Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving a heartwarming classic that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, look no further than this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe. It’s the perfect comfort dish where tender chicken simmers in a savory broth dotted with soft, fluffy dumplings. This recipe brings that nostalgic, homemade charm to your slow cooker, making it effortless to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas while you go about your day. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a lazy weekend, Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is guaranteed to become your go-to for simple, satisfying nourishment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken and fresh veggies giving depth, to the creamy broth and buttery dumplings adding richness and softness.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
• 1 onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic depth to the broth.
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Bring a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color.
• 2 stalks celery, diced: Offers a subtle earthiness and crisp texture before simmering down.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that infuses the whole dish with savory goodness.
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Provides an herby, slightly floral note that complements the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds fresh herbal brightness and color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Stirred in at the end for a luscious, creamy finish.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main ingredient for the dumplings, giving them structure and softness.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy as they cook.
• 1/2 cup milk: Moistens the flour mixture, creating a tender dough.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a slight buttery flavor to the dumplings.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare and Slow Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Start by placing the chicken breasts, chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery right into the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. This mix of fresh veggies and seasoning creates an aromatic base, while the chicken slowly steeps in the flavors. Cook it all on low for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken is perfectly tender and falls apart easily.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

About an hour before you plan to serve, it’s time to make those tender chicken breasts ready to mingle with the dumplings. Use two forks to shred the meat directly in the crockpot. This step helps the rich broth soak right into the shredded chicken, turning every bite into a deliciously juicy and flavor-packed experience.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a separate bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients work together to create light, airy dumplings. Stir in the milk and melted butter, mixing until the dough is just soft enough to drop by spoonfuls, but not overly sticky. This dough is the heart of the dish’s comforting, pillowy texture.

Step 4: Add Dumplings and Cook

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter gently into the simmering broth in the crockpot. Don’t crowd them too closely so they have room to puff up nicely. Cover your slow cooker and crank the temperature to high for about an hour. During this time, those dumplings will steam to fluffy perfection while soaking in that rich chicken broth flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Adjust Seasoning

Once your dumplings are cooked through and heavenly soft, stir in the heavy cream gently to transform the broth into a silky, indulgent sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed—it’s this final touch that seals the flavor and richness of your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

For that extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over each serving. A little cracked black pepper on top adds a lovely spicy note that brightens the creamy base. If you want a touch of zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can cut through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

While this dish is a full meal on its own, pairing it with crisp green beans or a simple mixed greens salad can add some refreshing crunch to balance the creaminess. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are also wonderful companions, perfect for soaking up any leftover silky broth on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, family-style touch, serve Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings straight from the crockpot family-style at the table, letting everyone scoop their own comforting portions. Another idea is to ladle servings into deep bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to add layers of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cozy dish actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have melded even more.

Freezing

You can freeze Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings but with some caution since the texture of dumplings can change. Freeze the stew and dumplings together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to keep the dumplings as tender as possible.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftover Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings in a pot over low heat, stirring gently to prevent the dumplings from breaking apart. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick, and heat until everything is steaming hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they stay very moist and tender during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but generally, they work perfectly in this recipe.

Is there a way to make gluten-free dumplings?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help with structure. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously tender.

Can I prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time?

While it’s best to make the dumpling dough fresh for the fluffiest results, you can mix it earlier in the day and refrigerate it tightly covered. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before dropping into the crockpot.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream can give a lovely texture and subtle flavor twist.

How thick should the dumpling batter be?

The batter should be soft enough to drop from a spoon but still hold its shape without spreading too thinly. Think of it like a thick cake batter—if it’s too runny, the dumplings won’t puff up properly.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings, you’ll wonder why it’s not a weekly tradition in your home already. It’s simplicity and soulfulness rolled into one satisfying meal that’s just perfect for any day you want to feel cozy and cherished. So grab your slow cooker, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort soon!

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