If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that embodies comfort food, look no further than Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. This classic Southern recipe brings together tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings, all cooked slowly to perfection. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its creamy texture and savory flavors but also in how effortlessly it can come together in your slow cooker. It’s a meal that warms the soul and fills the belly, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s often said that meals like this one bring people together, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Chicken and Broth:
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Dumplings:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

These chicken and dumplings ingredients come together to create a dish that not only tastes amazing but is also easy to prepare. When selecting your chicken, organic or free-range options tend to provide superior flavor and texture. Check out our related guide for more tips on ingredient selection and preparation.

Steps / Instructions

1. In your slow cooker, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Season them generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
2. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables for a balanced flavor.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are fully submerged. This will help the flavors meld beautifully during the cooking process.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily shreds with a fork.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to combine with the broth and vegetables.
6. In a mixing bowl, prepare the dumpling batter by combining flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined, taking care not to overmix for the best texture.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the hot broth in the slow cooker, leaving space between each dumpling, as they will expand while cooking.
8. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. They should be light to touch and firm to the bite.
9. Once the dumplings are done, serve the creamy chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired for an added burst of flavor and color.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results with your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, consider these helpful tips:

• For a richer flavor, use homemade broth or stock. It can elevate the taste significantly and brings a depth that store-bought versions might lack.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water about 30 minutes before serving, allowing it to thicken without affecting the dumplings.
• Make ahead by prepping the chicken and vegetables in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start cooking—this saves time on busy days.
• Leftover chicken stew with dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.
• Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter; keep it light for fluffier dumplings. The texture is key to achieving that perfect bite, so handle the batter with care!

Variations

If you want to customize your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, here are a few creative options:

• Swap out the chicken for turkey for a post-holiday dish, making use of leftover turkey while still enjoying a hearty meal.
• Incorporate different vegetables like peas or corn for added sweetness and texture—this not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutrition.
• For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the broth, catering to those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.
• Try using a gluten-free dumpling recipe if you have dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comfort dish.
• For a twist on the classic, use biscuits instead of dumplings for a chicken and biscuit casserole style meal, offering a different texture and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes time to serve your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, consider these ideas:

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor, enhancing the visual appeal of your dish.
• Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich dumplings.
• Serve with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.

With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings truly embodies the essence of home-cooked meals. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or making it for a family gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s a dish that invites everyone to gather around the table and share in the warmth and love that it brings.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

6

⏱️

Prep Time

30 min

🍳

Cook Time

8 hr

🔥

Calories

—

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A heartwarming dish that embodies comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, rich broth, and fluffy dumplings, all cooked slowly to perfection.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1.

In your slow cooker, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Season them generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

2.

Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables for a balanced flavor.

3.

Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are fully submerged. This will help the flavors meld beautifully during the cooking process.

4.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily shreds with a fork.

5.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to combine with the broth and vegetables.

6.

In a mixing bowl, prepare the dumpling batter by combining flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined, taking care not to overmix for the best texture.

7.

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the hot broth in the slow cooker, leaving space between each dumpling, as they will expand while cooking.

8.

Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. They should be light to touch and firm to the bite.

9.

Once the dumplings are done, serve the creamy chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired for an added burst of flavor and color.