Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and coziness to your table with hardly any effort. This slow-cooked classic combines tender, juicy chicken, hearty vegetables, and a velvety, creamy broth, all crowned with pillowy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. It’s a dish that wraps you in nostalgia while delivering big on flavor.

I remember making this on a chilly weekend, letting the crockpot work its magic while I went about my day. The house was filled with the most inviting aroma, and by dinner time, everyone was eagerly gathered around the table. The best part? It’s so easy to prepare—just toss everything into the crockpot, let it cook low and slow, and finish with the dumplings for a satisfying, home-cooked meal.

This dish is perfect for those busy days when you want something hearty but don’t have the time to stand over the stove. Serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend indulgence, or a crowd-pleasing meal for family and friends. With every spoonful of creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Comfort food lovers
• Busy weeknights
• Cold weather meals
• One-pot meals

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Here’s why Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings will become your go-to slow-cooker recipe:

• Effortless Cooking: With the crockpot doing most of the work, all you have to do is prep the ingredients and let it cook while you go about your day.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth results in a rich, hearty dish that is both filling and satisfying.
• Tender Chicken: Slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy, adding flavor to the entire dish.
• Fluffy Dumplings: The homemade dumplings cook perfectly on top of the broth, becoming light and fluffy without being heavy or doughy.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily add or substitute vegetables and seasonings to fit your family’s preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 7 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings:

For the Soup Base:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this recipe as they cook well in the crockpot, staying juicy and tender.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and peas add color, flavor, and nutrients, making this dish balanced and satisfying.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This canned soup adds richness and depth to the broth, making it creamy and flavorful. You can also substitute with a homemade version if you prefer.
• Dumplings: Light, fluffy dumplings add a comforting touch, soaking up the flavorful broth while maintaining a soft texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings:

Prepare the Soup Base:

1. Prep the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and frozen peas to the crockpot.
3. Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaf for extra flavor.
4. Add Broth and Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of cream of chicken soup (or homemade version). Stir to combine.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Prepare the Dumplings:

6. Make the Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), parsley, and thyme. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.
7. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir.
8. Add the Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the soup, spacing them evenly across the surface. Do not stir; the dumplings will cook on top of the broth.
9. Cook the Dumplings: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 1 hour, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through. Be sure not to lift the lid during this time to prevent the dumplings from collapsing.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a complete meal that can be served in various ways:

• As a Main Course: Serve the chicken and dumplings as the main dish for a hearty dinner.
• With Bread: Pair with warm bread, such as crusty rolls or garlic bread, to soak up the creamy broth.
• As a Comfort Meal: Enjoy a bowl of this dish on cold days when you need something warm and filling.
• For Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day.

Additional Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Here are some tips to ensure your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings turn out perfect every time:

• Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are often used, thighs are more forgiving and stay tender and juicy after long cooking times.
• Don’t Skip the Dumplings: For the best texture, don’t overwork the dumpling dough. Mix it just until combined, and be careful not to stir the dough into the soup.
• Add More Vegetables: You can easily add more vegetables like potatoes, corn, or green beans to customize the dish to your liking.
• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduce the butter in the dumplings, or swap out the heavy cream for milk.
• Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water towards the end of the cooking time.
• Season to Taste: Adjust the seasonings according to your preference, especially the salt and pepper, to enhance the flavor.

Recipe Variations for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings:

• Chicken and Biscuit Dumplings: Use store-bought biscuit dough for the dumplings for a quicker and equally delicious alternative.
• Creamy Chicken and Dumplings with Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the slow cooker for a heartier version with extra texture.
• Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Dumplings: Replace the chicken with a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
• Chicken and Dumplings with a Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the broth for a refreshing citrus note.
• Low-Carb Chicken and Dumplings: Use cauliflower rice instead of the dumplings for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
• Chicken and Sweet Potato Dumplings: Add sweet potatoes to the broth and use sweet potato flour in the dumplings for a different flavor and texture.
• Herbed Dumplings: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dumpling dough for added flavor.
• Dairy-Free Chicken and Dumplings: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of cream and butter for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy Chicken and Corn Dumplings: Add corn kernels to the dumpling dough and sprinkle in chili powder for a southwestern twist.

Freezing and Storage for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked soup (without the dumplings) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, then add freshly made dumplings.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings may lose some of their fluffiness, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Special Equipment for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings easier:

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): A 6-8 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: Use a medium bowl to prepare the dumpling dough and a large bowl to shred the chicken.
• Ladles and Serving Spoons: A ladle helps serve the soup, and a spoon is ideal for scooping up dumplings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of your ingredients. Shredding Forks: Two forks work well for shredding the chicken once it’s cooked.
• Slow Cooker Liners: These make for easy cleanup and prevent the soup from sticking to the sides.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

1. Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure it’s fully cooked.
2. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
   The dumplings are best made fresh, but you can prep the dry ingredients for the dumplings in advance and store them in an airtight container.
3. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with another type?
   Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as alternatives for a different flavor.
4. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
   Yes, if you need it done faster, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but for the best texture, low and slow is preferred.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Reheat the soup and dumplings in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or milk to maintain the creaminess.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings for a dish that warms the soul. With the ease of a slow cooker, you can enjoy rich, homemade flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply set it and let the crockpot work its magic, creating a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will love.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is a family favorite that pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Cozy, delicious, and easy to prepare—what’s not to love?

I’d love to see how your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I’m excited to see your comforting creations. Enjoy cooking!