Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Comfort

Comfort arrives with this soul-warming slow cooker chicken and dumplings that promises hearty happiness in every spoonful.

Grandma’s kitchen never felt so close as these tender chicken pieces nestle beneath fluffy, cloud-like dumplings.

Southern hospitality bubbles gently inside your crockpot, infusing each bite with memories of home-cooked meals.

Creamy broth hugs succulent meat while herbs whisper secret flavor promises.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction through this simple yet magical recipe.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You cannot resist diving into this classic dish that blends simplicity with pure culinary joy.

Reasons to Try Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

• Effortless Comfort Cooking: Dump-and-go preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Meal: Hearty chicken and fluffy dumplings create a classic comfort dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a breeze.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Using a slow cooker means fewer pots and pans to wash, reducing post-meal kitchen stress and giving you more time to enjoy your meal.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken and vegetables, this recipe provides a balanced meal that's both satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base for the hearty stew.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid foundation for the dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy thickening agent for rich texture.

• Carrots, Celery, Onion: Fresh vegetables that add depth and nutrition.

• Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Classic dry ingredients for soft dumplings.
• Milk: Binding liquid to create dumpling dough.

• Thyme, Bay Leaf, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic herbs and spices for balanced flavor.

Chicken & Dumplings in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Nestle chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating a foundation for a comforting meal. Layer these protein-packed pieces to create a flavorful starting point.

Step 2: Build Aromatic Vegetable Layer

• Chopped carrots
• Diced celery
• Sliced onions

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Bay leaf

Step 3: Pour Liquid Goodness

Gently pour chicken broth around the ingredients. Dollop cream of chicken soup across the top without stirring, allowing flavors to meld naturally.

Step 4: Slow Cook Initial Phase

Cover the slow cooker and set to high heat. Let the magical transformation begin for 5 hours, allowing ingredients to become tender and infused with rich flavors.

Step 5: Shred and Return Chicken

Carefully remove chicken breasts. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing with the existing liquid.

Step 6: Create Dumpling Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Slowly introduce milk, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Step 7: Add Fluffy Dumplings

Drop generous spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture directly into the slow cooker. Allow them to float on top of the bubbling liquid.

Step 8: Final Cooking Stage

Continue cooking on high heat for one additional hour. Dumplings will transform into pillowy, golden clouds of deliciousness, fully cooked and ready to enjoy.

Best Ways to Cook Chicken and Dumplings

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart hot chicken breasts in a crosswise motion for tender, even strands that mix well with the broth.
• Customize Dumpling Texture: Add a pinch of dried herbs like parsley or chives to the dumpling dough for extra flavor and a gourmet touch.
• Prevent Soggy Dumplings: Place a clean kitchen towel under the slow cooker lid to absorb excess moisture and keep dumplings light and fluffy.
• Enhance Broth Richness: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream during the last hour of cooking for a creamier, more luxurious consistency.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Leftover Tips For Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings

• Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep portions separate to maintain texture.
• Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to preserve quality and flavor.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour leftovers into saucepan, add splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Stir gently to keep dumplings intact and maintain creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy chicken and delicate dumpling flavors, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Serve with Rustic Bread: Grab a crusty sourdough or country-style bread to soak up the delicious broth, adding texture and helping to make the meal more satisfying and hearty.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to bring a crisp, tangy contrast to the warm, comforting chicken and dumplings, balancing the dish's richness.
• Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor that brightens the entire comfort food experience.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumpling Ideas

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dumpling dough. Ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup alternative or make a homemade version with plant-based ingredients.
• Herb-Infused Version: Swap thyme with fresh rosemary or sage. Add chopped parsley or chives for extra flavor complexity. Consider using different herbs based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt. Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content. Incorporate more vegetables for additional nutritional depth.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly and reach a safe internal temperature.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works perfectly fine. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme as a substitute for fresh thyme in this recipe.

• Are dumplings supposed to be soft or firm?

Dumplings should be soft and fluffy with a slightly tender texture. They will absorb the chicken broth and become moist and delicious during the cooking process.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend when making the dumplings. Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern comfort shines in this hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, blending creamy textures with tender chicken. Home cooks can savor a classic dish that warms hearts with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 large onion, chopped

Liquid and Seasoning Base:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Dumpling Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (240 milliliters)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Nestle whole chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base layer.
2. Scatter freshly chopped carrots, crisp celery, and diced onions over the chicken, distributing aromatic vegetables evenly.
3. Season generously with salt, ground black pepper, fragrant thyme, and tuck in a single bay leaf for deep flavor infusion.
4. Gently pour chicken broth around the ingredients, then dollop cream of chicken soup across the surface without disturbing the arrangement.
5. Secure the lid and allow the mixture to simmer on high temperature for approximately 5 hours, developing rich, comforting flavors.
6. Carefully extract the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into tender, bite-sized pieces.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it into the savory liquid.
8. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to create the dumpling base.
9. Gradually incorporate milk into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft, pillowy dough forms.
10. Drop generous spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture directly into the bubbling chicken mixture.
11. Continue cooking on high heat for an additional hour, allowing dumplings to gently expand and cook through completely.

Notes

• Customize chicken by using boneless, skinless thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like peas or diced potatoes for texture and vitamins.
• Gluten-free option available by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt content during seasoning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg