Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings for Cozy Nights2025
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The History of Chicken and Dumplings
- Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken Stew
- Dumplings
- Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preparing the Base
- Adding the Liquids
- Cooking the Chicken
- Making the Dumplings
- Finishing Touches
- Flavor Variations and Customizations
- Pro Tips for Perfect Dumplings
- Storage and Reheating
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Nutritional Insights
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Alternatives
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- Printable Recipe Card
1. Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. It evokes childhood memories, family dinners, and the kind of comfort food that nourishes both body and soul. This slow cooker version takes all the love of the traditional dish and adapts it for modern life—less hands-on time, no sacrifice in flavor.
Imagine tender chunks of slow-cooked chicken, sweet carrots and celery simmered in savory broth, and light, fluffy dumplings floating on top. That’s what you’re about to create. Whether you’re a busy parent, a comfort food enthusiast, or a beginner cook, this recipe is approachable, flexible, and rewarding.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Toss ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Incredible Texture: Soft dumplings, juicy chicken, and melt-in-your-mouth veggies.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters come back for seconds.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite herbs, veggies, or even canned biscuit dough.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day.
3. The History of Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a dish with humble beginnings rooted in the American South, though versions of it appear globally—from German knödel to French quenelles. In America, it became popular during the Great Depression because it stretched inexpensive ingredients into a filling meal. The slow cooker version brings that traditional comfort into the 21st century without losing its heart.
4. Ingredients Breakdown
Before diving into the process, let’s review what makes this dish special.
For the Chicken Stew:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs (thighs are juicier).
- Carrots & Celery – Classic stew vegetables that add sweetness and depth.
- Onion & Garlic – Aromatic base that enhances savory flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the broth.
- Chicken Broth – The flavorful liquid that forms the stew base.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creaminess and thickness (optional).
- Herbs – Dried thyme and parsley give warmth and depth.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasoning to balance flavors.
For the Dumplings:
- All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of fluffy dumplings.
- Baking Powder – Key leavening agent for lift.
- Salt – To bring out the dough’s flavor.
- Milk – Binds the dough and softens it.
- Butter (melted) – For tenderness and flavor.
5. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Layer your slow cooker with chopped carrots, celery, and diced onion. Add minced garlic on top. Place raw chicken pieces over the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Soup
Pour chicken broth over the top. Dot with cubes of butter. Then spoon the cream of chicken soup over everything (no need to stir). It will melt and integrate during cooking.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Once cooked, remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the stew.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk. Mix just until combined—a sticky, spoonable dough should form.
Step 5: Drop the Dumplings
Use a spoon to drop dough balls gently onto the surface of the stew. Don’t push them under. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–40 minutes until they are puffed and fully cooked.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Ladle the stew and dumplings into bowls and serve warm.
6. Flavor Variations and Customizations
- Herb Dumplings: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or dill to the dumpling dough.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix shredded cheddar into the dough.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
- Vegetable Boost: Add peas, corn, or mushrooms in the last hour.
7. Pro Tips for Perfect Dumplings
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – This leads to tough dumplings.
- Don’t Lift the Lid – Steam is needed to cook the dumplings through.
- Size Matters – Smaller dumplings cook more evenly.
- Spoon Gently – Avoid stirring the stew once dumplings are added.
8. Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add broth or milk to loosen the texture if it thickens too much.
Freezing
Freeze the chicken and stew mixture only (without dumplings) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before adding freshly made dumplings.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Overmixing dumpling dough | Stir just until ingredients are combined |
| Cooking dumplings too soon | Add in the final 30–40 minutes |
| Using low-quality broth | Use low-sodium, high-quality broth for best taste |
| Lifting the lid during dumpling cooking | Keep it sealed to trap steam |
10. Nutritional Insights (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Note: Values vary based on brands and modifications.
11. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Alternatives
- Gluten-Free Dumplings: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and baking powder.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and almond/oat milk. Substitute cream of chicken soup with a cashew- or coconut-based cream soup (store-bought or homemade).
12. Serving Suggestions
Pair your Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings with:
- Side Salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans
- Buttered Biscuits or Cornbread
- Apple Cider or Iced Tea for drink pairing
13. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned biscuit dough instead of homemade dumplings?
Yes! Just cut biscuits into quarters and add during the final 30–40 minutes.
Q2: Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Use the slow cook function, or pressure cook the chicken and then switch to slow cook for dumplings.
Q3: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can use a roux-based homemade version or leave it out for a brothier stew.
Q4: Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie?
Absolutely. Add it shredded during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q5: Are dumplings supposed to be gooey inside?
No. They should be fluffy and firm. Use a toothpick to test doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
14. Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is more than just a meal—it’s comfort in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday, Sunday family dinner, or just a cozy night at home, this dish delivers on every front: flavor, simplicity, and nostalgia. Once you try this version, it may just become your new favorite way to make a timeless classic.
15. Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 6–7 hrs (LOW) / 3–4 hrs (HIGH)
Dumpling Cook Time: 30–40 min
Total Time: ~7.5 hrs
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
Chicken Stew:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 tbsp butter, cubed
Dumplings:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Layer vegetables in slow cooker. Place chicken on top. Add seasonings.
- Pour in broth. Add butter and spoon in cream of chicken soup.
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hrs or HIGH for 3–4 hrs.
- Remove chicken, shred, return to slow cooker.
- Mix dumpling dough. Drop spoonfuls on top of hot stew.
- Cover and cook 30–40 min on HIGH. Do not lift lid.
- Garnish and serve warm.
