Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Discover a comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe that’s easy to make, perfect for cozy meals and busy days. This hearty dish blends tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich savory broth that simmers all day in your slow cooker, creating a soul-warming experience with minimal effort. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply want a no-fuss family favorite, this recipe is your go-to comfort classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the magic while you relax or tackle your day.
- Comfort Food Classic: The creamy broth and pillowy dumplings bring nostalgic warmth in every bite.
- Flexible Ingredients: Easily adapt this recipe to use whatever vegetables or seasonings you have on hand.
- Great for Busy Days: Perfect for meal prep or when you want a delicious dinner without standing over the stove.
- Feeds a Crowd: Generous portions make it ideal for family gatherings or leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe are simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a special role in delivering that rich, creamy experience you’ll adore.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for tender, juicy meat that cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
- Carrots and celery: These add freshness and subtle sweetness while providing a crunchy texture.
- Onion: A classic base that infuses the broth with depth and aroma.
- Garlic: Elevates the savory profile with just the right amount of zing.
- Chicken broth: The foundation of rich flavor, bringing all the ingredients together.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami boost without overpowering the dish.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the broth, giving it that luscious consistency.
- Milk or plant-based milk: Creates creaminess in the sauce, balancing the savory ingredients.
- Dumpling dough or biscuit dough: Soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up the broth perfectly.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A pop of color and fresh taste at the end.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves bring everything together taste-wise.
Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to accommodate dietary needs, switch up the veggies, or simply try something new, these variations make the recipe adaptable and exciting.
- Veggie-packed version: Add mushrooms, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to warm up the flavor profile.
- Herb swap: Use fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme for an earthy twist.
- Cheesy dumplings: Mix shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) into the dumpling dough for a melty surprise.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour blends to keep it safe for sensitive diets.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Step 1: Prep the Base
Start by chopping the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Place them carefully at the bottom of your slow cooker along with the chicken pieces. Pour in the chicken broth and add the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce along with your thyme and bay leaves. This flavorful base will create the perfect broth as it simmers.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker on low and let everything cook together for about 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, high heat for 3 to 4 hours works. The chicken will become tender enough to shred, and the vegetables will soften to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Step 3: Make the Dumplings
While the stew cooks, prepare your dumpling dough or biscuit mix according to the package or your favorite homemade recipe. It’s important not to overwork the dough; the lighter, the fluffier the dumplings will be.
Step 4: Add the Dumplings
Once the chicken is tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Remove the bay leaves, then stir in the milk or your chosen milk alternative. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the stew and cover the slow cooker for another 30 to 45 minutes until the dumplings have puffed and are cooked through.
Step 5: Final Touches
Finish by stirring in chopped fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings are now ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
- Use thick-cut vegetables: They hold up better in slow cooking without falling apart.
- Don’t lift the lid: Keep the slow cooker covered during cooking for the best heat retention.
- Test dumpling doneness: Insert a toothpick to ensure they are cooked through and fluffy.
- Shred chicken thoroughly: Helps it absorb the broth better and improves the texture.
- Add dumplings toward the end: Prevents overcooking and ensures they’re light and moist.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a delightful burst of color and a touch of fresh flavor that brightens each serving.
Side Dishes
Serve with simple green salads, steamed green beans, or roasted root vegetables to balance the creamy richness of the main dish with crisp, fresh notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings in rustic bowls or inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a cozy look that doubles as an edible side on chilly nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the dumplings remain moist and tender.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Cool it entirely, scoop portions into freezer-friendly containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or milk helps revive the creamy texture lost during chilling or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but cooking times will be longer to ensure the chicken cooks through safely in the slow cooker.
How do I make the dumplings from scratch?
Mix flour, baking powder, salt, milk (or plant-based milk), and a bit of oil or butter into a soft dough, then drop spoonfuls over the stew as the final cooking step.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely, substitute regular milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk to keep it dairy-free and creamy.
Can I use chicken stock instead of broth?
Yes, chicken stock will add a deeper flavor to the dish, making the broth richer, but broth works perfectly well for a lighter base.
What if I want thicker broth?
Simply mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before adding the dumplings.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, blending simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles without sacrificing heartwarming flavor. So grab your slow cooker and give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this classic cozy dish.
