Slow Cooker Chicken Dumplings (Print View)

Tender chicken, vegetables, and soft dumplings simmer gently in a creamy broth for cozy comfort food.

# Components:

→ Chicken and Broth Base

01 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
06 - 3 medium carrots, sliced
07 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon dried parsley
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1 teaspoon salt
13 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Dumplings

14 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour
15 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
16 - ½ teaspoon salt
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
18 - ¾ cup whole milk
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place chicken, diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker insert. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients and stir to combine evenly.
02 - Secure the lid on the slow cooker and cook on the 'low' setting for 5 hours, or until the chicken is exceptionally tender and easily shreddable.
03 - Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then promptly return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaf.
04 - Stir the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into the slow cooker mixture until fully incorporated.
05 - In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Incorporate the melted butter and whole milk, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Gently fold in the fresh parsley, if using. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender dumplings.
06 - Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly onto the surface of the simmering stew in the slow cooker. Ensure the dumplings are spaced slightly apart to allow for even cooking and expansion.
07 - Replace the lid on the slow cooker and switch to the 'high' setting. Cook for an additional 1 hour, or until the dumplings are puffed, fully cooked through, and tender.
08 - Before serving, taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as necessary to achieve desired flavor balance.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes of prep time with the slow cooker doing the rest
  • Perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights
  • Classic comfort food that the whole family will enjoy
  • Budget friendly using simple pantry staples
02 -
  • Perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day
  • Contains a full serving of vegetables per portion
  • Can be adapted for different dietary needs with simple substitutions
03 -
  • The real secret to this recipe is patience—allowing the slow cooker to do its magic without constantly lifting the lid.
  • Each time you peek, you release heat and steam, potentially adding 15-20 minutes to your cooking time.
  • Trust the process and be rewarded with perfectly tender chicken and fluffy, fully-cooked dumplings that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Return