Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food reimagined for the slow cooker, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals. Tender chunks of chicken, soft vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth are topped with light and fluffy dumplings that cook directly in the crockpot.

This dish combines simplicity, convenience, and heartwarming flavor. Using a crockpot ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy while the dumplings soak up the creamy broth. It’s perfect for cold days, family meals, or potlucks, providing a hearty, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Comforting and hearty: The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings are pure comfort in a bowl.
• Set-it-and-forget-it: Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal effort.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the tender chicken and soft dumplings.
• Customizable: Easily add extra vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a must-try because it combines the nostalgic flavors of homemade chicken and dumplings with the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s creamy, hearty, and satisfying, making it ideal for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or cozy winter dinners. The dumplings cook perfectly in the crockpot, absorbing the delicious flavors of the broth without extra fuss.

Recipe Overview

Detail	Info
Preparation Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	4–5 hours (on high) or 7–8 hours (on low)
Total Time	4–5 hours
Servings	6–8 servings
Course	Main Dish
Cuisine	American / Comfort Food
Calories	~420 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

For the Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Creamy Finish

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker broth)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

1. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the crockpot.
2. Place chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables.
3. Pour in chicken broth and season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on high for 4–5 hours or low for 7–8 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

1. Remove the chicken and shred with two forks, then return it to the crockpot.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Stir in milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Add Dumplings to the Crockpot

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the crockpot on top of the chicken and vegetables.

1. Cover and cook on high for 30–40 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)

1. For a richer, creamier broth, stir in heavy cream in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
2. If using cornstarch for thicker broth, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the crockpot. Cook until thickened.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls.
2. Spoon extra broth over the top.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
• Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Vegetables: Feel free to add peas, corn, or potatoes.
• Dumplings: Drop by spoonfuls, leaving space between dumplings for even cooking.
• Shredding chicken: Use two forks to shred for perfect texture.
• Creaminess: Adjust cream quantity based on how rich you want the broth.
• Leftovers: Thickens over time; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Variations

1. Herb-Infused: Add rosemary, sage, or bay leaves for extra depth.
2. Cheesy Dumplings: Add ¼ cup grated cheddar or Parmesan to the dumpling dough.
3. Low-Carb: Make cauliflower “dumplings” or serve chicken and vegetables without flour dumplings.
4. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for warmth.
5. Frozen Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas or green beans in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken, vegetables, and broth before adding dumplings for up to 2 months. Cook dumplings fresh when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth to loosen thickened sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker (4–6 qt recommended)
• Cutting board and knife
• Medium bowl for dumpling dough
• Whisk or spoon
• Forks for shredding chicken

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 1–2 hours on low or 1 hour on high.

Q2: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
No — dumplings cook best directly in the crockpot to absorb flavor.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free flour blend and baking powder for dumplings.

Q4: Can I make this lower calorie?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and omit butter in dumplings.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely — peas, corn, green beans, or potatoes work well.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort dish made effortless with a slow cooker. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings cooked in rich, creamy broth make it the ultimate cozy meal. Perfect for family dinners, cold-weather meals, or meal prep, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.