Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

My Cozy Kitchen Secret

I love my slow cooker. It feels like a warm hug for my kitchen. On busy days, I just toss things in. Then it works its magic all day long. The smell that fills the house is pure comfort.

This slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is my favorite. It is one of the best easy dinner ideas. You get a rich soup and fluffy homemade dumplings. All from one pot. I still smile when I lift the lid.

A Story in Every Bowl

I first made this for my grandson when he was sick. He said it tasted like being wrapped in a blanket. Now he asks for it every visit. That is why these comfort food recipes matter so much. They are not just meals. They are memories.

This dish is a classic chicken and dumplings recipe. But the crockpot makes it so simple. You can use chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs stay juicier, I find. What is your go-to meal when someone needs cheering up? I would love to know.

Let’s Talk Dumplings

The homemade dumplings are the best part. Do not be scared! They are just a simple, sticky batter. You drop it right on the hot soup. The steam from the soup cooks them. It is like magic.

*Fun fact: The word “dumpling” comes from an old word meaning “little lump.” Isn’t that cute?* Making them yourself matters. It turns a simple chicken soup recipe into something special. Store-bought cannot compare.

Making It Your Own

This recipe is very forgiving. That is the joy of slow cooker recipes. No celery? Use more carrots. Want more herbs? Add a little sage. Your kitchen, your rules.

These crock pot meals save busy nights. You do the work early. Then dinner makes itself. Do you have a favorite veggie to add to soups? I sometimes toss in peas at the end for a pop of green.

Your Turn to Cook

I hope you try these easy chicken and dumplings. Gather your ingredients. Let the slow cooker do its thing. Your whole house will smell amazing.

Remember, good food is about sharing. It is about warmth. Will you be making this for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend? Tell me about it when you do. I just know you will love these fluffy dumplings as much as I do.

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: Let’s start our slow cooker chicken and dumplings. Melt your butter right in the pot. Sauté those carrots, celery, and onion for five minutes. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes the whole kitchen feel cozy.

Step 2: Now, lay your chicken thighs over the veggies. Sprinkle your thyme, salt, rosemary, and pepper on top. Pour in the broth and add the bay leaves. This is the heart of your chicken soup recipe. Cover it and walk away for 6 hours.

Step 3: Near the end, make your homemade dumplings. Mix the flour, parsley, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, egg, and melted butter. You’ll get a thick, sticky batter. (A sticky batter means fluffy dumplings later!)

Step 4: Open your crockpot chicken and dumplings. Shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks. It will be so tender! Then, scoop your batter on top. Leave space between them so they can grow. Why leave space? Share below!

Step 5: Put the lid back on. Turn the heat to High. Let it cook for one more hour. Your easy chicken and dumplings are done when the dumplings are puffy. This is the best comfort food recipe for a busy day.

Creative Twists

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This chicken and dumplings recipe is a full meal. But a simple green salad on the side is perfect. For lunch tomorrow, reheat a bowl with a crusty piece of bread. These crock pot meals are even better the next day. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Comfort Food Cozy

Let’s talk about storing this lovely meal. First, let the soup cool a bit. Then, place it in a container. It will keep in the fridge for about three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. I remember my first big batch. I froze single portions for quick lunches. It was a lifesaver on busy days.

Batch cooking this recipe is a wonderful idea. It saves you time and energy later. Having a homemade meal ready is a true gift. It means a warm dinner is just a reheat away. This matters because it brings peace to your week. You nourish your family without the last-minute rush.

To reheat, use the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick. Stir gently so you don’t break the tender dumplings. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Every cook faces a few little problems. Here are easy fixes. First, a too-thin soup. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water. Stir it in at the end and cook until thick. I once added it too fast. It got lumpy! Adding it slowly fixes that.

Second, bland flavor. Taste your soup before adding the dumplings. You can add a pinch more salt or herbs. This matters because good seasoning makes the whole dish sing. It turns simple ingredients into a memorable chicken and dumplings recipe.

Third, doughy dumplings. Make sure your slow cooker is on high for that last hour. Do not peek! The steam needs to cook them through. This builds your cooking confidence. You learn how small changes create perfect homemade dumplings. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Can you put raw chicken in the slow cooker for chicken and dumplings?

Yes, you absolutely can. This is what makes slow cooker recipes so easy. Place the raw chicken thighs right on the veggies. The long, slow cooking makes them incredibly tender. It also flavors the broth beautifully. This method is safe and perfect for easy dinner ideas. It is the heart of this crockpot chicken and dumplings.

What are the best dumplings for slow cooker chicken and dumplings?

The best dumplings are simple, homemade dumplings. A mix of flour, baking powder, milk, and egg works great. They puff up light and fluffy. They soak up the savory broth just right. This beats canned dough every time. It turns your meal into true comfort food recipes. Your family will taste the love.

How do you keep dumplings from getting soggy in a slow cooker?

The key is to not overcrowd them. Drop the batter in scoops on top. Leave space between each one. They need room to expand as they cook. Also, keep the lid on during the last hour. No peeking! This keeps the steam in to cook them properly. It gives you perfect, fluffy dumplings every time.

Can I use canned biscuits for dumplings in the slow cooker?

You can, but I recommend the homemade batter. Canned biscuits can get very soggy. They often fall apart in the broth. The simple batter in this chicken and dumplings recipe holds together better. It makes a lighter, more tender dumpling. For the best crock pot meals, a few minutes making batter is worth it.

Should dumplings be cooked on high or low in a slow cooker?

Cook them on high. The soup itself cooks for hours on low. But for the dumplings, you must switch to high. This gives enough heat for them to rise and cook through. One hour on high is usually perfect. This step ensures your easy chicken and dumplings have fluffy, not doughy, dumplings.

How to thicken slow cooker chicken and dumplings?

Make a simple slurry. Mix one or two tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water. Stir this into the hot soup after you shred the chicken. Let it cook for a few minutes on high. It will thicken nicely. This creates a rich, cozy broth for your chicken soup recipes. It coats the dumplings perfectly.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy recipe. There is nothing like a bowl of slow cooker chicken and dumplings on a chilly day. *Fun fact: This type of dish has been warming up families for hundreds of years!* It is a hug in a bowl. I would love to hear about your cooking adventure.

Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments. Did your family go back for seconds? Share your story with me. I read every single one. Thank you for letting me share my kitchen with you today.

Happy cooking!

—Danielle Monroe

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Author: Danielle Monroe Cooking Method:Slow Cooker Cuisine:American Courses:Main

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 20 minutesCook time: 7 minutesRest time: Total time: 7 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:565 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

A comforting and classic one-pot meal featuring tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

For the soup:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves

For the dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Instructions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a slow cooker set to sauté or a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion, and sauté for 5 minutes.
2. If using a pan, transfer vegetables to slow cooker. Lay chicken thighs on top. Mix together thyme, salt, rosemary, and pepper, and sprinkle evenly over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves.
3. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours.
4. Just before the time is up, make the dumplings. In a bowl, mix together the flour, parsley, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the milk, egg, and melted butter until a sticky, thick batter forms.
5. Take the lid off the slow cooker and use tongs or two forks to shred the chicken.
6. Scoop batter and place on top of the chicken. Leave room between each dumpling to allow for expansion.
7. Replace the lid and turn the slow cooker to High. Cook for 1 hour, until dumplings have risen and are cooked through.

Notes

For a richer soup, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but they may be slightly less tender. Do not lift the lid during the final hour of cooking the dumplings, as the steam is essential for them to cook properly.

Keywords:Chicken, Dumplings, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker, One Pot