- 2 teaspoons baking powder for dumplings
- 1/2 cup milk for dumplings
- 2 tablespoons butter for dumplings
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.
- Pour the sauce into the slow cooker with the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the milk and melted butter and stir to form a dough.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter over the stew and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes on high, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over your favorite rice.
Notes
- Feel free to add **spinach** or **peas** to the stew for extra veggies.
- If you prefer a creamier version, add **heavy cream** at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to **3 days** or frozen for **up to 3 months**.
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