Few dishes evoke the feeling of home quite like chicken and dumplings. It’s a recipe that transcends seasons, providing warmth and nourishment whether the wind is howling outside or you simply need a little extra comfort. This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe captures all of that magic in an easy, hands-off process, letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a hearty, creamy stew crowned with tender dumplings ready to enjoy.
A Dish Rooted in Tradition
Chicken and dumplings is a dish steeped in history, with roots tracing back to the early settlers of America. This meal represents ingenuity and resourcefulness, combining humble ingredients like chicken, broth, and simple dough to create something truly special. The modern version often adds cream for richness, but at its heart, chicken and dumplings remain a simple yet satisfying dish.
Making it in a crockpot elevates the ease without compromising flavor, making it accessible for even the busiest home cooks. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family dinner or just for yourself, it’s a recipe worth adding to your rotation.
The Ingredients That Make It Shine
One of the beauties of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is its simplicity. While the recipe sticks to classic ingredients, each plays a vital role in creating the dish’s flavor and texture.
Chicken
For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Chicken breasts are leaner and shred easily, while thighs have a richer flavor due to their slightly higher fat content. Either choice results in tender, flavorful chicken after hours of slow cooking.
Vegetables
The holy trinity of carrots, celery, and onion provides a fragrant base, adding natural sweetness and depth to the broth. These vegetables hold up well during long cooking times, ensuring they remain tender but not mushy.
Cream of Chicken Soup
This canned ingredient is a shortcut that adds creaminess. It melds seamlessly with the broth, creating a velvety base that complements the tender chicken and vegetables.
Herbs and Seasonings
Dried thyme and parsley are the stars here, with garlic and black pepper providing additional depth. These seasonings elevate the dish without overpowering the comforting, familiar flavors.
Dumplings
The dumplings are a simple mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and butter. They puff up beautifully in the slow cooker, absorbing some of the broth’s flavors while remaining fluffy and tender. Homemade dumplings truly make this dish stand out, giving it that made-from-scratch feel.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
To ensure your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips and variations:
Chicken Prep
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and add it to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to warm through.
- For extra flavor, consider browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. While this step isn’t necessary, it adds a rich, caramelized note.
Vegetable Variations
- Add frozen peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Sweet potatoes or parsnips can be swapped in for carrots for a different flavor profile.
Dumpling Success
- Drop small spoonfuls of the dough into the stew, leaving space for them to expand as they cook. Overcrowding can result in undercooked dumplings.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking; steam is essential for their fluffiness.
Thicker Broth
- If you prefer a thicker broth, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before adding the dumplings.
Make It Your Own
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a slight kick.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for a touch of umami.
Cooking Experience: A Hands-Off Delight
One of the most rewarding aspects of this recipe is how little effort it requires. The morning prep involves chopping a few vegetables and placing everything in the crockpot. From there, you can let the slow cooker work its magic while you focus on other tasks. By the time you’re ready to add the dumplings, the kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma that’s hard to resist.
The dumpling stage is both easy and satisfying. Watching the dough puff up into soft, pillowy clouds is a reminder of how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. And when it’s time to serve, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours of hands-on effort.
Serving Suggestions
While Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a complete meal on its own, there are plenty of ways to enhance the experience:
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth, or pair it with a fresh green salad for a lighter contrast.
- Drinks: A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
- Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives to each bowl for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, evokes fond memories, and makes you slow down to savor every bite. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings is timeless, and the ease of preparation makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a weeknight dinner, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to deliver. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep.
A Classic Dish, Made Easier
In today’s busy world, recipes like Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings remind us of the joy of simple, hearty meals. This dish takes everything you love about the classic recipe and makes it even easier, thanks to the convenience of a slow cooker. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, dust off your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let this recipe fill your home with warmth and your belly with happiness. Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family—and maybe pass along the recipe. After all, good food is meant to be shared.
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Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Warm, hearty, and comforting, this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe features tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth—perfect for cozy evenings.
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
For the Dumplings:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
Place the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, thyme, parsley, and black pepper in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
Cook the Base:
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir to incorporate.
Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms.
Add Dumplings to the Crockpot:
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly onto the surface of the stew, leaving space between them. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 1 hour, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Serve:
Ladle the chicken, vegetables, and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Category: main dish
- Method: crock pot
