Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Enjoy comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings made simple with this easy recipe that brings warmth and hearty flavors to your dinner table. This classic dish transforms tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth into an effortless, soul-satisfying meal perfect for cozy nights any time of the year. Using your slow cooker, this recipe saves time and delivers delicious results without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off Convenience: Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s a timeless, cozy dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a warm hug on a plate.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce that you probably already have for easy meals anytime.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily tweak the herbs, veggies, or dumplings for your personal taste without losing the magic.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike, making it a wonderful crowd-pleaser for any dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their own character—richness from the chicken, creaminess from the broth, freshness from the herbs, and soft, pillowy texture from the dumplings.
- Chicken thighs: Dark meat stays tender and juicy throughout slow cooking.
- Carrots and celery: Classic aromatics that add sweetness and crunch.
- Onion and garlic: Essential for building deep, savory layers of flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides the comforting base without overpowering the dish.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the broth and create soft dumplings.
- Milk or plant-based alternative: Adds creaminess to the dumpling dough.
- Baking powder: Helps the dumplings puff up nicely as they cook.
- Fresh thyme and parsley: Brighten and enhance the flavors with herbal notes.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a subtle smoky depth without heaviness.
Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your pantry, dietary preferences, or flavor cravings. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings are incredibly forgiving and easy to adapt without losing their cozy spirit.
- Vegetarian version: Swap chicken with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the broth for a subtle kick.
- Extra hearty: Toss in diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for added texture and warmth.
- Herb variations: Experiment with rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a new aromatic profile.
- Dumpling alternatives: Use biscuit dough or drop spoonfuls of refrigerated dough for convenience.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Start by layering the slow cooker with chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and smoked turkey bacon. This aromatic base builds the foundation for the broth and infuses every spoonful with flavor.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
Place the chicken thighs on top of the veggies, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and fresh thyme over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for about 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and falling apart.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and milk until combined into a soft dough. This simple dough is what makes the dumplings fluffy and comforting.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the thighs and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently, distributing evenly through the broth and vegetables.
Step 5: Add Dumplings and Finish Cooking
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the hot broth in the slow cooker. Cover again and cook on high for another 30 to 40 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Use bone-in chicken: Adds extra flavor and richness to the broth as it cooks.
- Don’t open the lid often: Keeping the lid closed while cooking preserves heat and cooks the dumplings perfectly.
- Thicken if needed: Stir a little additional flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water into the broth if it’s too thin after cooking.
- Fresh herbs last: Add chopped parsley right before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
- Dumpling texture: For lighter dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough—just combine until smooth.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Garnishes
Top the steaming bowls with fresh parsley or thyme, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and a pinch of cracked black pepper to add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty dish with crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance its richness. Warm crusty bread or garlic rollers on the side are wonderful for dipping into the luscious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings in individual ceramic ramekins or mini cast-iron pots. Garnish with edible flowers or a swirl of fresh herb pesto to make the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the chicken and dumplings cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring you keep both the broth and dumplings moist by stirring gently before reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully if you remove the dumplings before freezing. Store the broth and shredded chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked dumplings after thawing and reheating the base.
Reheating
Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to evenly heat. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the mixture and fresh dumplings or reheated dumplings for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings without slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this dish on the stovetop in a large pot by simmering the chicken and vegetables until tender, then adding dumplings last and cooking until fluffy.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Chicken thighs are recommended because they remain tender and moist after long cooking, but you can use breasts if you prefer leaner meat—just watch the cooking times closely.
Can I use pre-made biscuit dough for the dumplings?
Absolutely! Refrigerated biscuit dough works well as a shortcut and gives you delicious, fluffy dumplings with minimal effort.
How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking to the slow cooker?
Make sure to drop the dumpling batter gently into the hot broth and avoid stirring after adding them so they can cook evenly and stay fluffy without sticking.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Definitely. Adding peas, corn, or diced potatoes can enhance the heartiness and texture of the dish while keeping it nutritious and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you crave comfort and simplicity all in one. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how wonderful it tastes, becoming your go-to meal when you want to relax and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner.
