Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something warm, hearty, and just downright comforting, you’ll absolutely adore this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. It takes the classic southern favorite and lets your slow cooker do all the work, simmering tender chicken and veggies with fluffy, homemade dumplings in a rich, creamy gravy. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your go-to weeknight dinners, especially on chilly evenings when you want a meal that feels like a big, warm hug.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients that work together perfectly. You’ll want good-quality chicken breasts and fresh veggies for that vibrant flavor, plus a few pantry staples for the dumplings that come out wonderfully tender and fluffy.

• Carrots: Peeled and chopped, they add sweetness and color.
• Celery: Finely chopped, it gives a lovely aromatic crunch.
• Potatoes: Peeled and cut into pieces, they make the dish more filling.
• Onion: Half a medium, finely chopped for a gentle savory base.
• Frozen peas: Added near the end for bursts of vibrant color and sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced for that perfect punch of flavor that’s not overpowering.
• Salt and herbs: Salt, dried parsley, thyme, and pepper bring everything together.
• Chicken breasts: Skinless and boneless for easy shredding later.
• Chicken broth: Low-sodium to control the salt level and keep it flavorful.
• Half-and-half: For creamy richness without being too heavy.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the broth into that luscious gravy you’re dreaming of.
• Flour and baking powder: The base for your fluffy dumplings.
• Italian seasoning and salt: To flavor the dumplings perfectly.
• Milk and oil: For tender, moist dumplings that don’t stick together.

Variations

I love making this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe my own by switching up a few ingredients here and there. Feel free to tweak it depending on what you have or your dietary preferences—you really can’t go wrong!

• Vegetable Boost: Once, I added sliced mushrooms and green beans, which gave it a deeper earthiness and extra texture and my family loved the twist.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños stirred into the broth totally transformed this into a cozy spicy delight.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the half-and-half and milk for coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy dairy-free adaptation that still tastes rich and amazing.
• Herbal Swaps: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley work beautifully if you have them on hand instead of dried.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Veggies and Chicken

Start by peeling and chopping your carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion—this prepping is key to getting everything to cook evenly. Toss them into the crockpot first, then lay the chicken breasts on top so they’ll cook perfectly tender and juicy. Don’t mince the garlic too early; I find adding it at this stage gives the broth a nice subtle garlic flavor without overpowering it.

Step 2: Add Your Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then sprinkle in salt, parsley, thyme, and pepper. This combo develops that classic savory depth you want in this recipe. A quick tip I learned is to resist over-salting before cooking—season lightly now, then adjust at the end after the dumplings cook.

Step 3: Slow Cook Everything Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours. This slow simmer breaks down the chicken and softens all those veggies into cozy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. When I first tried to rush it on high, the dumplings wouldn’t turn out, so low and slow is the way to go for perfect texture and flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings and Add to Crockpot

While the chicken cooks, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, Italian seasoning, milk, and oil until just combined—don’t over-mix or the dumplings might get tough. About 30 minutes before serving, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering stew. They’ll cook right in the crockpot, soaking up all that delicious broth and turning fluffy and light.

Step 5: Add Half-and-Half and Peas; Thicken the Broth

Once the dumplings have puffed up and cooked through, stir in the half-and-half and frozen peas. Mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot to thicken your broth into a creamy, luscious gravy. This finishing touch makes all the difference!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this meal with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme—it brightens up all the creamy goodness and makes it look so inviting. Sometimes, a little grated sharp cheddar on top adds a comforting cheesy touch that my kids can’t resist.

Side Dishes

This recipe is so hearty on its own, you really don’t need much else. But if you want to round it out, crusty bread or a simple green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving this in individual ramekins or mini crockpots for a cozy, personalized touch. You can even garnish with a small sprig of fresh herbs and a drizzle of cream for that fancy yet homey feel—perfect for impressing friends without stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When my family has leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps great for about 3-4 days—just make sure to stir well when reheating to keep the dumplings soft and the broth creamy.

Freezing

I usually freeze the stew without the dumplings because they can get soggy after thawing. Just freeze the broth with chicken and veggies in a sealed container, then make fresh dumplings when you reheat for that “just-made” experience.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or drying out. If you forgot to save dumplings for later, no worries—a splash of milk or broth added during reheating can help revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe has become one of those meals I turn to when I want something that feels like home—without hours in the kitchen. It’s cozy, satisfying, and a true crowd-pleaser that I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and eating as much as my family does. So next time you want dinner magic with minimal effort, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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