Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Name: Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tbsp butter, melted

Author: Tessa

Published: April 24, 2025

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There’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings simmering away—it’s pure comfort in a bowl! This recipe has been my go-to for years, especially on those crazy busy days when I want something hearty but don’t have time to babysit the stove. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into tender chicken and pillowy dumplings swimming in savory broth. My kids always come running when they catch a whiff of those herbs and garlic cooking. Trust me, this dish tastes like a warm hug—and the best part? You’ll have dinner ready with barely any effort!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

Oh my goodness, this recipe is a total game-changer! Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:

Set it and forget it – Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day
Comfort food at its best – That rich broth and fluffy dumplings will warm you right up on chilly nights
Minimal prep work – No fancy techniques needed, just simple chopping and mixing
Busy-day lifesaver – Perfect for those crazy weeknights when cooking feels impossible
Kid-approved deliciousness – Even picky eaters gobble up this cozy meal

Seriously, this dish checks all the boxes – easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious!

Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings - detail 1

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to chicken and dumpling bliss! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – thighs work great too if you prefer darker meat
1 cup diced carrots – about 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup diced celery – 2-3 stalks, sliced nice and thin
1 medium onion, chopped – yellow or white onions both work beautifully
3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best, but 1 tsp garlic powder works in a pinch
4 cups chicken broth – homemade or store-bought, whatever you’ve got
1 tsp dried thyme – rub it between your fingers to wake up the flavor
1 tsp dried parsley – or fresh if you’ve got it growing
1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked adds the best flavor
1/2 tsp salt – adjust to your taste
1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our fluffy dumplings
2 tsp baking powder – make sure it’s fresh for maximum lift
1/2 cup milk – whole milk makes the richest dumplings
2 tbsp butter, melted – adds richness to the dumpling dough

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that come together to make magic!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you probably have everything already! Here’s what you’ll grab:

A trusty slow cooker (I use a 6-quart, but any size works)
A mixing bowl for the dumpling dough
Measuring cups and spoons – eyeballing works, but precise measures help the dumplings turn out perfect
A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
Two forks (for shredding that chicken like a pro)

That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!

How to Make Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe couldn’t be simpler – just follow these easy steps and you’ll have the most comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings ready before you know it.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

First things first – dump all those beautiful ingredients right into your slow cooker! Place the chicken breasts in first, then scatter the carrots, celery, and onion over the top. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt. Pour the chicken broth over everything – it should just cover the chicken and veggies. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the seasonings. Now pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours if you’re in a hurry). Walk away and let the magic happen!

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

After the cooking time’s up, lift that lid and inhale that amazing aroma! Grab two forks and use them to shred the chicken right in the pot – it should fall apart beautifully. I like to leave some bigger chunks for texture. Give everything a good stir to mix the shredded chicken back into the broth and vegetables. At this point, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – sometimes I add an extra pinch of salt or pepper.

Step 3: Make and Add the Dumplings

Now for the best part – the dumplings! In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Stir in the milk and melted butter just until combined – don’t overmix or your dumplings will be tough. The dough will be sticky, that’s perfect! Drop spoonfuls of the dough (about 2 tablespoons each) right on top of the simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes. Resist the urge to peek – you want that steam to work its magic! When done, the dumplings should be puffy and cooked through. Dig in while it’s hot and comforting!

Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks for absolute perfection:

Thicken it up: If your broth seems too thin, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water and stir it in before adding dumplings – it’ll give you that rich, velvety texture
Handle with care: When mixing dumpling dough, stir just until combined – overmixing makes tough dumplings
Don’t peek! Keep that lid closed while dumplings cook – every peek lets precious steam escape
Test doneness: Dumplings should look puffy and feel springy when gently pressed – no doughy centers!
Fresh herbs: Stir in some chopped parsley right before serving for a pop of color and freshness

Trust me, these little touches make all the difference between good and “oh wow!” chicken and dumplings!

Variations for Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Oh, the possibilities! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:

Veggie boost: Toss in a cup of frozen peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes
Herb switch-up: Try rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different flavor profile
Meat swap: Use turkey breast or thighs instead of chicken – just as delicious!
Creamy version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream after shredding the chicken for extra richness

Don’t be afraid to make it your own – that’s the beauty of comfort food!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, this cozy meal deserves the perfect companions! I love serving my Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth. A simple side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots works beautifully too – just keep it light and fresh to balance the richness. Trust me, your family will be scraping their bowls clean!

Storing and Reheating Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Leftovers? No problem! Let the chicken and dumplings cool completely before popping them in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, you’ve got options: gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat (my favorite method), stirring occasionally, or zap individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Just know the dumplings might soak up some broth overnight – that’s totally normal! If it seems too thick when reheating, splash in a bit of extra broth or water to loosen it up.

Nutritional Information

Each comforting bowl of Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings packs about 320 calories, with 28g protein to keep you full. You’re looking at 30g carbs, 8g fat (3g saturated), and 2g fiber per serving. Of course, these numbers can vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes – but one thing’s for sure, every bite is worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about this Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe all the time! Here are the most common questions that pop up:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just add about 30-60 minutes to the cooking time. I actually keep frozen chicken on hand just for this recipe – no thawing needed!

How can I make this gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend (I like the 1:1 baking mixes) and use cornstarch to thicken the broth if needed. The dumplings come out just as fluffy!

Why are my dumplings soggy?
Most likely from lifting the lid too often – those little steam escapes add up! Also, make sure your slow cooker is on high when cooking the dumplings, and don’t overcrowd them.

Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Peas, green beans, or even mushrooms would be delicious. Just add quick-cooking veggies during the last 30 minutes so they don’t get mushy.

Is it okay to leave it cooking longer than 6 hours?
The chicken might get a bit dry if you go much longer, but the broth will still taste amazing! If you’ll be gone all day, try using chicken thighs instead – they stay juicier.

Share Your Thoughts

I’d love to hear how your Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings turned out! Drop me a comment below with your favorite variation or snap a photo of your cozy bowl – nothing makes me happier than seeing others enjoy this comforting recipe as much as my family does!