Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered to perfection in a rich, creamy broth, dotted with vegetables, and topped with soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the savory flavors. This dish brings warmth and nostalgia to your table—perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave a hearty, homemade meal.

What makes this recipe even better is its simplicity: with the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can set it and forget it until mealtime. There’s something magical about opening the crockpot to a steaming pot of goodness, filling your kitchen with the aroma of chicken, butter, and herbs.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances ease and flavor. The chicken remains incredibly tender, the broth is creamy without being heavy, and the dumplings melt in your mouth. Every bite feels like a warm hug—comforting, satisfying, and nostalgic. Plus, using a crockpot means minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy schedules while still delivering a homemade feel.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy solo meal.
• The creamy texture and soft dumplings are universally loved.
• You can easily customize the vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.
• It’s freezer-friendly and makes excellent leftovers.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes – 5 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

For the Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 cup milk

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Crockpot Base:
   Place chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt in the crockpot. Pour chicken broth over the top.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
3. Shred the Chicken:
   Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
4. Prepare Dumpling Dough:
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add melted butter and milk; stir until combined to form a thick dough.
5. Add Dumplings to Crockpot:
   Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook on high for 30–40 minutes until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
6. Finish with Cream:
   Stir in the heavy cream and let simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Dice vegetables and mince garlic.
2. Place chicken, vegetables, and seasonings in crockpot.
3. Pour in chicken broth.
4. Cook until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
5. Remove chicken, shred, and return to crockpot.
6. Make dumpling dough.
7. Drop dumplings over chicken mixture.
8. Cover and cook until dumplings are fully cooked.
9. Stir in cream, adjust seasoning.
10. Serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve hot, straight from the crockpot.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color.
• Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
• Perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Recipe Tips

• Use thighs for juicier, more flavorful chicken.
• Don’t lift the lid while dumplings are cooking; steam is key for fluffiness.
• Adjust cream to taste for richer or lighter texture.
• Add peas or corn for extra vegetables.

Variations

• Cheesy Chicken and Dumplings: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the dumpling dough.
• Herb-Infused: Add rosemary or sage for an earthy flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the chicken mixture without dumplings for up to 2 months. Dumplings are best made fresh when reheating.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on stove or in crockpot, then add fresh dumplings.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Forks for shredding chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but increase cooking time by 30–60 minutes on low.

Q: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
A: It’s best to add dumplings fresh for optimal fluffiness.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Reduce crockpot cooking time; just warm the broth and vegetables, then add shredded chicken.

Q: Can I use biscuit dough instead of homemade dumplings?
A: Yes, store-bought biscuit dough works well—just cut into small pieces and drop into the simmering mixture.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a timeless comfort dish that combines ease, flavor, and heartwarming nostalgia. With tender chicken, creamy broth, and perfectly soft dumplings, it’s a meal that pleases everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Once you make it, you’ll have a new go-to dish for cold nights, busy schedules, or whenever your soul craves a little extra comfort.