Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Comfort in Every Bite
Nothing says cozy comfort quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings. Imagine tender pieces of chicken swimming in a rich, creamy broth, with fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor. Slow cooker chicken and dumplings are the perfect solution for busy families or anyone craving a nostalgic, homestyle meal without the hours of stovetop supervision.
By using a slow cooker, you can build layers of flavor effortlessly: aromatic vegetables, savory herbs, and tender chicken come together to create a meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a casual family dinner, this recipe brings warmth, satisfaction, and the kind of comfort that only a slow-cooked dish can deliver.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Amount | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 lbs | 680 kcal |
| Carrots, sliced | 2 cups | 100 kcal |
| Celery, sliced | 1 cup | 20 kcal |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 13 kcal |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | 60 kcal per cup |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup | 115 kcal |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 820 kcal |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup | 228 kcal |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp | 0 kcal |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | 3 kcal |
| Butter, melted | 4 tbsp | 400 kcal |
| Milk | 1/2 cup | 60 kcal |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Grease the slow cooker lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Vegetables and Chicken
Place carrots, celery, onion, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place it on top of the vegetables.
3. Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, covering the chicken and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
4. Cook the Chicken
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
6. Make the Dumplings
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk until a sticky dough forms.
7. Add Dumplings to the Slow Cooker
Spoon dumpling dough over the hot chicken mixture in small dollops. Cover and cook on HIGH for 45–60 minutes until dumplings are fully cooked and fluffy.
8. Add Cream and Peas
Stir in heavy cream and frozen peas. Let it warm through for 5–10 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy warm.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Vegetables: Add potatoes, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf can elevate flavor.
- Dumplings: For lighter dumplings, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Creamy base: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- Protein options: Use rotisserie chicken or bone-in chicken for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~580 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 42g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the creamy broth.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop, maintaining dumpling fluffiness.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Comfort in Every Bite
Course: Recipes6–8
servings20
minutes3
hours580
kcalIngredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 tbsp melted butter
½ cup milk
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer vegetables and chicken: Place carrots, celery, onion, and garlic at the bottom. Season chicken with salt and pepper and place on top.
- Add broth: Pour chicken broth over everything, cover, and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the slow cooker.
- Make dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk until sticky.
- Add dumplings: Spoon dough in small dollops over the chicken mixture. Cover and cook on HIGH for 45–60 minutes until dumplings are cooked.
- Finish: Stir in heavy cream and frozen peas. Warm for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For the best results, use fresh vegetables and boneless, skinless chicken for tender, flavorful meat. Add the dumplings toward the end of cooking to keep them light and fluffy. Adjust the amount of broth if needed—different slow cookers may vary in liquid retention.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but increase the cooking time by 1–2 hours on low to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable base the day before and refrigerate. Add the dumplings right before cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy.
3. Can I use a store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the slow cooker during the last 1–2 hours of cooking. Reduce the overall cooking time slightly since the chicken is already cooked.
4. How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?
Drop the dumpling dough in separate dollops, leaving a little space between each. Avoid stirring them once they’re in the slow cooker to maintain their fluffy texture.
5. Can I make this recipe lighter or lower in fat?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and use skinless chicken breasts. You can also reduce butter in the dumplings slightly for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken and dumplings are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings in one easy, hands-off recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish offers warmth, satisfaction, and the nostalgic flavors that make everyone feel at home. With endless customization options, it’s easy to make it your own while enjoying the simple pleasure of a hearty, slow-cooked meal.
