Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings is one of those all-time classic comfort foods that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Tender chicken, soft, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth all slow-cooked to perfection. The dumplings soak up the delicious juices, making every bite smooth and satisfying.
I love making this in my slow cooker because it frees me up during the day and fills the house with such a cozy smell. One little tip I’ve learned is to add the dumplings toward the end of cooking so they don’t get mushy and stay nice and fluffy. It’s like magic how simple ingredients turn into something so heartwarming.
I usually serve this dish with a side of steamed green veggies or a fresh salad to balance out the richness. It’s always a hit with family and friends, especially on weekends when we all want something easy but still super tasty. To me, this recipe is the perfect reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs a little time and love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. But breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
Vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery give great flavor and texture. If you don’t have celery, bell peppers or parsnips are good swaps for a slightly different taste.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness. If you want richer flavor, homemade broth or a mix of broth and water works nicely.
Dumplings: The basic mix of flour, baking powder, milk, and butter keeps dumplings light and fluffy. You can substitute whole milk with plant-based milk if needed, but note dumplings may be a bit less rich.
How Do You Make Fluffy Dumplings in a Slow Cooker?
Dumplings can get tricky because they might turn dense or soggy in the slow cooker. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Make sure your batter is thick but still easy to drop from a spoon. Over-mixing can toughen dumplings.
- Drop spoonfuls gently onto the hot stew surface, spaced out so they don’t stick together.
- Cook the dumplings on high heat for about 30-40 mins—this keeps them light and fully cooked inside.
- Don’t lift the lid while cooking, or the steam escapes, and dumplings may not cook evenly.
- Stir gently after cooking to avoid breaking the dumplings apart.
With these tips, your dumplings will be soft, fluffy, and perfectly cooked every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I always use mine because it cooks everything evenly and makes prep easy.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for dicing the vegetables and shredding the chicken.
- Mixing bowl – to prepare the dumpling batter quickly and easily.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker without scratching the surface.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep the ingredients just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked turkey or chicken sausage for a different protein twist.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to boost herb flavor.
- Mix in chopped potatoes or sweet potatoes for more hearty veggies.
- Stir in a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice kick.
Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken & Broth:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 6-7 hours cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker. Add another 30-40 minutes at the end for cooking the dumplings to fluffy perfection. Perfect for a hands-off, cozy meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
2. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and veggies are soft.
3. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the frozen peas if you’re using them.
4. Make the Dumpling Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter just until combined to form a thick batter.
5. Add and Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter by the tablespoon onto the surface of the hot soup in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
6. Final Touches
Gently stir the soup to combine without breaking up the dumplings. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle your warm, comforting chicken and dumplings into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before adding to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the base soup and cook the chicken in advance, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add and cook the dumplings just before serving to keep them fluffy and fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the dumplings from drying out.
Can I Substitute the Milk in the Dumplings?
Yes, you can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer. Just note the dumplings may be slightly less rich but will still cook up nicely in the slow cooker.
