This cozy chicken and dumplings dish is made easy in a slow cooker. You get tender chicken, hearty veggies, and fluffy dumplings all in one pot—perfect for a comforting meal!
I love tossing everything in and letting the slow cooker do its magic. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy that warm, homey aroma wafting through the house? It’s like a big hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. It’s super easy to shred after cooking! If you prefer, you can use rotisserie chicken to save time—just add it in when you’re ready to mix in the dumplings.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, choose low-sodium broth. For a richer taste, homemade broth works wonders or you can substitute with vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian twist.
Vegetables: Classic carrots, celery, and onions are essential, but feel free to add in other favorites like peas or green beans. If you’re short on fresh veggies, you can opt for frozen mixed vegetables instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour is what I use for the dumplings. If you’re gluten-free, a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend can work here—just check that it contains a binding agent.
How Do I Make Fluffy Dumplings?
Getting fluffy dumplings is all about not overmixing the batter! Here’s how to nail this step:
- In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour in the milk and melted butter, then gently stir until just mixed. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—this ensures the dumplings stay light and airy.
- When dropping the batter into the mixture in the slow cooker, use a spoon to make small mounds. Don’t stir them in, as this can make them dense.
- Cooking them covered on high for 45 minutes to an hour helps keep the moisture in, leading to deliciously fluffy dumplings!
Trust me, following these tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your chicken and dumplings, making it a favorite in your home!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (for dumplings)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. Then, you’ll let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Finally, you’ll need an additional 45 minutes to an hour for cooking the dumplings. So, set aside about 7-8 hours for a delicious, hands-off meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
Start by adding the chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth, sliced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, salt, and the bay leaf into your slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fork-tender and fully cooked through. The aroma will be delicious!
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and set it on a plate. Discard the bay leaf. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
4. Add Peas:
If you’re using frozen peas, stir them into the mixture at this point. They’ll add a nice pop of color and flavor!
5. Make the Dumpling Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Then, pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy—this helps keep the dumplings fluffy.
6. Drop the Dumplings:
Now, take spoonfuls of the dumpling batter and gently drop them on top of the hot chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Don’t stir! Just leave them on top for now.
7. Cook the Dumplings:
Cover the slow cooker again, and cook on high for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour. The dumplings should be cooked through and fluffy when done.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of slow cooker chicken and dumplings!
This dish is a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for any day when you need a little extra comfort!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure the chicken cooks fully and remains tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the cooking stage, place the ingredients in the slow cooker, and chill it overnight. In the morning, you can set the slow cooker to cook while you’re at work or running errands!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it from drying out.
What Can I Substitute for the Dumplings?
If you’re looking for an easier or gluten-free option, you can use canned biscuit dough instead of making your own dumplings. Just drop pieces of the biscuit dough on top of the chicken mixture and follow the cooking instructions as usual!
