Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for chilly nights or busy days. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings—all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal prep work, you can set it and forget it, allowing the crockpot to do all the work while you relax or take care of other tasks.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The chicken cooks in a rich, flavorful broth along with vegetables like carrots and celery, which soak up all the savory flavors. The dumplings, made from scratch with basic ingredients, float on top, becoming light and tender as they steam. As everything cooks low and slow, the flavors meld together, creating a dish that is hearty, satisfying, and full of warmth.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you need a comforting dish that doesn’t require constant attention. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that’s bound to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking

Once you add everything to the crockpot, there’s no need to hover over the stove. Just set it and let the slow cooker work its magic!

2. Comfort in a Bowl

The combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe makes plenty of servings, so it’s ideal for leftovers. The chicken and dumplings reheat well, making it great for meal prep during busy weeks.

4. All-in-One Meal

With chicken, vegetables, and dumplings, this recipe is a complete meal in one dish—no need to prepare separate sides!

5. Customizable

You can adjust the vegetables, seasonings, or even the type of dumplings to suit your taste. Whether you want more garlic, extra herbs, or different veggies, it’s easy to make it your own.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Carrots (diced)
Celery (diced)
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Flour
Baking powder
Milk
Butter
Salt and pepper
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary
Parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Use Chicken Thighs

For more flavorful and juicy meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll provide a richer taste and stay moist as they cook in the crockpot.

Add Other Vegetables

Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added color and flavor. You can even add some potatoes for a heartier dish.

Make It Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Version

For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give the dish a kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into the bottom of the crockpot. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Stir to combine everything, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Cover and cook the chicken and vegetables on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the vegetables and broth.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the milk, melted butter, and some chopped parsley. Mix until you have a smooth batter.

Step 6: Add the Dumplings

Spoon the dumpling batter over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the crockpot. Do not stir. Cover and cook on low for an additional 1-1.5 hours, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are cooked, serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken for added flavor. Just remove the bones before shredding.
Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: If you’re doubling the recipe, be sure your crockpot is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken and dumplings from cooking evenly.
Add Dumplings Last: Adding the dumplings at the end ensures they stay light and fluffy. If you add them too early, they may become soggy.
Keep the Lid On: It’s important not to lift the lid during the cooking process to prevent heat from escaping and affecting the cook time of the dumplings.

How to Serve

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a one-pot meal that doesn’t need much else to complete it. Serve it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the creamy broth. You could also pair it with a light vegetable side like steamed broccoli or green beans for extra nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the dish will taste even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and dumplings, though the dumplings may change texture slightly when reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and dumplings in a pot over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally and cook until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the crockpot. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure it cooks properly.

2. Can I make this recipe without dumplings?

Yes, you can skip the dumplings and make a creamy chicken and vegetable soup instead. Just serve it with some bread or crackers for a filling meal.

3. How can I make the dumplings fluffier?

To make your dumplings fluffier, make sure to not overmix the batter. Stir just until combined, as overmixing can result in dense dumplings.

4. Can I use a different type of flour for the dumplings?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend if you need the dish to be gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

5. Can I cook this on high heat instead of low?

Yes, if you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on the chicken to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

6. Can I use pre-made dumpling mix?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made dumpling mix and follow the package instructions for adding the dumplings to the slow cooker.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker ahead of time, and then cook the dumplings right before serving.

8. Can I use a different type of cream?

You can use half-and-half, heavy cream, or even milk for a lighter version. The cream will add a rich, velvety texture to the broth.

9. Can I add potatoes to this recipe?

Yes, you can add diced potatoes to the slow cooker for a heartier dish. Just be sure to chop them small enough so they cook through in the slow cooker.

10. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free butter in the dumplings.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, a creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a dish that will warm you up from the inside out. The best part? You can set it in your slow cooker, walk away, and let it do all the work for you. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a comforting dish to enjoy on a chilly day, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy a bowl of this cozy classic tonight!