chicken and dumplings – recipesshubb

Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings: Comfort in a Bowl

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings, especially on a chilly day. The tender chunks of chicken, soft vegetables, creamy broth, and pillowy dumplings come together in a way that makes every bite feel like home. The best part? You can make this classic comfort food effortlessly in your Crock-Pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, family dinners, or anytime you need a little cozy in your life.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This recipe serves about 6 people, making it ideal for family meals or leftovers that taste even better the next day.

For the Chicken Stew:

1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are juicier)
4 cups chicken broth
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creamier broth)

For the Dumplings:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp butter, melted
½ cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. Slice the carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces and dice the onion. Mince the garlic to release its full flavor. These fresh vegetables will form the hearty base of your stew.

Place the chicken in the bottom of your Crock-Pot. You can use either chicken breasts for a leaner option or chicken thighs for extra richness.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the chopped vegetables to the Crock-Pot along with the minced garlic, dried thyme, and parsley. Pour in the chicken broth and season generously with salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.

💡 Tip: For even more flavor, you can add a bay leaf or a teaspoon of chicken bouillon if your broth isn’t very flavorful.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

The beauty of the Crock-Pot is that it allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. By the end of the cooking period, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of comforting herbs and savory chicken.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crock-Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the vegetables and broth. This step ensures every bite has tender pieces of chicken.

💡 Tip: If you want a thicker broth, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch at this stage.

Step 5: Make the Dumplings

In a separate bowl, prepare your dumpling dough. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but still hold its shape.

💡 Tip: Avoid overmixing the dough; it can make dumplings dense rather than light and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Dumplings to the Crock-Pot

Drop spoonfuls of the dough directly onto the chicken and vegetable mixture in the Crock-Pot. Cover and cook on high for 30–40 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Do not lift the lid while they cook—this helps the dumplings rise properly.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

For a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and ½ cup of heavy cream or milk to make the broth creamy and rich. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve your Crock-Pot chicken and dumplings hot, straight from the slow cooker, in generous bowls. The combination of tender chicken, soft vegetables, creamy broth, and light, fluffy dumplings is pure comfort in every bite.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken Choice: Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during long cooking times, while breasts are leaner.
Veggie Variations: Feel free to add potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Creaminess: Adding milk or cream at the end makes the dish more luxurious but is optional if you prefer a lighter broth.
Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and vegetables the night before and refrigerate. Just add the dumplings when ready to cook.
Shortcut Option: For even faster cooking, use store-bought biscuit dough cut into small pieces instead of making dumplings from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking: Let your Crock-Pot do all the work while you go about your day.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for busy nights.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy warmth of Crock-Pot chicken and dumplings. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a dish to make ahead for busy days, this recipe delivers every time. The tender chicken, hearty vegetables, creamy broth, and soft dumplings are the ultimate comfort food.

Give this recipe a try, and you might just find that it becomes a family favorite for years to come.

Total Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–7 hours (depending on low or high setting)
Servings: 6