Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious weeknight meal that feels like a warm hug, then this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is exactly what you need. It’s comforting, simple to throw together, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich, savory broth. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you can come home to a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy days or cooler evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking: Simply add the ingredients to your crockpot and let it work its magic, freeing up your time.
• Comfort Food Classic: This dish offers all the cozy flavors of homemade chicken and dumplings without the stress.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Made from pantry staples and affordable cuts of chicken, it won’t break the bank.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and hearty textures make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite veggies or herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether enhancing flavor, adding creaminess, or creating those pillowy dumplings we all crave.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose whichever you prefer for juicy and tender meat that shreds easily.
• Chicken broth: Creates a rich base for the stew that deepens the flavor.
• Carrots and celery: Fresh veggies add crunch and sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
• Onion and garlic: Aromatics bring a warm, familiar depth to the dish.
• Flour and milk: Essential for making the dumplings light, soft, and fluffy.
• Baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise beautifully as they cook in the crockpot.
• Butter: Adds luscious creaminess and richness to the dumpling dough.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme round out the savory profile perfectly.

Variations for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand, dietary needs, or just to give it a new twist every time you make it.

• Low-carb option: Swap traditional dumplings for cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter version.
• Vegetable-loaded: Add mushrooms, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition and texture.
• Dairy-free variation: Use almond milk and a dairy-free butter substitute without losing creaminess.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a subtle kick.
• Herb upgrade: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage to create a different flavor profile.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by adding chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery into your crockpot. Add the chicken broth next, then place the chicken on top, seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme. This will create a robust, savory soup base as it cooks.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Set the crockpot to low and let the chicken and veggies simmer for around 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts or thighs and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, stirring it into the broth and vegetables for even distribution.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While the chicken cooks, mix flour, baking powder, salt, milk, melted butter, and finely chopped parsley to create a soft dough. The baking powder is the secret ingredient that makes dumplings light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Crockpot

Spoon the dumpling dough directly onto the surface of the simmering broth in small spoonfuls. Avoid stirring, as dumplings need steam to cook and puff up properly.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Cover the crockpot and let the dumplings steam for about 30 minutes. They’ll absorb the flavors and become delightfully tender while the stew thickens.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Use dark meat chicken: Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful better than breasts during slow cooking.
• Don’t stir after adding dumplings: Stirring deflates dumplings and prevents them from puffing up beautifully.
• Check seasoning before serving: Slow cooking can mellow flavors, so adjust salt, pepper, and herbs at the end.
• Thicken the broth if needed: If the liquid is too thin, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to achieve the right consistency.
• Add fresh herbs at the end: To keep flavor vibrant, sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme just before serving.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness that brightens each spoonful.

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to create a balanced and crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping, or garnish with a drizzle of hot sauce for those who love a little heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and the dumplings soft.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that dumplings may absorb more liquid after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the chicken or dumplings.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought biscuit dough for the dumplings?

Absolutely! Store-bought biscuits can be cut into pieces and dropped on top, but homemade dumplings offer a fluffier texture and more control over ingredients.

What is the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

Chicken thighs are preferred because they stay tender and juicy after long slow cooking, though breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat.

How long should I cook the dumplings in the crockpot?

Dumplings typically need around 30 minutes to steam and cook through when added on top of the hot broth in the crockpot.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives, plus add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans for protein.

Why are my dumplings tough instead of fluffy?

This usually happens if the dough is overmixed or if you stir the dumplings after placing them in the crockpot; avoid these to keep them tender and light.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings that makes any day feel special. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe quickly becomes a go-to favorite. So grab your slow cooker and give it a whirl—you’ll enjoy cozy dinners with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!

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