There’s nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings to make you feel at home. This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings all the delicious flavors of the classic dish, but with a hands-off, slow-cooker twist. With tender chunks of chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, savory broth, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a cozy meal with minimal effort. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1.5 lbs, cut into chunks)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Carrots (2, peeled and sliced)
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Chicken broth (4 cups)
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
- Butter (3 tbsp)
- Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Black pepper (½ tsp)
- Bay leaf (1)
For the Dumplings:
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups)
- Baking powder (2 tsp)
- Salt (½ tsp)
- Milk (¾ cup)
- Butter (3 tbsp, melted)
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Place the chicken chunks, diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, and butter in the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined; do not overmix. The dough should be thick and sticky.
Step 4: Add the Dumplings to the Slow Cooker
Remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the hot chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 25-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve this dish with a side of steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Helpful Notes
- For a richer broth, add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the slow cooker in Step 4 before adding the dumplings.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.
- You can use pre-made biscuit dough or refrigerated biscuit dough as a shortcut for the dumplings.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Ina Garten recommends using homemade chicken broth for a deeper flavor.
Ree Drummond suggests adding a splash of hot sauce to the broth for a bit of heat.
Alton Brown advises letting the dumpling dough rest for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure fluffy dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are more flavorful and will become very tender in the slow cooker.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure all other ingredients, like the cream of chicken soup, are gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, corn, mushrooms, or green beans would make great additions.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick substitute by combining 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of flour, ½ cup of chicken broth, and ½ cup of milk. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, follow the same instructions but cook the chicken and vegetables in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the chicken is cooked, add the dumplings, cover, and simmer until the dumplings are done.
Can I use canned biscuits for the dumplings?
Yes, cut canned biscuits into quarters and drop them into the slow cooker. Cook on high until the biscuits are puffed and cooked through.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through. Insert a toothpick into the center of a dumpling; it should come out clean.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.
Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken mixture (before adding the dumplings) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, then add the dumplings.
What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
Serve with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Enjoy this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe—a comforting, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
