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Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings (Easy & Comforting)
Few dishes capture the feeling of home quite like Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings. Warm, creamy, and deeply comforting, this classic American recipe has been a family favorite for generations. The slow cooker version takes everything you love about traditional chicken and dumplings and makes it easier, more forgiving, and perfect for busy days when you still crave a hearty, homemade meal.
This recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Tender chicken slowly simmers in a savory broth alongside vegetables and herbs, creating a rich base. Soft, fluffy dumplings are added near the end, soaking up the flavors while staying light and pillowy. The result is a bowl of pure comfort—ideal for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you need something nourishing and satisfying.
Unlike stovetop versions that require constant attention, this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe lets time do the work. It’s approachable for beginners yet deeply satisfying for experienced home cooks. Whether you grew up eating chicken and dumplings or you’re trying it for the first time, this version is designed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
There are countless reasons this dish has stood the test of time:
- Hands-off cooking: Let your crock pot handle the heavy lifting.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Simple pantry and refrigerator staples.
- Perfect comfort food: Creamy, warm, and filling without being heavy.
- Family-approved: Mild, familiar flavors everyone loves.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with herbs, vegetables, or seasoning.
This recipe is especially popular during fall and winter, but its simplicity makes it welcome year-round.
Ingredients
Use fresh, simple ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Chicken broth
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried thyme or poultry seasoning
- Bay leaf
- Milk or heavy cream
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- A pinch of salt (for dumplings)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the base:
Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crock pot. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. - Add liquid:
Pour chicken broth over the ingredients until the chicken is fully covered. - Slow cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender. - Shred the chicken:
Remove the chicken from the crock pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. - Make it creamy:
Stir in milk or cream and butter. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Prepare dumpling dough:
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk until a soft dough forms. - Add dumplings:
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough gently on top of the simmering mixture. Do not stir. - Final cook:
Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30–45 minutes, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. - Serve:
Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Use thighs for extra flavor: Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts.
- Don’t stir after adding dumplings: This helps them steam and stay fluffy.
- Check dumplings for doneness: They should be firm but tender inside.
- Season gradually: Slow cooking concentrates flavors over time.
Variations to Try
- Cream of soup shortcut: Add cream of chicken soup for extra richness.
- Herb dumplings: Mix chopped parsley or thyme into the dough.
- Vegetable boost: Add peas or corn during the last hour of cooking.
- Southern-style: Use buttermilk in the dumplings for a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Crock pot chicken and dumplings is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Warm biscuits or crusty bread
- Simple roasted vegetables
Cultural & Comfort Food Context
Chicken and dumplings is deeply rooted in American comfort food history, especially in Southern and Midwestern kitchens. Traditionally made as a way to stretch ingredients and feed families affordably, it has evolved into a beloved dish associated with warmth, care, and togetherness. The slow cooker version honors that tradition while fitting modern lifestyles.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.
- Freezing: Best frozen without dumplings, then add fresh dumplings when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings (Easy & Comforting) recipe proves that simple food can still be deeply satisfying. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes any day feel a little warmer. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it remains a timeless favorite.
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
A comforting slow cooker classic with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, savory broth.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken, vegetables, seasoning, and broth into crock pot.
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Shred chicken and return to crock pot.
- Mix dumpling ingredients until soft dough forms.
- Drop dumplings on top and cook an additional 30–45 minutes.
Notes
Do not stir after adding dumplings for best texture.
