If you’ve ever craved the ultimate comfort food, you’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in cozy, creamy goodness, with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a little warmth, this dish fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and delivers unmatched flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe keeps things straightforward, relying on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component adds a layer of flavor or texture, making the final dish truly memorable.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender and juicy, the chicken forms the hearty protein base.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced: For a subtle earthy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced: Brings fresh, aromatic undertones to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that punch of savory flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or stock): The soul of the soup—rich and comforting.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and a little sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: A fragrant herb to elevate the savory notes.
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary: Offers a woodsy aroma that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: For a subtle touch of warmth and spice.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste): To season everything perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): Makes the soup luxuriously creamy.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used for thickening the soup base.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient for fluffy dumplings.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Gives the dumplings their light, airy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the dumpling dough flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle garlicky kick to dumplings.
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional): Brings a fresh herbal note to the dough.
- 3/4 cup milk: Moistens the dumpling dough for perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the dumplings tender and rich.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dumpling dough together for structure.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs right at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then add in your chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, frozen peas, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and give everything a gentle stir. This creates the flavorful broth that will slowly nurture your chicken and veggies into tender perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 to 7 hours, or speed things up a bit on high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, your chicken will cook through, and the vegetables will soften, releasing all their wonderful flavors into the broth. The slow, gentle cooking makes the entire dish so cozy and delicious.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to mix it evenly with the vegetables and broth. This step ensures every bite is packed with tender chicken and that comforting flavor.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
Now onto the dumplings! In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley if you’re using it. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet mix into the dry and stir just until combined—you want a thick dough that will puff up beautifully while cooking.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Slow Cooker
Drop spoonfuls of your dumpling dough over the hot chicken mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure to space them a bit since the dumplings will expand as they cook. Cover the slow cooker again and let the dumplings cook on high for another 1 to 1.5 hours. Resist the temptation to lift the lid—that steam is the key to fluffy dumplings.
Step 6: Finish the Soup
Once the dumplings are perfectly cooked and a toothpick comes out clean, stir in the heavy cream and butter to create a silky, rich broth. Taste at this point and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. The creamy finish ties everything together into one irresistibly satisfying bowl.
Step 7: Serve Your Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Serve piping hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you want to add a pop of color and flavor. This dish is the kind of soul-warming comfort food you’ll crave again and again.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a delightful freshness and a touch of green that brightens the creamy soup. For a little extra indulgence, a small pat of butter melting on the dumplings right before serving never hurts.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider a crisp green salad or some simple roasted vegetables for contrast. A crusty bread roll is excellent for soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls that invite cozy hands and comforting vibes. For a fun twist, try individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika—this adds a bit of flair and flavor that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, your Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but because of the dairy and dumplings, it’s best to freeze it without the heavy cream added—instead, add cream when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, making sure to leave some headspace for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Add the heavy cream during reheating if you froze the soup without it. Stir occasionally until warmed through, and enjoy the cozy flavors all over again.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after slow cooking, but breasts are great too if you prefer leaner meat.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
It’s best to mix and drop the dumplings fresh into the slow cooker to ensure they cook properly and stay light and fluffy. Preparing them too far in advance may change their texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For protein, consider adding white beans or tofu cubes.
What can I do if my dumplings aren’t fully cooked?
If dumplings aren’t done after the recommended cooking time, simply cover and cook low for an additional 15-20 minutes—avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped inside.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh herbs are delightful and add bright flavor, but use about three times the amount you’d use for dried herbs because fresh herbs are less concentrated.
Final Thoughts
You seriously cannot go wrong with this Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe. It’s a warm, inviting hug in a bowl that requires minimal work but offers maximum comfort and flavor. Whether you’re feeding family or just craving your own cozy meal, this recipe is pure magic. So pull out your slow cooker, gather these simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the best comfort foods you’ll ever make!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8.5 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings recipe featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs, fresh vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings cooked to perfection in a creamy broth. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers warmth and satisfying flavors.
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)
Finishing Soup
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
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. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots and celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, frozen peas, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and cover with the lid.
- Cook the Soup: Cook the mixture on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Make the Dumplings: In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley if using. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, and egg. Combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined into a thick dough.
- Add the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the chicken and soup mixture in the slow cooker. Space the dumplings out slightly as they will expand while cooking. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours without lifting the lid to allow dumplings to cook through.
- Finish the Soup: Once the dumplings are fully cooked and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, stir in the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to enrich the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chicken and dumplings into bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings.
Notes
- Do not lift the lid while cooking dumplings to ensure even cooking and proper rising.
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
- Heavy cream makes the soup richer, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, fresh herbs can be added just before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well and thicken over time; add extra broth or milk when reheating if needed.
